GrayBull opens. Quarry Oaks reopens.
Which rookies on the 2025 PGA Tour will have played at this year’s Pinnacle Bank Championship?
Another active season awaits Nebraska golf. Let’s break it down.
GrayBull
After coming out a little singed but essentially unscathed from wildfires that ravaged the Sandhills north of Maxwell, the seventh private club in the Nebraska-based Dormie Network aims for a late summer opening.
David McLay Kidd is the latest noted golf architect bestowed a canvas for his take on minimalist course design. His routing is unique with a tight loop of holes finishing with No. 9, then a back nine string of pearls that loops around an enormous dune that would have best been crossed by sherpas.
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Graybull likely will rival Sand Hills, CapRock Ranch and Lost Rail for exclusivity. Don’t turn down any invitation to play there.
Quarry Oaks
The nearly two-year wait to play the refreshed course overlooking the Platte River is set to end Sept. 1.
The noticeable changes include opening up views of the river on six holes on the back nine, 12 new tees that allow play from 4,700 yards to 7,215, new bent grass tee to green and reshaped bunkers with top-line sand from Ohio.
"Our goal was to create a golfing destination that not only challenges and inspires players but also provides a sanctuary where they can connect with nature and enjoy unparalleled hospitality. We believe that the revitalized Quarry Oaks experience achieves that vision and more," said Joe Sutter, Quarry’s PGA General Manager.
What won’t be ready until the holidays are an expanded, renovated clubhouse with a new restaurant and larger patio.
Pinnacle Bank Championship
The field seems to get younger by the year, and that’s no accident.
PGA Tour University made a quicker pathway for college seniors to golf-graduate to the Korn Ferry and, subsequently, the PGA Tours. Six of the 10 in the 2023 class played in Omaha, alas not the valedictorian — Masters contender and fan-favorite Ludvig Aberg.
For local flavor, this year’s PBC — the 25th anniversary for the Korn Ferry Tour in Omaha — has Brandon Crick locked in after the ex-Husker had a solid stretch in April. Noah Hofman from McCook and Alex Schaake from Omaha have conditional eligibility.
Turning pro in June will be Norfolk’s Luke Kluver, who’s finishing up at Oklahoma.
Lost Rail
Omaha’s newest private course meets the eye test.
But June 18 brings the strongest competitive test for hometown architect Scott Hoffman’s realized dream — the Nebraska Cup pro-am matches.
It’s this century’s Omaha Country Club, even to the look of Lost Rail’s clubhouse. Has it surpassed OCC as the best course in town? Ask after June 18.
Dismal River
Dismal River Club near Mullen is on its fifth ownership group.
DRC Investors, with Alan Erickson of North Platte president, bought the private club with its Jack Nicklaus and Tom Doak courses this winter.
Dismal River remains under the auspices of KemperSports, which took over club management in 2023. Five four-bedroom cabins are to be ready for the season, increasing capacity to 100 rooms.
Our insiders say a third course is still possible.
Ratings
CapRock Ranch, Landmand, Lost Rail. How will the state’s newest courses fare when the next national rankings are made?
Often, it’s just getting the raters there to improve the scores.
Centennials
Unlike golfers, courses celebrate triple digits.
This year, it’s the Big 1-0-0 for Happy Hollow Club in Omaha. Likewise for Plainview Country Club in the northeast part of the state.
Happy Hollow moved from its original home overlooking Elmwood Park and the future UNO campus Nov. 1, 1924.
Plainview citizens organized their club in 1924 before the golf course (laid out with the help of two golfers from Norfolk) opening in June 1925. Its centennial activities include a three-person scramble with hickory clubs June 2.
Following Big 3
What successes will teenagers Naryn Kim and Coltrane Mittag and PGA Professional Al Peterson III enjoy? Their career paths are so promising.