A dynamite course with tee markers to match
ASHLAND, Neb. – The last time I played my way across Nebraska, Quarry Oaks Golf Club was in the midst of a gigantic renovation. That was in the summer of 2024.
I’m not sure what it looked like then, but all I can say about it now in 2026 is “Wow.”
I’d read a little bit about Quarry Oaks in the past, but I don’t like to do too much research simply because I like a good surprise. And Monday’s round certainly lived up to the hype the course has enjoyed since reopening.
First, let’s talk about the property. Talk about a rollercoaster, that’s Quarry Oaks. Massive elevation changes. Eye-popping downhill drives that seem to stay airborne for days. A couple of forced carries off the tee as well. A few holes where if you can hit the speed slot, your golden.
Quarry Oaks’s bunkers are spectacular. Big, bold and deep, they are ringed by native grasses. They frame the greens complexes and are just firm enough to where you can really spin your bunker shots.
The bentgrass greens are near perfect. Big and firm and fast, there are some subtle breaks and some not-so-subtle breaks. They match the course perfectly.
I enjoyed the numerous plaques that give a glimpse into the property’s history. You can’t help but take a minute to pay tribute to the small cemetery that is the final resting place for four youngsters who died in 1865 and 1866. Their grave markers were discovered in 1967.
And there’s the dynamite shack hole on the back nine. The tee box sits atop a dynamite shack that was active in the 1950s and features maybe the coolest tee markers ever – a bronze rendering of a bundle of dynamite.
I got paired with two good guys – a retired Los Angeles policeman and a local Amazon employee. Shot 81 playing a combination of the No. 2 and No. 3 markers. One birdie, one double and a bunch of pars and bogeys. The No. 2 markers are listed as 6,604 yards, which is a little long for me but didn’t play to that distance, given that the ball was running out on the fairways.
I’m still struggling with the bentgrass rough. I’m just not strong enough to muscle it out of the deep stuff.
Next up: Playing Friends Country Club in the morning on the recommendation of one of my Twitter/X followers. From there I might head to Dannebrog Country Club, another nine-holer that still features sand greens, something I have never encountered. Should be interesting. Then it’s on to Wild Horse for an early Wednesday round.
Featured image of Quarry Oaks Golf Club by Gregg Dewalt
Gregg Dewalt is the editor of Alabama Golf News
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