When most golfers think of golf in Nebraska, minds quickly turn to the fabulous golf courses in the Sand Hills. However, there is some spectacular work being done in the state’s capitol city of Lincoln by Quitno Golf Designs. The Country Club of Lincoln has undergone a world class renovation and I was commissioned to capture the results.
The Country Club of Lincoln was built In 1922 and William H. Tucker and Gregor MacMillan constructed the first routing. The course evolved over the years with minor changes to the original design. This is the first major renovation in the course’s history. The bunkers have been modernized, the fairways have been reshaped, and the greens have been updated. I found the results to be very enjoyable and I hope that enjoy my 10 favorite photographs from the renovation.
Hole #1 - Par 4 - 348 yards
The renovated Counry Club of Lincoln starts off with a grand improvement. A newly placed pond makes golfers think twice about driving the green and provides a much more strategic opening drive. The green site sparkles with both the 3rd and 1st holes sharing the scene. This will be a theme that is repeated throughout The Country Club of Lincoln.
Hole #5 - Par 3 - 185 yards
One of the best parts of a fresh renovation is the brand new turf grass. This place feels nearly flawless. Most importantly, the club staff knows how to maintain the premium conditions and the Country Club of Lincoln should have top notch golf grass for years to come.
Hole #6 - Par 4 - 386 yards
According to the members, the 6th hole is the biggest change at the club. Most importantly, those changes have been well received. What was previously a straight away and uninteresting par 4 is now a slight dogleg with a creek running down the left hand side of the green and through the approach area. The 6th has been transformed from forgettable to favorite.
Hole #15 - Par 4 - 436 yards
The 15th hole is the longest of the par 4’s at Lincoln and probably the most difficult hole on the golf course. What makes this green site interesting is that the 15th green is close neighbors with the 12th green. This arrangement is very similar to the 1st and 3rd holes and provides some continuity throughout the golf course.
Hole #7 - Par 4 - 423 yards
The bunkering is always a big part of any renovation and Todd has done a great job at enhancing the visual appeal of the sand around Lincoln. The view of the 7th hole from the 8th fairway provides a great visual example of this work.
Hole #9 - Par 4 - 362 yards
Previously, the 9th green was much smaller and there was a practice green between the original green and the clubhouse. The new 9th green has expanded to take over the full area in front of the clubhouse. The result is a much cleaner look that makes a lot more sense.
Hole #14 - Par 3 - 184 yards
The bunkering around this short par 4 has been significantly enhanced and the result is a glorious looking par 3 over the water. Just look at that brand new turf sparkle.
Hole #8 - Par 5 - 530 yards
Before the renovation, Lincoln was comprised of mostly tree lined fairways and corridors. Quitno Design removed some of those trees and opened up some great views across the golf course. This practice also helps tremendously with air flow, sunlight and turf management.
Hole #18 - Par 4 - 358 yards
The finish at Lincoln tidies up next to the clubhouse and right against the first tee box. The 18th and the 1st holes share a fairway as you enjoy the first and final shots of your round. It’s refreshing to get a scoring chance on 18 instead of the formulaic 450 yard par 4 with water guarding the green.
Hole #16 - Par 4 - 408 yards
Our list finishes up on the 16th and 11th holes at my very favorite spot at The Country Club of Lincoln. A large bunker separates the two greens and a grassy swale flanks the right hand side of the 11th hole. There are a handful of spots where the greens come together at Lincoln and this is the finest of them all.
The renovation at Lincoln has rejuvenated interest in a historic club that had grown ordinary over the years. The new greens, fairways and bunkers challenge players while adding a great deal of visual appeal and fun. My hat is off to Quitno Golf Design for their thoughtful and well executed plans for The Country Club of Lincoln.
