mcc1892

Woodcrest is one of the finest facilities in the area and it is also among the hardest golf courses you will ever play. There is not a single "easy" hole on the course, as even few shorter par 4's have sharp doglegs, OB, false fronts, etc. The bunkering is nothing less than diabolical and if you can't play, just stay away. You will not have fun. I don't write that to be mean, you just won't, and you'll pay a premium for the privilege.

For the rest of you, treat yourself. It is open to the public a little longer, but memberships are up and scoring tee times is getting harder. I do not expect this to be open to public play much more, at least no on weekends, where times are already very restricted.

The course itself is a William Flynn gem featuring narrow fairways, high rough, small-to-medium sized undulating greens, loads of elevation change, and some of the toughest bunkers anywhere. Visually, when in season, it is simply stunning. Most holes require a carry somewhere, especially on the back, which ranks among the best 9 holes you will ever see.

The front starts with a very tough par 4 over a small valley, before doglegging left over a stream to a narrow, elevated green with a severe slope and false front. It is a microcosm of whats to come (carries, sloping greens, elevation changes, and dogleg lefts!) As far as local opening holes go, it is neck and neck with Medford Village. The other 8 contains 3 par 3's and all are excellent, as is the amazing par 5 4th.

The back is where the fun is, but the highlights are easily 12 to 14 and 16 to 18. The 12th is arguably the toughest par 4 (non PV) in So Jersey, rivaling #14 at Tavistock. The 14th is as picturesque a drive as you get, as you sit high and survey the course. The closing hole is a long par 5 that demand 3 well executed shots to have a chance at birdie. Few par 5's offer so little leeway as 18 at WCC. It is the last of 6 hard dogleg lefts and if you leak it right off the tee, the hole gets even longer and bogey is almost a certainty.

All in all, it favors players who draw the ball and have good touch around greens. You need to be a ball striker to score, as you can't scum it around and fake it. You earn what you get here. Good luck.