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During the early 1900s, Jensen Quarry supplied limestone, marble and many other minerals for construction projects throughout Los Angeles. About one hundred years later, the Riverside site is now home to one of the top courses in Southern California. Oak Quarry Golf Club, co-designed by Dr. Gil Morgan and the team of Brian Curley and Lee Schmidt, has solidified itself as one of the most renowned tracks in the state thanks to its awesome scenery and holes that provide challenge just short of brutality. Boasting an array of accolades since opening in 2000, Oak Quarry received arguably its greatest praise earlier this year when Golflink.com ranked it as the third-best course in the state and No. 26 in the country among both public and private venues. Being situated at the base of the Jurupa Mountains promotes a tranquil environment, though it’s tough not to get at least a little worked up about the track’s mesmerizing views of quarry remnants. It can be tricky to commit to a strategy on the double-fairwayed, 352-yard par-4 fourth, but there’s no denying the hole’s rocky formations provide some amazing aesthetics. Similar visual bliss awaits on the par-4 sixth. With a landing area guarded by bunkers on the right and a cliff that drops sharply into a quarry pool on the left, No. 6 is made even more difficult by the incredible distraction of a stately limestone formation dwarfing you from the approach all the way to the green. And then, there’s the par-3 14th, which tips out at 214 yards. Regarded as one of the top short holes in Southern California, “Spinel Slide” requires a well-struck shot from an elevated tee box to an undulating green that’s protected by three bunkers, native vegetation and another quarry pool. Unless you detest nature, the mammoth quarry facing behind the green is one of the best golf backdrops anywhere. Four sets of tees ranging from 5,408 to 7,002 yards make Oak Quarry accessible for players of all skill levels. Over 60 strategically placed sand traps can seem imposing from afar because of flashed faces, but most aren’t too difficult to negotiate. Plus, a plethora of tightly mowed collection areas adjacent to the bentgrass greens makes par saves a little easier to attain. The par-72 course, located off the 60 freeway just east of the 15, has a pro shop and restaurant in the clubhouse, which also is a great spot for hosting weddings, banquets and receptions after tournaments. Membership packages also are available. For more information, call (951) 685-1440 or visit oakquarry.com. |
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