Northwood Golf Club, nestled in the Redwoods of Monte Rio, Ca.- One of the Top 10 public golf courses in the United States
Article by Linda Lee, Assistant Editor, Journalist- IPA Magazine Travel
I had just been on assignment and visited the ‘Avenue of the Giants’, some of the oldest, largest redwoods in the nation. A friend suggested I watch a you-tube video of Professional Golfer, Bryson DeChambeau filming at this majestic golf course, Northwood Golf Club. After watching, I knew I had to get there and see it for myself. The redwoods tower over the holes and are captivating.
The design came to life in 1928 by architect, Dr. Alister Mackenzie, who also designed Augusta National, Cypress Point and Pasatiempo. The 2nd hole, has been described as a ‘hallway’ a very long, inviting view to place your golf shot just where you want to!
I had the pleasure of meeting Gaylord Schaap, General Manager. His father, Charles Schaap purchased the golf course in the ’70’s, when Gaylord was in high school. At the time, there were no other golf courses in the area. There were many redwoods left behind that were not big enough to harvest. Horses and oxen were used to plow and then bury the stumps. The mounds you see are actual tree stumps buried beneath the grass. There are 3 generations; Charles, Gaylord and Trevor, Gaylord’s son, who is the Superintendent of the entire golf course and greens. Trevor and our team, went on a tour in golf carts covering all 9 holes! There are homes surrounding the course, built in the 50’s and 60’s along the Russian river. Trevor showed us a bear carving, carved by a local artist in 1988 which was out of the tree stump, and a carving of a ‘parrot’, dedicated to Jimmy Buffet, a member of the Bohemian Club.
They are very busy at the course. The majority of visitor’s are tourists. Everyone is in great spirits and we had fun talking with some of the golfer’s who absolutely love playing this course. One of the golfer’s was from Sacramento, Ca and he and his father and friends come here to play an annual tournament amongst themselves, every year.
There is a golf pro shop. My photographer made sure he went home with a couple of golf shirts. They have a Teaching Pro on staff, Vern Ayres. Book your next lesson!!
Most golfer’s love to eat! There is a wonderful restaurant on site called, The Northwood Restaurant (Bistro) and Bar. Chrissy, the Owner and her husband Jeff are wonderful hosts. The atmosphere is a very casual, hometown feel among the beauty of the redwoods, situated on the grounds of Northwood Golf Course, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Also, full banquet services are available by the beautiful Russian river. Outdoor and indoor seating combined will seat 130-160 people for your wedding, birthday party, corporate retreat, business meetings, christmas parties, etc.
I highly recommend this restaurant whether you are golfing or visiting the area! Chrissy, the Owner, has been at this restaurant for 18 years, and she’s earned many awards. Chrissy has been in the restaurant business for 42 years and has taken distressed restaurants and successfully revamped them into great dining establishments. The bar was built in the 70’s and is redwood – it is beautiful! She has a great staff including Jessica our waitress, Acacia- bartender who are excellent and lots of fun to talk to. They show their enthusiasm working there and totally make you feel at home.
Above all, the food is delicious with generous portions at Northwood Restaurant Bistro and Bar. Who doesn’t love a hamburger? However, there are also amazing salads and sandwiches to choose from the lunch menu. There is an extensive breakfast and dinner menu as well. I had the ‘Basil, Brie, Spinach hamburger’ with a side of potato salad- the hamburger was huge and every bite was more than delicious. The potato salad was fresh and like Mom made it!. My team member had the ‘BBQ burger with onion rings’ -a tasty barbeque sauce with a large portion of onion rings! There was a ‘special’ when I was there – Prime Rib which I saw on another guests plate. Chris will only purchase prime meats and she comes in early and works late making some of the side dishes and running the restaurant with grace and charisma. Visit their website Northwood Bistro and Bar and book your next event or just go and enjoy their absolutely delicious food on the patio while gazing at the majestic redwoods! We highly recommend!
All in all, what a fabulous day spent at Northwood Golf Course and Northwood Restaurant (Bistro) and Bar.
Our team highly recommends Northwood Golf Course as one of the BEST 9 hole golf courses in the Nation.!! It is a must for any golfer; beginner, intermediate, or professional golfer. Visit the website for location, hours of operation, tee times, etc. Northwood Golf Club
Photography by Joseph Chandler, Chief Journalist, Photographer – IPA Magazine Travel