Golfing in Omaha

[kckrawford]

I'm going to be in Omaha for the oldest kids playing in the Omaha Slumpbuster this coming week and I'd like to get a few rounds in while I'm there. I'm not looking to play some high end super exclusive course, just a decent course that doesn't cost and arm and leg to play 18. Looking for ideas on what courses i should check out. I figure realistically I should be able to get in 2, maybe 3 rounds.

[Juan73]

Check out Quarry Oaks which is listed among the top courses you can play in Nebraska by Golfweek Magazine.

[canonlbp430]

Indian Creek in Elkhorn, along with Quarry Oaks. Dodge is Council Bluffs is fine and inexpensive. Bent Tree east of Council Bluffs is a great lay out but haven’t been out there lately to see the course conditions.

[Stetson]

Johnny Goodman is a tough/fun muni, Quarry Oaks is the top in the area.

[CDM]

So I may be in Omaha end of July for work. Have the weekend free, so wondering is Bent Tree and Quarry Oaks the best to options to play?

 

_Edit: As to what type of courses whatever is considered the best to see what the area has to offer, always like to see what other places top tracks are._

[Stetson]

I want to make a disclaimer: Omaha doesn’t have the best golf course options, at least public access. The best courses in the state by far and away are in the western half of the state. As for the Omaha metro area Quarry Oaks and Bent Tree are at the top. The courses here are good, better than many of the places I have been, but lack an elite track.

[CDM]

I know the western portion of the state has the better tracks. Wild horse is excellent and Awarii was better then I thought it would be... if you like Jim Engh golf courses. If I am out there I will stick with Bent Tree or Quarry Oaks.

 

_Edit: Prairie Club was really good too when I played it years ago._

[QMany]

> @Stetson said:

> I want to make a disclaimer: Omaha doesn’t have the best golf course options, at least public access. The best courses in the state by far and away are in the western half of the state. As for the Omaha metro area Quarry Oaks and Bent Tree are at the top. The courses here are good, better than many of the places I have been, but lack an elite track.

 

I certainly agree with you that the best courses are in western Nebraska, or at least west of Lincoln. But I think Indian Creek is an elite track. I've played all three nines in the last few weeks and have been blown away each time. A few connections on the Web.com Tour tell me it is a Top-5 Tour stop. The conditioning has been top-notch, and there are Web.com tees that will make it a challenge for anyone (9 on Black and Grey, whoa!). I mean it isn't Bethpage Black, Whistling, or Pebble public quality, but man is it good! $33 to walk 18 during the week might be the best deal in golf (or Wild Horse at $51.50).

[Stetson]

I didn’t realize they had a walking rate, it isn’t on their website. I was out there last week and again tomorrow, no qualms with IC. It doesn’t fit my preferences, that is all.

[GrAvEL_eXpReSs]

The one and only time i played there (IC). Called and scheduled a tee time for the following day. They forgot to mention they aerated the greens the day prior and still wanted full price for greens fees. IC is just ok. Staff was kind of snobish... I still vote for Johnny Goodman/Quarry Oaks or even Iron Horse.

[QMany]

> @Stetson said:

> I didn’t realize they had a walking rate, it isn’t on their website. I was out there last week and again tomorrow, no qualms with IC. It doesn’t fit my preferences, that is all.

 

Yeah, it is not advertised online. I walked Gray Hawk (Web.com back nine) last night for $22.

 

> @GrAvEL_eXpReSs said:

> The one and only time i played there (IC). Called and scheduled a tee time for the following day. They forgot to mention they aerated the greens the day prior and still wanted full price for greens fees. IC is just ok. Staff was kind of snobish... I still vote for Johnny Goodman/Quarry Oaks or even Iron Horse.

 

I hate when courses don't give you that disclaimer. I've had nothing but nice experiences with the staff. Maybe give them another chance, because I think it is a much better course than QO and IH (I haven't played JG).

[Stetson]

Goodman is hands down my favorite course is the metro, but I rarely suggest it becaus visitors tend to avoid muni’s with shoddy club houses. IC is like a gastropub with a local brew selection. Not as good as a steakhouse but still where ppl always tell you to go.

