Quarry Oaks No. 17 - Nebraska, USA

Hole Description

Sitting atop the western walls of the Platte River Valley, Quarry Oaks Golf Club has fast become one of the premier public golf courses in the Midwest. In 1996, upon course completion, Quarry Oaks opened up for play to the public. Less than one year into its inaugural season, Golf Digest acknowledged the club as "Best New Affordable Public Golf Course in America".

Centering on the premise of creating as few changes as possible, this John Lafoy design captures the essence of a Native Natural Golf Course. Arranged on the site of a limestone aggregate mine, abandoned after WWII, the face of the landscape was permitted to remain mostly intact. The inherent valleys and ridges of the area create an exceptional outline to the course. Striking elevation changes, mature stands of fairway edging trees, and superb bunkering leave shot and club selection to the golfers imagination.

From the 14th tee box there is an expansive view of the Platte River Basin, but the scenery fades as there is a decision to be made. This divided fairway offers the golfer two options. To the left there is an elevated landing area, though smaller, the green is easily visualized on your second shot. A lower larger landing zone rests in the right fairway, but the approach shot is less obvious. Feeding predominately from back to front, this green is very accepting to most shots. To the right, bunkering and woods punish short and long shots alike. A dramatic slope slides away from the green, from the front left of the putting surface around to the greens backside. To avoid a blind recovery shot, or and unplayable lie, accuracy is a must. As with each and every hole at Quarry Oaks, from tee box to green, the opportunities for creativity are limitless.