The major changes were done to the back nine, which made 6 of the back nine holes handicapped more difficult than the rest of the course. Most tee-shots off the back nine make you hesitate on whether or not to pull out your driver. There is a tendency to feel confident on a drive with this back nine but every hole seems to fool your confidence. Landing areas are small and narrow, or creeks and sand bunkers fool your perception of the hole. The price to play this course is worth every penny just playing the last 9 holes.

The front nine is an easy warm-up to the challenging back nine. Most holes are straight on with little challenge but all greens, including the back nine, are quick and unforgiving. Drainage must have been a major part of the reconstruction because even after a heavy rain the greens are full of speed.

One front nine memorable hole is number 9. This hole seems pretty straight forward and easy from the tee-box but the approach shot to the green is tricky. With a multi-tiered uphill green it's very difficult to know where the pin is located.

Number 11 on the back nine for sure is one of the toughest par 4 holes in the area. Over the years, number 11 has eaten up a ton of balls. Looking from the tee-box is a creek running straight down the middle of the fairway winding from one side of the fairway to the next. A feeling of grabbing the worst ball in your bag overcomes you on this hole because no matter where you think your ball is going to land it's bound to end up in a hazard. A tee-shot crossing the creek once to a very small landing area gives the approach shot another opportunity to cross a creek with a green surrounded by bunkers.

Every year the city of Newton is doing its best to make improvements and attract more golfers, which has made Westwood Golf Club become one of central Iowa's hidden gems.

Latest Update: 3/16/2011