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Quaker Creek Golf Club is a unique course. It wasn’t built to support a housing development; it was built by one man. And, while playable for beginners, it has features typically found on more challenging or resort courses. For these reasons, an excursion to Quaker Creek is well worth it.
Located in Mebane, N.C., 10 miles north of Interstate 40/85 from the Haw River exit, Quaker Creek is a classical layout in a purely pastoral setting. Noted greenskeeper Elmo Cobb (no relation to architect George Cobb) is credited with a design that is well-conditioned from tee to green. Its Bermuda fairways and bentgrass greens seem to have survived the heat that’s damaged many other courses in the Piedmont this summer. Fairways wander through mature tree stands and fields alike, and wildlife is abundant. The feeling of taking a hike often overcomes the golf experience, particularly for those who forsake the cart on this easily walkable layout.
Cobb provides an interesting mix of classical design – influenced by Ellis Maples and Tom Jackson – with features from the modern era. Classical elements include tee shots over hilltops to lush fairways, no fairway bunkers, and small greens (the first is only 12 paces across).
Other greens are slightly larger, but not what the average golfer is used to. Fortunately, greenside bunkers (which will need upgrading in the future) are very shallow, so getting up and down when you miss the green is of minimal challenge.
Owner Richard Beltan insisted that Cobb install an island green on a par-3. After dealing with stream diversion and erosion issues, the 11th hole stands as a testament to his persistence. This par-3 is not long (176 yards from the back tees and 120 from the middle), but the small green makes for a testy shot. I was pleased to score par.
The course opened a week after 9/11. The owner originally wanted a par-3 course, but Elmo Cobb’s logic for building a full course was undeniable – the real construction cost is in tees and greens. Since Beltan had the land, he took Cobb’s suggestion and agrees it was the right decision.
Word’s out that Quaker Creek is fun with plenty of challenge. Its condition regularly compares with any area course, and the staff makes you feel wanted and appreciated. Combine these factors with great rates, and it’s easy to see why even on a hot August Thursday there were plenty of golfers.
Quaker Creek’s address is 2817 Barnett Rd. Mebane, N.C. The phone number is (336) 578-5789. Rates 18-hole with a cart are: $20 Monday through Friday; $28 on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Walking rates are also available.
Read more from guest blogger Henry Lister at www.golfholes.com.
