I always enjoy this semi-private course a couple times a year set in Ashland Nebraska. The course was built around a rock quarry that provides a scenic backdrop for many of the holes. Your first impression from the clubhouse view is great. If you haven’t played there, see pictures I took in our mid-October round. It is also a nice location, situated between Omaha and Lincoln.
The course is a normal par 71 with only three par 5s and built around some real estate limitations that dictate a design of many short par 4s. The three par 5s are difficult and can make or break your round, especially number 10.
First, a couple knocks on the course. No driving range and no place to put one. There is a net where about 4 golfers can warm up, but even the hitting surface there needs to be replaced. The putting green by the clubhouse is also very small. If you have a shotgun start on this course with 80-100 golfers it is inadequate to warm up and prepare for your round.
The club has some bad reviews on-line, mostly related to their tee time policy. They require 4somes on weekend times and you pay for 4 if you only have 2 or 3. I totally understand this. Golf clubs should be run like a business and premium weekend times is there prime product with a finite number available. As long as people totally understand this up front, it is fair to everyone.
Green fees include carts and I have never walked Iron Horse. I would think it would be a challenging walk with the elevation changes and distances, but easier than a Quarry Oaks loop.
A thing I really like about the course is that every hole is completely different and easy to remember. Number 1 is a reasonable par 4, which isn’t too hard. However, number 2 is a narrow 200 yard par 3 with trees threatening a right to left shot. No room to miss this tee shot left or right. Then you step up to number 3, the longest par 4 on the course. Fairway bunkers right and bunkers in front of the green. If you get through these three holes you have 4 tight but short par 4s on the front to score on. Number 8 is a challenging par 5 that is uphill all the way that doglegs right, then left to an elevated green. Take your par on 8 any time you can get it. 9 is a scenic hole down the hill with a dogleg. Just hit your drive in play and you have a short iron in.
If you are still reading this and thinking about the back 9, welcome to what I think is the second hardest par 5 in the state. They didn’t have enough real estate for number 10. You hit from a scenic elevated tee box, down toward the lake to a very narrow fairway. If you don’t drive far enough you have a second shot layup that will still leave 170 yards out, uphill to a challenging green. The second shot is probably most key here. You have to elevate it and hit it long though a narrow gap in the penalty areas, or layup to a green size patch of grass. I have seen a lot of 10s on this hole.
Then 11 is a challenging par 3, and the last par 5 is 12, usually into a south wind and plenty long to an elevated green. If you get through these three holes the back 9 can be had if you keep the ball in play. The five remaining par 4s are all unique, through the woods and reasonably short.
Iron Horse has a full service club house and pro shop. This course should be on your list for at least once a year. I would be curious what others think.
