The Woodlands Course at Sunriver Resort is the work of critically acclaimed architect Robert Trent Jones Jr, and opened in 1982 as a perfect companion to the already existing Meadows Course. It has stood the test of time as a favourite of the resort's golfers, and with the addition of the Crosswaters Course, Woodlands may no longer be Sunriver's feature layout, but it provides a welcome relief from the difficulty of the resort's newest challenge.  

The course is a stark contrast to the Crosswaters Course, as the course weaves its way through softwood forest stands rather than open meadows. The isolation created by the trees gives the golfer a sense of solitude; the impression that no matter what hole one might be playing, there is a sense that they are the only ones out there. Moreover, the Woodlands Course is built on rolling terrain - particularly the opening holes - and offers a challenge that Crosswaters does not; namely, the difficulty of playing iron approaches to the green from a variety of lies and stances. 

The trees are a mix of old Lodgepole and Ponderosa Pines, and while their majestic nature is scenic and impressive, they also pose a formidable hazard for players whose tee shots don't find the fairway. Thankfully. the grandiosity of the trees also play an essential role in separating the housing built up on the course boundaries around the course, so they don't infringe upon play. This camouflage is a reflection of the environmental consciousness that pervades the Pacific Northwest; the scenery is an integral part of the experience, an element of resort golf that has been lost on some developers in recent times.  

The course exhibits many of Trent Jones Jr's design characteristics from this time period, including beautiful bunkering and elevated greens, which put an emphasis on creative play around the greens.  Also, the course is very playable for the average golfer, with the regular tees measuring just 6,068 yards. The aforementioned accuracy off the tee is essential to playing well at the Woodlands Course, and in that regard it is catered to a wide variety of handicaps.

The course gets of to a rather gentle start with a 506-yard par five that is very reachable providing players keep their tee shots down the left side of the fairway to avoid the large pond on the right -- slicers beware! While two deep bunkers guard the green, the green is fairly plain and generally guarantees a two-putt.

Three is a cute short hole, with a suitably demanding green complex to bedevil a hole measuring only 149 yards in length.  Aside from being only 25 yards deep, the false front and three bunkers surrounding the green should present ample challenge. A shot hitting the center of the green here should provide a reasonable birdie chance.

The next par three on the front nine is the eighth hole, which poses a more direct challenge. The green itself is a peninsula, guarded in the front by a massive bunker and backed on three sides by a pond. Solid iron shots are rewarded, while anything wayward will be severely punished.

The ninth is arguably the most challenging hole on the Woodlands Course, a stern par four of 438 yards that presents numerous hazards to navigate. The tee shot comes out of a chute of trees and is challenged by a bunker on the left and another pond paralleling the right side of the fairway.  The green is open in front and allows shots to be run on, which is the common play due to the length of the second shot.

The back nine gets started with an exciting par five that is a slight double-dogleg, with sand and water threatening the green complex.  A birdie opportunity is available here, especially for those who play the hole safe and tack up the proper sides.

The closing pair of holes are similar in style, demanding that you pick a spot off the tee and stick to it.  Otherwise trees in both instances will block the golfer out. While the 17th is challenging with trees, water and bunkers to intimidate the player, the 18th might be even more difficult. There is water on both sides of the hole, along with three somewhat challenging greenside bunkers. If a match is on the line here, solid shotmaking and steely nerves will almost always prevail.

The Woodlands Course meets all the prerequisites of a great resort course.  With moderate challenge, natural beauty and a fun, tranquil atmosphere, the Woodlands should be on every guest's Sunriver itinerary.  While overshadowed by Crosswaters, the course still presents a game of fun golf, which is much needed after your ego is bruised by Crosswaters.