I’ve played my fair share of courses across the country. But one of my all-time favorites is the scenic Woodley Lakes Golf Course nestled in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles. This municipal course offers affordable golfing amidst the bustle of the city, with the Santa Monica Mountains providing a picturesque backdrop. In this in-depth article, I’ll provide an overview of Woodley Lakes, share tips for playing this course based on my experience, and give you a hole-by-hole guide to help improve your game. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, read on to learn all about this hidden gem!

I still remember the first time I stepped onto the immaculately manicured greens at Woodley Lakes, clutching my slightly rusted 8-iron inherited from my dad. As a college student on a budget, I was thrilled to find an affordable course so close to campus. Over the years, I returned to Woodley again and again, bringing friends along to enjoy the lush fairways and get humbled by the deceiving dog legs. The welcoming staff and chill vibe made Woodley Lakes the perfect place to practice my swing on lazy afternoons. Now as a blogger, I strive to share my insider tips on truly standout courses like this one.

In this article, you’ll get a comprehensive overview of Woodley Lakes Golf Course, from its convenient location in the valley to the subtle intricacies of each hole. I’ll share details on pricing and amenities that make this municipal course a great value. You’ll also get strategic advice for avoiding common pitfalls and lowering your score at Woodley Lakes. So grab your clubs and let’s dive in!

Woodley Lakes Golf Course: Overview

Woodley Lakes Golf Course is located in the southeast corner of Woodley Park, a large public park in Encino, CA, just 18 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. Encompassing 111 acres across both sides of the historic Sepulveda Flood Control Basin, Woodley Lakes stands out as one of the most popular municipal golf courses in the San Fernando Valley. It offers an accessible option for golfers of all skill levels.

The course was originally constructed in 1969 as a 9-hole venue featuring compact par-3s. In 1975, Woodley Lakes was expanded to a regulation 18-hole course spanning 6, Mystic512 yards with a par of 72. The course was redesigned by famous golf course architect Casey O’Callaghan, who introduced challenging elements like sloping greens, well-placed bunkers, and water hazards.

Today, Woodley Lakes is managed by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks and remains one of the best golf values in the LA area. It features a full-length driving range, putting and chipping greens, and a restaurant overlooking the course. Lessons are available from PGA professionals. The course is also fully lit for night golfing until 10 pm.

Green fees for L.A. residents are only $23 on weekdays and $28 on weekends as of 2024, while non-residents pay $28 and $33 respectively, making Woodley Lakes an affordable choice compared to many private clubs. The picturesque setting in Woodley Park, coupled with competitive rates, makes this municipal course popular with both casual and serious golfers.

Course Features and Highlights

Woodley Lakes Golf Course packs a lot of variety into its 18 holes. Here are some key features and highlights to know about this course:

  • Championship Layout: The 18-hole course was strategically designed to offer golfers a championship experience, despite its municipal status. Sloping greens, sand traps, and water features run throughout to challenge your short game.
  • Elevation Changes: Rolling terrain brings slope and elevation changes into play. Uphill and downhill lies require skilled club selection and shot shaping.
  • Greens: The TiffEagle greens run fast and true, putting a premium on the short game. Subtle undulations and even tiny breaks can impact your putting.
  • Fairway Bunkers: Fairway bunkers pinch the driving zones on holes like #3 and #12, demanding accuracy off the tee. They crouch in wait to catch longer drives as well.
  • Water Hazards: Picturesque lakes come into play on five holes, ready to swallow errant shots. The par-3 15th features an island green surrounded by water.
  • Dogleg Holes: Several doglegs, like the left-bending #8 and right-turning #14, test strategy and positioning. Cutting dogleg corners brings big rewards but high risk.
  • Par 5s: Three long par 5s (#2, #11, and #16) measure over 500 yards. Their length and bunkers require pinpoint layups and consistent recovery shots.
  • Signature Hole: The postcard-worthy par-3 17th is the signature hole, with a panoramic view of the course. Its island green is ringed by four bunkers.
  • Driving Range: The double-ended driving range lets you dial in all your clubs. Target greens allow you to practice your accuracy.
  • Pro Shop: The fully-stocked pro shop offers equipment rentals and apparel to round out your golfing experience.

With challenges for every level of golfer, Woodley Lakes truly offers a championship test despite its municipal status. The course rewards solid fundamentals and course management skills.

