Answered by Head Golf Professional Matthew Russell
1. How long has The Golf Lodge at The Quarry been around?
The Quarry opened its doors in early 2007. Each year the golf course has matured and improved. 2010 looks to be our best year.
2. What distinguishes The Quarry from other courses around Southwest Florida?
The Quarry is unlike any other course you will play in Southwest Florida. The design, landscaping, wildlife, and natural scenery give the Quarry a very unique feel. The beauty will hook you the first time- but the quality of the course design will keep you coming back. It is a course that gets better every time you play it!
3. What are the most intriguing and exciting holes on the golf course? Why?
The most excitement should be on the par 5, 12th hole. It is a reachable par 5 that requires a draw off the tee and a fade for your long second to a well protected green. You have an opportunity to make birdie or eagle to get your round going. However the green may present the players with some challenges. The next three holes go… par 3-5-3. The par 3, 15th hole is the signature hole. It is a 224 yard par 3 that is all carry over a big lake. It is beautiful but treacherous. Also the 16th is a short par 4 that is drivable under the right conditions.
4. What is the toughest hole on the course?
The wind plays a big factor at the Quarry. I believe that into the wind… holes 4, 10 and 18 can be incredibly difficult. This threesome averages over 450 yards. Each one has strategically positioned fairway bunkers, with difficult green complexes. Downwind these holes could be a drive and a 7 iron. But into the wind you could be hitting driver and a long iron or wood to some of the most difficult greens on the course.
5. What will fans enjoy the most about The ACE Group Classic coming to The Quarry?
Fans will enjoy the quality of golf, location, and hospitality. We are close to I-75 which makes travel to and from relatively easy. The golf course is somewhat of a links style course which allows spectators to see a variety of ball flights and shot types. The course is forgiving off the tee so you can expect to see a lot of drivers and a lot of birdie opportunities.
6. What is the most exciting part to you about the Champions Tour playing the track at The Quarry?
The most exciting part of the Champions Tour coming to town is the opportunity that this provides to the club, its members, and the staff, as well as the surrounding community. In what other sport can you watch current members of the Hall of Fame continue to compete at a very high level? It is a dream scenario. The quality of golf seems to get better and better every year. Many players on the PGA TOUR are going later into their 40’s. The level of competition is very high.
7. What comments do you think the Champions Tour professionals will have about the course?
The good thing about the Quarry is that you have a lot of options in terms of course set up. If the greens are good and the wind blows just a little bit it should be a nice challenge for them. If the wind does not blow it could turn into a birdie-fest.
8. How does the course play differently when the professionals come to town compared to everyday play?
I would imagine they would play very similarly. Green speed and course setup will be the determining factor. Also rough height and hole locations will be interesting to see.
9. What notables have played at The Quarry before?
Rocco Mediate, Wayne Levi, Peter Jacobsen, Jim Kelly, Toni Kukoc, Joe Mauer and J.C. Snead.
10. What do you predict the winning score will be for The ACE Group Classic?
I predict the winning score to be -12 for three days.
Visit The Quarry’s website here: http://www.quarrygolfnaples.com/