Woodcreek Golf Club: A First-Class Public Facility in Roseville

By Jeffrey Weidel, Contributor

Having a bad day on the golf course? Perhaps a trip afterward to the driving range may help. Or maybe the putting green should be the destination. If that's not the problem, a visit to a practice sand bunker or chipping green might provide a solution.

If none of those are deemed suitable, the best answer could be forgetting about that irritable round. A bite to eat and a beverage of choice at an amiable sports bar could be the best choice.

If that poor round occurred at Woodcreek Golf Club, look no further for all the aforementioned features. The Roseville municipal facility has them all, from the considerable practice areas to a first-rate sports bar: Legends & Heroes.

"When the city of Roseville decided to build the golf course, they wanted to create a first-class public facility," Woodcreek head golf professional Rob Frederick said. "They didn't want to have just a typical golf course. I think we have everything here."

Now in its sixth full year of operation, Woodcreek has definitely found a niche. It's certainly a weekend destination for many area golfers, starting Friday morning, now considered a weekend day in many golf shops.

Around 200 golfers play the 18-hole course on Fridays and that number swells to 250 on Saturday and Sundays. The course averages around 60,000 rounds a year. Jeff and Laurie Swenson frequently make Woodcreek a destination. The two enjoy playing golf, but also like the social setting.

"We both like coming out here," Laurie said. "We play golf in the summer and afterward like to sit on the patio with the kids and have dinner."

The sports bar alone is a major draw. When big sporting events arrive, it's tough locating a seat at Legends & Heroes, which also features a banquet room for meetings or special events. The spacious bar and grill features two large-screen TVs and another dozen smaller ones. Hanging out for a Sunday of NFL action is popular and right now most basketball and baseball games can be dialed in any night of the week.

Beer drinkers can find just about any selection they desire. There's a full-sized bar and a sizable menu for both lunch and dinner. The sports bar helps set Woodcreek apart from other courses, which the area now has in great supply.

"It's a golfer's market right now," Frederick said. "Although it's not really a gimmick, we feel a full-fledged sports bar kind of sets us apart from other places. We have a unique place. We have everything you would want at a golf facility and you can also visit a great sports bar afterward."

The city spent $4.6 million to build the golfing facility and brought in famed architect Robert Muir Graves to design the course, which measures 6,518 yards from the back tees. Woodcreek also features a full-sized pro shop and has several well-respected teaching professionals. Although it lacks the breathtaking views of some neighboring courses, Woodcreek also lacks their same degree of difficulty, often leaving the average golfer feeling good about their game.

A prominent member of the golfing establishment in the Sacramento area, Woodcreek has successfully captured many loyal customers.

Woodcreek rests near the mid-range in today's crowded golf market. Part of its appeal is definitely the course. "It's a pretty fair golf course", Roseville's Chris Traina said. "The course is usually in good shape and it's not too hard. If you play well here you're going to have a good round."

For many golfers that's a major attraction. Woodcreek plays 6,518 yards from the back tees and measures a more friendlier 6,041 yards from the blues, where many golfers choose to play. You don't need to be long off the tee here. Accuracy is more important.

The course requires shot-making. It is narrow enough that it forces you to play smart. When you play different tee boxes you can get a different feel for the course. At some holes there's as much as a 100-yard difference.

Woodcreek can leave golfers grumbling at times. The par-5, fifth hole is particularly rough. It requires hitting at or over telephone wires. There are environmental areas to avoid and the green is narrow and guarded in the front by a ditch.

"If there is a negative to this golf course, that's it," Frederick said.

Woodcreek has traditionally kept the course in golf shape, even during the hottest summer months. The fairways are well-maintained, the rough is not overbearing and the greens, which run on the slow side, roll true.

"Our greens aren't real quick, but our main concern is they putt true," Frederick said.

Prices are in the mid-range by today's standards. During the week, green fees run $28. The price is $34 Friday through Sunday at peak hours.

Woodcreek Golf Club
5880 Woodcreek Oaks Drive
Roseville, CA., 95678
Phone: (916) 771-5161
Head pro: Rob Frederick