Quarry Oaks

Nebraska is more than just sandhills, of course, and the state’s eastern metro areas have no shortage of great golf as well. Among them, Quarry Oaks is often hailed as one of the better public options. Sited in Ashland, between Omaha and Lincoln, the parkland course offers plenty of elevation changes, formidable rough, and nicely forested edges. The second half plays along the Platte River, with fantastic views starting on No.13 and carrying on to the finish. No.11 is a par-3 that makes use of water, while No.12 offers one of those “I’ll hit it to the moon!” moments from a wellelevated tee to a bowl-shaped fairway below. Two holes later you’ll find one of the tougher tests, a par-4 that offers little sanctuary. Bunkers, the river, and railroad tracks menace from the right while a steep bluff pressures from the left. As a course guide offers, “Any shot off-line to the right is gone.” Thankfully the views on No.15 will soothe any stressed egos, playing across an old quarry, while the three finishing holes should leave visitors feeling good about their day, no matter the score. The par-4 No.17 is particularly fun, with a tee 80 feet above the fairway, which rests along an old quarry floor. Hills, swales, and plenty of fun near Nebraska’s metro areas and the dining and accommodations they hold—a worthwhile round for anyone in the Cornhusker State. Quarryoaks.com