Champions Run

Many courses employ “risk and reward” as a relatively subtle concept, where a range of options relay a scale of potential risks and rewards. Jeff Brauer was much less subtle on the signature holes at Oak Quarry Golf Club, where the risks and the rewards are almost spelled out in flashing lights.

For example, there are two potentially drivable par fours on the front nine. Both Nos. 4 and 9 feature layup areas for the more conservative golfer, however those who like to live on the edge can try to carry a series of pot bunkers (No. 4) or both carry and work around a series of pop bunkers (No. 9) on the way to glory.

Another concept employed both early and late in the round is the split fairway, and the value in taking the more aggressive shot is laid out in front of you. At No. 2, the leftward fairway features no risk to reach but offers no chance at the green, which is surrounded by a creek on multiple sides. A forced carry to the right fairway from the tee sets up a possible, yet still frightening, second shot. At No. 18, a long par four, playing to the safe fairway means a blind second shot, while those who work the ball around a tree guarding the rightward fairway will see their final target.