ArborLinks

[hoganguy]

Nebraska City

For about six years the men's group from my church has had a golf retreat at ArborLinks in Nebraska City, NE. It is a very exclusive private club and terrific Arnold Palmer design. This was our first year staying in the cabins on the course property. They are called "cabins" but they are first class all the way, very comfortable and nicer than my first two houses. General Manager Jeff Porter and his staff are outstanding, the food it very good and the clubhouse has a small meeting room perfect for 15 or so. If you get the chance to make the trip, do it. More than worth it in my opinion.

[crazygolfnut]

My wife and I use to make the trip from Omaha about twice a year with another couple. It is a great layout but once they made it private, we no longer go.

[forgedforever]

Arbor Links might very well be one of the best kept golf secrets in the midwest. An absolutely fantastic track. On the day the course had its grand opening in 2002, I was able to get Palmer's autograph as he came off the 9th and final hole of the exhibition match. It is proudly displayed in my hutch at home.

Arbor Links spans approximately 300 acres, with over 100 acres kept in a natural state or planted with native grasses, wildflowers and native trees. The course can play, at various tees, from about 5,400 to 7,000 yards. Watching various wildlife around the course will certainly enhance one's golf outing.

When the course first opened it was semi-private. It has gone private in recent years. Just last week I received some information from Mr. Porter about joining. With two children in college I'm not sure the time is right for me. But very tempting. I haven't played the course since they completed work on the cottages.

Anyone who get a chance to play the course should be ready to encounter large fast greens, well-placed bunkers, plenty of great scenery and great hospitality. There are some holes on which you won't want to wander too far off the fairway, lest you find yourself up to knee-deep in grass. If you've never played a hole that features a huge waste area, be sure not to slice or push your tee shot right on No. 12. If you happen to play on a day when there is a strong south wind, you'll find all the challenge you want in playing No. 15, another par-4.

Nebraska City is a community of approximately 7,200 people. It is located about 45 miles east of Lincoln and 45 miles south of Omaha.

[Tarantula18t]

I played 36 out here about the second year it was open, before the cabins were built. Weren't they going to make a few changes to the course, as far as lengthening some holes, etc? The only problem the day I played the course was the pond on #9 was drained, due to some issues. Also, I remember the 3rd hole I believe being sort of a "chincey" little hole. I am hoping they did something with that, as far as the length.

My Dad still has some of the "corn" tees they gave us. They asked us to use those tees because they mowers chop those right up, or something like that.

Outstanding course!

[forgedforever]

I played 36 out here about the second year it was open, before the cabins were built. Weren't they going to make a few changes to the course, as far as lengthening some holes, etc? The only problem the day I played the course was the pond on #9 was drained, due to some issues. Also, I remember the 3rd hole I believe being sort of a "chincey" little hole. I am hoping they did something with that, as far as the length.

 

My Dad still has some of the "corn" tees they gave us. They asked us to use those tees because they mowers chop those right up, or something like that.

 

Outstanding course!

 

No. 3 is a par 3 that is certainly not long, playing to about 120 to 135 last time I was there. I went pin hunting once when the hole was on the back right, pushed the shot just a tad and ended up in the bunker with one of the worst fried egg lies I've ever had. I could barely see the top of the ball. I didn't get the ball out on the first try

 

You might be thinking of No. 2. It is a par 4 with the green sitting a lot above the fairway, over a ravine. For most half-way decent players it was an iron or possibly a 5-wood to the fairway, followed by a sand or pitching wedge for the second shot. For the really good players, they were able to drive the ball up toward the green. I know in talking with the pro at the time that it was never the intent of the architect for that green to be driven. Thus they were going to lengthen the hole and make it two shots for everyone.

[In2Bate]

I'm going to buck the trend on the thread and offer my opinion. I think the course is quite ordinary. Most of the holes are not memorable (I only remember the 18th) and lack individual character. 5-6 holes are just plain quirky or tricked up. Just to give some perspective, I've played several courses like it in the Midwest and it is no better than "The Meadows" in Allendale, Michigan. It is not as good as "Hawk's Head" in South Haven, Michigan. It's not as good as Brickyard Crossing in Indy. Not nearly as good as The Harvester in Iowa. It's definitely not as good as Wild Horse in Gothenburg, NE. Those are all public courses.

Frankly, Eastern Nebraska is devoid of good quality golf courses compared to most of the rest of the country. For this part of the country, it's a good course. It's a 3.5/5 stars in Michigan, Florida, Arizona, California, (insert great golfing state here). If it were a private course where i grew up in Western Michigan, there's a chance it wouldn't survive long because they couldn't charge what they are able to charge in Nebraska. Course conditions are great but given the number of rounds played daily, I would expect nothing less.

With all that being said, if I lived in Nebraska City, I'd join in a heartbeat because it's the best in the area by far and I like to golf. I wouldn't be happy with the dues, though.