Tips for Playing Woodley Lakes

Based on my experience playing Woodley Lakes regularly over the years, here are my top strategic tips for navigating this course like a pro:

  • Mind the elevated greens and place approach shots carefully. Leaving shots below the hole provides the best birdie looks.
  • Pay close attention to fairway bunker positioning. Favor the side of fairways that allow the best angle around bunkers.
  • On doglegs, factor in the hole layout and positioning when deciding whether to cut corners. It’s often smarter to lay up.
  • Give yourself plenty of green to work with on long par 5s. Don’t get greedy going for the green in two shots.
  • Play for the center of greens on the par 3s. Contouring surrounding greens means there are no safe pin locations.
  • Take enough club on uphill holes like #4 and #14. It’s easy to come up short if you underestimate the elevation change.
  • Where possible, use slopes and contours to feed the ball onto greens instead of flying it. Bump-and-run shots can be effective.
  • Make sure you have consistent 150 yards and in shots. Many approach shots call for precise mid-iron shots.
  • Stay out of the left bunker on #17 at all costs. It’s an extremely tough up-and-down. The right bunkers are more forgiving.
  • Be ready for fast greens. Give putts an extra revolution of break. And never upstage the group by sinking a long bomb!

By keeping course strategy at the forefront and avoiding unnecessary risks, you’ll put yourself in a prime position to conquer Woodley Lakes. Now let’s get into the hole-by-hole breakdown!

Hole-by-Hole Guide

Now that you have the overview of Woodley Lakes, let’s walk through each hole. I’ll describe the layout, highlight common trouble spots, and share tips for playing each hole effectively.

1 Par 4, 346 yards

The inviting opening hole eases you into the round. A wide fairway provides plenty of landing area but slopes downward on the left. Bunkers flank both sides of the green. The sloping green runs away back left.

Tips: Favor the right side of the fairway to set up the best approach angle. A front right pin is tough, so aim to land approaches at the center of the green if the pin is hidden.

2 Par 5, 533 yards

This long par 5 doglegs slightly right around a fairway bunker complex. The green is elevated and protected by a front bunker.

Tips: Lay up short of the cross bunkers with your second shot. You’ll need to carry 150 yards over water to reach the green in two shots. If laying up, favor the left side.

3 Par 4, 418 yards

A precise tee shot is demanded on this challenging par 4. A trio of fairway bunkers pinch the landing zone at 230-250 yards out. The green is slightly elevated and guarded by bunkers left and long.

Tips: Pick your line carefully off the tee to thread between the fairway bunkers. Leave your approach below the hole to avoid long downhill putts.

4 Par 3, 214 yards

A tough uphill par 3 with deep bunkers surrounding the elevated green on three sides. Distance control is key.

Tips: Club up to account for the 30-foot elevation change. Any ball landing on the green will funnel toward the center.

5 Par 5, 510 yards

After a tough par 3, the course rewards you with a reachable par 5. A massive fairway doglegs steadily left around bunkers. The green sits across a gorge and has two tiers.

Tips: Favor the right side of the fairway off the tee, then play your second shot up the left side for the best angle into the green tiers.

6 Par 4, 405 yards

A straightaway par 4 lined by trees on both sides. Bunkers sit 250 yards out in the center of the fairway. The green is slightly elevated and shallow.

Tips: Challenge the left bunkers with a draw or aim safely to the right. Leave approach shots below the hole to avoid tricky downhill putts.

7 Par 3, 196 yards

This lengthy par 3 plays slightly uphill to a two-tiered green. Sand and grass bunkers protect the front and right sides.

Tips: Aim for the center of the green tiers – anything short and right will kick offline. The left bunkers are best avoided.

8 Par 4, 445 yards

The fairway slopes and doglegs steadily left around fairway bunkers. A lake protects the last 100 yards to a green flanked by more bunkers.

Tips: Play down the right side before cutting back left on your approach since the green is open from that angle.

9 Par 5, 568 yards

The closing hole on the front nine is another three-shot par 5 that wraps left around a lake. The large green is reachable with a good drive and a solid third shot.

Tips: Challenge the bunkers on the inside corner with your tee shot to shorten the hole. Lay up short of the lake before attacking the green.

10 Par 4, 414 yards

A strong par 4 to start the back nine, with a tight landing zone that doglegs slightly right. The green is angled toward the tee and protected by deep bunkers.

Tips: Favor the right side of the fairway off the tee, but avoid going too far right into the trees. Approach shots hit beyond the green making par tough.

11 Par 5, 528 yards

A strategic tee shot is required on this dogleg right par 5. The fairway narrows between bunkers at 300 yards out. The green sits above a lower wetlands area.

Tips: Moving left off the tee brings more trouble into play. Keep your tee shot straight or play right of center. Lay up before going for the green.

12 Par 4, 447 yards

One of Woodley’s most challenging par 4s, featuring an uphill tee shot through a chute of trees to a fairway guarded by bunkers on both sides. The large green slopes significantly.

