Since baseball is America's pastime and golf is one of the country's favorite hobbies, travelers who combine these two sports by attending the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska, then playing the area's stellar courses, will likely experience the perfect road trip.
Top Area Track
Quarry Oaks Nebraska's top-rated public course is located halfway between Omaha and Lincoln off Interstate 80 (exit 426). The 40-minute drive from Omaha to this surprisingly hilly course becomes well worth the trip once golfers play along the Platte River and hit shots to the gorgeous par 3s carved out of the abandoned quarry. Since opening in 1997, the course has earned many accolades, including being ranked among Golf Digest's Top-100 Public Courses from 2003-2011. While the scenery and elevation changes are breathtaking, the greens fees will leave you speechless. Playing a Top-100 course usually costs $100 plus. Quarry Oaks' peak weekend rate with cart, however, is less than $75.
Quarry Oaks Golf Club 16600 Quarry Oaks Drive Ashland, NE 68003 402-944-6000 www.quarryoaks.com
Other Notable Courses
Tiburon Golf Club If time is at a premium, Tiburon is within a 20-minute drive from the stadium, just on the outskirts of Omaha, also off I80. The Lee Trevino-designed course is semi private, so the public is welcome. Tiburon, Spanish for shark, at first glance appears open and undemanding, but the 27-hole property has plenty of bite. With more than 12 acres of lakes and natural wooded areas, accented with grassy mounds and strategically placed bunkers, the course will challenge every golfer.Tiburon Golf Club 10302 South 168th Street Omaha, NE 68136 402-895-2688 www.tiburongolf.com
Tregaron Golf Course Tregaron's rolling rye-grass fairways, with their well-placed mounds and pot bunkers, lend a true "links style" look to the course. Natural wetlands, winding creeks and four scenic lakes further complement this Craig Schreiner design. Water comes into play on nine of 18 holes. Tregaron is an enjoyable and challenging test of golf for players of all skill levels.
Tregaron Golf Course 13909 Glen Gary Circle Bellevue, NE 68123 402-292-9300 www.tregarongolf.com
Food and Entertainment
No road trip is complete without soaking up some nightlife and great food. The Old Market District is the happening section of downtown Omaha. The cobblestone streets are lined with vibrant steak houses, cigar bars, jazz clubs and brew pubs.Upstream Brewing Company State law requires every visitor to sample Nebraska's very own Omaha Steaks. Okay, that statute is not on the books, but it should be. Yes, it's possible to sample the state's famous beef in this downtown beer pub, but this large, fun establishment is known for its barley pops. At any one time, the Upstream Brewing Company features 12 handcrafted beers, from a light lager to a seasonal dark, and everything in between. If you cannot decide which pint to get, order a row of tasters. For those craving something non-alcoholic, the house-brewed Root Beer is legendary.
Upstream Brewing Company 514 South 11th street Omaha Nebraska 68102 www.upstreambrewing.com
