Woodhill Course
Wayzata, MN, USA




Woodhill Country Club is hallowed ground in Minnesota golf, steeped in a tradition of competition and camaraderie that has quietly shaped the state's golfing landscape for generations. The course, resting in the rolling terrain of Wayzata, offers a classic parkland experience marked by mature trees and strategically placed water hazards. Its layout, while not exceptionally long, favors a thoughtful approach where precision on approach shots is rewarded above sheer power. Originally designed by Tom Bendelow, Woodhill has seen refinements over the years, most notably by Donald Ross in the early 20th century, and latterly by golf architect Richard Mandell to revive and enhance its classic character. The greens, consistently quick and challenging, are a defining feature of the course, demanding a deft touch and a keen understanding of subtle breaks. While Woodhill hasn't hosted major professional championships, its legacy is intertwined with the Minnesota golf community. It is known for a membership that values the traditions of the game – where members can often be found engaged in spirited, but friendly competition, discussing the intricacies of the latest architectural tweaks while indulging in Woodhill's famed walleye sandwich, a culinary staple of the club.
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Private column compares member-only and guest-restricted courses.
Best in World
Unranked
Best in USA
Unranked
Best in MN
All courses
Golfers say this Donald Ross design offers a solid but uneven experience, with some praising its challenge and exclusivity while others find certain holes unremarkable. Most note the course sits on promising land, and reviewers appreciate recent tree removal aimed at restoring Ross's original vision, though a few miss some of the removed specimens. Several mention that ongoing or planned renovations, particularly to the greens and back nine, should elevate the layout's quality. Reviewers consistently highlight that the club's hospitality and amenities outshine the course itself, and some observe that the difficulty eases considerably once players learn the routing and nuances of the design.
8.0
22 players
Maybe the worst Ross in MN? I’m gonna hopefully change this after the renovation, but the land here could be amazing. They obviously have some greens to fix. The tree removal was mostly smart although I really liked some of the trees surround tee boxes and around the 15th/16th. Excited to see what comes in the back portion of the course.
A good Ross that has some unremarkable holes. Club outshines the course.
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FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Woodhill has a Course Vaults score of 8.0 out of 10 based on 14 explicit golfer ratings.
Woodhill was designed by Donald Ross.
Woodhill is listed as private on Course Vaults; guest access is typically restricted.
Par at Woodhill is 71.
Woodhill plays 6,575 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Woodhill is 129.