[QMany]

> @Stetson said:

> Goodman is hands down my favorite course is the metro, but I rarely suggest it becaus visitors tend to avoid muni’s with shoddy club houses. IC is like a gastropub with a local brew selection. Not as good as a steakhouse but still where ppl always tell you to go.

 

I respect your opinions, I'm going to check out JG ASAP! I've heard nothing but good things.

 

I get your analogy, but it is funny in my case. I could care less about a clubhouse; I go inside to pay and never return. And I do like a good gastropub with local brews (I've found Nebraska/Iowa have some good ones); I prefer my steak done on my grill the way I like it. :)

[QMany]

Maybe it is my ignorance and return to public links, but the pace of play at Indian Creek and Quarry Oaks has been brutal on the weekends. Last summer, I ended up walking off both of them after a nearly 3:00 front nine and getting refunds. But that is just the weekends, where hundreds of players are packed. I walked 18 on a Wednesday afternoon in 3:20 easy.

[Parrotheadgolfer]

> @kckrawford said:

> I'm going to be in Omaha for the oldest kids playing in the Omaha Slumpbuster this coming week and I'd like to get a few rounds in while I'm there. I'm not looking to play some high end super exclusive course, just a decent course that doesn't cost and arm and leg to play 18. Looking for ideas on what courses i should check out. I figure realistically I should be able to get in 2, maybe 3 rounds.

 

We did our annual buddies golf trip there in 2006 and 2010 in part golf in part CWS, Blatts final year was 2010 have not been to new park. Anyhow on the golf, we actually found it to be very good golf for the price.

Over the 2 years, we played Bent Tree which has been mentioned, I really enjoyed that, course was in great shape both years, greens very nice and it was a challenge. We also played Iron Horse both years, it was really nice as well.

The first year, we played Woodland Hills, which at the time was one of only 17 Golf Digest 5* rated courses, it was nice but didnt quite understand that rating.

Quarry Oaks - is one of my favorite courses in doing this trip over 25 years. At the time it was in the 50's for Golf Digest top 100 public course. I would highly recommend it.

 

 

[Skaffa77]

Agree with most...Omaha area has a lot of good tracks, but no real "elite" courses (honestly...I throw the private clubs in with that comment)...the really awesome courses are West of Omaha (Wildhorse, Sand Hills, Prairie Club, Dismal River, Awarii Dunes, Bayside)

 

For people from out of town...same recommendations: Quarry Oaks, Indian Creek and Bent Tree. All 3 of those will play a little different, but are generally well maintained and provide a great experience. I'd even throw in Iron Horse, Woodland Hills and if you feel like traveling to Lincoln, NE...Wilderness Ridge as great options. ArborLinks in Nebraska City, NE (2-3 hours from Omaha) is a great track, but requires a Stay and Play package.

 

Now...if you can get over the "prestige" factor...I would definitely hit up Johnny Goodman (muni) or Willow Lakes (military course...usually open to the Public). I grew up near Willow Lakes so it holds a soft spot in my heart...only Robert Trent Jones course in Nebraska. If you don't mind the drive, I actually really like the Highlands in Lincoln as well.

[brianolson32]

> @QMany said:

> Maybe it is my ignorance and return to public links, but the pace of play at Indian Creek and Quarry Oaks has been brutal on the weekends. Last summer, I ended up walking off both of them after a nearly 3:00 front nine and getting refunds. But that is just the weekends, where hundreds of players are packed. I walked 18 on a Wednesday afternoon in 3:20 easy.

 

Unfortunately Q I think this is a widespread problem that needs to be addressed in Omaha. I had a 5+ hour round at Indian Creek last Saturday and had to wait on every shot from holes 2-15. I think with more challenging courses like Indian Creek, Quarry Oaks, Iron Horse, and Bent Tree (especially IC and Quarry) you get quite a few golfers who are outmatched by the course and end up taking forever to get through a round. Quarry Oaks is basically all lateral hazards with no OB and I still don't think I've ever played a round there that wasn't slow. The lower quality public tracks are always filled with foursomes of bros who spend as much on beer and shots, which isn't always a bad thing, as they do on golf and they always move along at a snails pace too.