Quarry Ridge Golf Course

Few, if any, shorter courses in this state play as tough as Quarry Ridge. It’s mostly tight, hard on missed shots, and fairly difficult around the greens. But the beauty of this design lies in its ever-changing looks and challenges. The first five holes are conventional but varied by their fairway angles and ground movement; the next three tremendously rugged; the ninth a dark green woodland par-3 dropping from a high tee into an amphitheater of trees. No less imaginative is the back nine, on which fairways tighten a few notches more and the thrills seem magnified, as if the course’s architect, Al Zikorus, was trying to outdo himself. I think he succeeded.

Quarry Ridge stretches to about 6,400 yards from the back tees. Only a few hardy souls will attempt to play those: it’s tough enough from the blues, which play a bit over 6,000. Still, the layout supplies just enough margin for error, especially by the sideboard-like hills that line several of the back-nine holes designed to help keep misses in play. Being careful about playing the angles and slopes on this eighteen will pay off. I play it as conservatively as possible, often using 3-wood or hybrid from the tees. The good news here is that there are few blind shots and very little is hidden from view on the tee boxes, most of which look down upon the landing zones. Jack Nicklaus always liked this idea--safe to say it’s a good one.

Architect Zikrous made imaginative use of the site, equaling his outstanding work at a later design, Rolling Meadows. No one should be bored playing holes with the kinds of elevation changes prominent on most of these. Partly for that reason, driving the ball is exciting at Quarry Ridge, and there are at least six or seven standout holes in this regard: 3, 4, 6, 7, 12, 15, and 18. A couple of the others demand the utmost in precision, though I’m not a fan of every one of them.

Since the terrain and the woods--not to mention that huge boulders--are so ruggedly dominant here, there’s little need for water hazards. Zikorus used water judiciously on only a couple of holes, with the most prominent spot being near the front of the fourteenth green. This outstanding par-3 also features a handsomely contoured putting surface with slopes both bold and subtle.

The signature hole has to be the amazing sixth, a short par-5 that plunges from a towering tee and whose overall contours are like the sternest stuff you’ll find at Bethpage Red or Black. Seriously.

But these two also deserve comment:

The third: par-4, 401. Gently doglegging around mature trees set on a large hillside, this hole actually demands a drive that is hit to the more dangerous right side of the fairway--but the only side that opens up the green. Drive it too far left and you’re blocked.

The twelfth: par-4, 447. Monster, uphill 4-par that should have long hitters reaching for a mid-iron or more on the approach. A gaping right side bunker will snag slight mishits. Wonderful test of your tee to green skills.

Playing experience and service:

The pro here, Mr. John Lucas, does his job in an attentive, flexible, and friendly way. Everyone who’s part of this organization seems well prepared and professional. And the course ranger was doing his job politely!

Course conditions were not perfect but still about as good as can be expected on a public track getting fairly heavy play. The greens complexes, though, were outstanding: greens themselves ran as well and smoothly--at perfect speed--as any I’ve played in Connecticut.

Some conclusions: Between the challenging and imaginative Zikorus layout, excellent course conditions, and fine service here, there’s nothing amiss at Quarry Ridge.

Course was overall in good shape greens were a little slow in areas great pin locations (repair some balls marks) on the greens and the place looks great

What a hassle this was, paid for 18. Some guy comes out at 7:25 while we’re on 11 and says “new management doesn’t like people out paying for only 9”

Hold the phone what…

No refund, no voucher, just get off the course

A fun course to play. Every hole is different. Well maintained. Everybody is very friendly. I try to play there 3-4 times a year even tho its almost an hour from home.

Course is challenging and usually fun. Don’t go in the morning or the maintenance people will harass you and be on your tail the entire round. I am a fast player anyway but they will yell at you to hurry up. They also have a ranger out on the course but this never helps the pace of play. Disappointing considering how much I love the course. Will have to think about coming back.

Great course, alot of fun challenging holes for all.

Very quiet and peaceful with a nice pace. Rarely saw another group. John and Mike did a fine job and accommodated us with any help needed. While a beautiful venue; walking maybe should be avoided due to the elevation changes. Look carefully for signs when driving as the cart paths are not always intuitive.

The course is carved out of an old rock quarry. If you're a "Hooker" or hit a draw you'll like this course. The steep sides help your ball stay in play often and kick back into the fairway. The starter and the pro in the pro shop couldn't be any nicer. Fairly short course with elevated tee boxes so it plays well shorter than it says. The courses defense is the tight fairways. I only used driver on about 5-6 holes. I'll be going back!

I really liked the layout. Tight and challenging with lots of hills. Unfortunately storms with lightning came in so I was only able to play a few holes. I will surely get back here to play the rest on a sunny day