Woodland Country Club

Got to play here (finally) for an outing. Really solid course and conditions, very much indicative of a private club in a major metro area.

Old school course (Bill Diddel, with Pete Dye dabbling) but still very challenging and by no means obscure. A bunch of tough par 3s, strategic bunkers and hazards, plus devious fall-off areas everywhere.

Property isn't wildly hilly or anything, but has some natural features, and architecture does a wonderful job of accenting subtle elevation changes. The course does a great job moving fairways over humps, creating fall-off areas near greens, etc.

Greens were outright deceptive; we got within striking distance all day, but slight movements and hidden features served up massive disappointment for our scramble team. You need to play here a lot to understand the greens.

I've played almost every private course in the area (not all, but I'm trying!); what stands out here is the Top-to-Bottom challenge. What I mean is, this place tests your tee ball, your approach and your putter. I think it really stands out above many more "heralded" tracks that trade on prestige and conditions, but end up presenting a boring golf course. Woodland might be a sneaky best-in-class type of place. I loved it and will give it serious consideration as future member.

Great course. Plenty of challenges, but fair. Fairways and greens are excellent, professional staff is friendly and helpful. Love playing this course as I am a member and play over 100 rounds per year.