Tips: Pick a conservative line off the tee to avoid big numbers. Shots right of center avoid most bunkers. Approach shots left of the green kick down towards the pin.

13 Par 3, 208 yards

The longest par 3 on the course calls for a precise mid- to long-iron to an angled green protected by bunkers short and left. Distance control is vital.

Tips: Aim slightly right of the green, allowing the slope to feed the ball left. Fly the ball onto the green as shots short right will stay short right.

14 Par 4, 439 yards

This demanding dogleg right has an elevated tee shot over a hazard. The fairway slopes right to left so tee shots need to favor the left side. Bunkers surround a multi-tiered green.

Tips: Challenge the left bunkers off the tee to shorten the hole. Approach shots left of the green will kick towards the pin.

15 Par 3, 170 yards

The signature 15th features an island green ringed by water and four bunkers. Steep fronts require Player 1 precision.

Tips: Club up and aim for the center. Let the green determine your result. Par is an excellent score here.

16 Par 5, 535 yards

After the tough par 3, another scoring opportunity arises on this straightforward par 5. Bunkers run down the left and cross the fairway at 300 yards out. The green is open in front.

Tips: Stay right of the fairway bunkers off the tee. Lay up to 100 yards out before attacking the green with your third.

17 Par 3, 186 yards

Arguably Woodley’s most picturesque hole, the 17th features an island green and the backdrop of the Santa Monica Mountains. Four bunkers surround the green.

Tips: The left bunker makes for a very tough up and down, so aim safely for the right portion of the green. Let the slope feed the ball left.

18 Par 4, 451 yards

A strong finishing hole, heading uphill and bending slightly right past fairway bunkers. The multi-tiered green is narrow and angled towards the fairway.

Tips: Avoid the fairway bunkers and left trees off the tee. Approach shots left of the green will kick down towards the pin.

With its rolling terrain, rich history, and picturesque setting, I hope you’ve enjoyed this in-depth look into the engaging course that is Woodley Lakes Golf Course. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, plotting your way around these 18 holes presents a fun strategic test and a chance to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of nature, if only briefly. The tips and hole-by-hole guide shared here will help you navigate the various challenges posed by Woodley Lakes. Wherever your skill level, be sure to play smart, have fun, and stop for a burger at the turn!

Conclusion

For affordable golf minutes from downtown Los Angeles, Woodley Lakes Golf Course is a go-to choice. With its classic course design by the renowned Casey O’Callaghan, Woodley Lakes offers a layout manicured to mimic championship venues. Strategically shaped greens, challenging bunkers, and water hazards test golfers’ shot-making abilities and course-management skills. Yet the welcoming vibe and reasonable rates make Woodley Lakes accessible even to newer golfers looking to develop their games in a beautiful setting.

FAQs About Woodley Lakes

Over my many rounds at Woodley Lakes, I’ve fielded plenty of questions from curious first-timers. Here I’ll address some frequently asked questions about the course:

Q1. What are the standard fees and policies for playing at Woodley Lakes?

Ans: As of 2024, LA residents pay $23 on weekdays and $28 on weekends while non-residents pay $28 and $33. Juniors under 18 pay $11-14. Twilight rates start at 2 pm. Woodley Lakes requires proper golf attire including shirts with collars and soft spikes.

Q2. When are the busiest and best times to play the course?

Ans: The course is busiest on weekend mornings. For lighter crowds, aim for weekday afternoons or weekend twilight times. The best conditions are typically early weekday mornings right after mowing and watering.

Q3. How difficult is Woodley Lakes compared to other LA courses?

Ans: With a rating of 70.7/123 from the tips, Woodley Lakes sits solidly in the middle compared to other municipal courses. It offers enough challenge to remain engaging for better players while remaining approachable for beginners.

Q4. How can I book a tee time at Woodley Lakes?

Ans: Tee times can be booked online or by calling the pro shop at (818) 340-5335. Booking 5-7 days in advance is recommended for weekends and peak times.

Q5. Does Woodley Lakes allow walk-ons or require a tee time?

Ans: Walk-ons are welcome any time when tee times are available. Weekday afternoons and twilight times typically allow for more walk-on availability.

Q6. What amenities and services are available at the course?

Ans: Along with the pro shop and driving range, Woodley Lakes offers equipment rentals, lessons, a full-service restaurant, and a beverage cart on course. The pro shop and restaurant open 30 minutes before the first tee time.

Q7. Is there a dress code for the course and clubhouse areas?

Ans: Proper golf attire is required, including shirts with collars, slacks, or shorts no more than 4” above the knee, and no denim. Soft spike golf shoes are required on the course.

Hopefully, these answers help demystify policies and operations at Woodley Lakes! Let the pro shop know if you have any other questions before your round.