Arizona Golf Authority AZGA Arizona Golf Course Buzz: Willowcreek is one of the most popular layouts among the eight courses, five championship and three executives, that comprise the Recreation Centers of Sun City’s golf stable. Built in 1973 and designed by well-known architects George and Tom Fazio, Willowcreek is known for its great conditioning and undulating fairways that can produce some tricky lies. The layout’s five lakes bring water into play on nine, that’s right, 9 of the 18 holes.
The course is laid out so that most of the holes run parallel to each other, with an out-and-back loop configuration on both nines. So as long as you spray in the proper direction, you’ll have a chance to visit with other groups playing the course.
The relatively flat terrain and traditional design make the course walkable, as is its little sister, Willowbrook, an 18-hole executive course located on the same property.
In 2011, the property underwent a $700,000 improvement project to the bunkers, tees and driving range, which was overseen by Gary Brawley of Tripp Davis and Associates. Three sets of tees are now in play at 6,366, 6,040 and 5,551 yards, with a rating of 69.4 and slope of 119 from the back tees; level par is 72.
Plenty of birdie opportunities are available, but the water hazards and mature trees require careful attention to score well on this seemingly docile layout. The back nine is the most interesting of the two nines and the last six holes providing a fun but tough stretch; standouts are the water-threatened 14th and 15th.
The 14th is a drivable par-4; bunkers and a lake to the right of the fairway create a risk-reward scenario here for those who have a go. The lake must then be carried off the tee at the 15th, a 181-yard par-3 featuring an undulating green that produces a lot of 3-putts.
Willowcreek shares a fine driving range and putting green with little sister Willowbrook. The clubhouse is a full-service facility and provides standard fare. Public play is encouraged, but RCSC members receive preferred rates and tee times.
Read the Arizona Golf Course List AZGA Player’s Arizona Golf Course Review for every golf course in Arizona at www.arizonagolfauthority.com/coursedirectory.
It’s “All Things Arizona Golf” from the Arizona Golf Authority.