The Quarry at Giant’s Ridge – Played September 2021
- Rankings: Golf Digest Public #20, Golf Magazine Public #54
- Location: 6325 Wynne Creek Road, Biwabik, Minnesota
- Year: 2003
- Architect: Jeff Brauer
- Course Access: Resort
- Walking Rules: Carts Available
Score Card Information:
- Gold: 7,201 yards, Par 72, 75.2 Rating/139 Slope
- Blue: 6,696 yards, Par 72, 72.9 Rating/132 Slope
- White: 6,101 yards, Par 72, 70.2 Rating/126 Slope
- Red: 5,119 yards, Par 73, 71.3 Rating/122 Slope
You actually pass The Quarry at Giant’s Ridge as you head to The Legend course. I was a bit confused when I was driving in and saw it. At least I had my afternoon directions figured out.
The Quarry is the more award winning course of the two. It is consistently ranked very high among Minnesota public courses. Jeff Brauer also laid out this course but had some help from Lanny Wadkins. The site was previously used for mining.
I headed to the course for my last round of the trip, solo yet again. I will vouch for the Wacootah Grille shown on the entry sign below. I had a really good sandwich on the back patio overlooking the quarry before my round.
Hole 1 – 409 yards – Par 4 – Pioneer
A cross bunker lays in wait up the left side of the fairway, so precision beats power on this tee shot.
Drives to the right portion of the fairway open you up to a nice approach.
Hole 2 – 558 yards – Par 5 – St. James
This distance requires three shots for me, so finding the fairway was the objective.
Your second shot is semi blind.
The green sits down in a little bowl and features plenty of undulation.
Hole 3 – 405 yards – Par 4 – Soudan
Accuracy is a big asset on this narrow, straightaway hole.
Hole 4 – 228 yards – Par 3 – Mahoning
This hole is a bruiser, no other way to put it. The green is sloped in front to repel running shots and deep bunkers guard the sides. I’d say it’s a bit to severe for being this long.
Hole 5 – 485 yards – Par 5 – Auburn
Stay away from the left side on this shorter par five and birdie is a definite possibility.
If you can hit a high fade, going for it in two must be appetizing.
Hole 6 – 346 yards – Par 4 – Canisteo
You won’t want your drives to go too far here as the fairway dips severely into a rugged, rough area.
With a wicked slope in the front portion of the green you’ll need to be precise with your second shots.
Hole 7 – 175 yards – Par 3 – Missabe Mountain
Avoiding the deep bunkers fronting the green is a must. Anything on this green should funnel back towards the front and leave a simple par.
Hole 8 – 455 yards – Par 4 – Rouchleau
It takes two long shots to find this green. Getting out of here with a five won’t feel that bad most days.
An open and inviting avenue to the green alleviates some stress.
Hole 9 – 353 yards – Par 4 – Mary Ellen
You’ve got to thread shots between the mounds here. Playing something less than driver from the tee is prudent.
If you find the fairway, the approach should be with a shorter club and be a scoring opportunity.
Hole 10 – 347 yards – Par 4 – Pillsbury
The second nine of the Quarry starts with options. Long hitters can go left of the tree to carry the pond, significantly shortening the hole. For the rest of us, the fairway is a suitable option.
Slope on the left side of the green can be used on the approach shot.
Hole 11 – 142 yards – Par 3 – Canyon
Take note of your yardage here because with a very shallow green you’ll want your distance control to be tight.
It is quite easy to see that anything short is going to be a real pain.
Hole 12 – 436 yards – Par 4 – Miller-Mohawk
I missed the tee shot photo on this hole, but the approach is no less exacting. Thankfully it’s downhill from the tee making the effective yardage less than what’s on the card.
Look at all those contours.
Hole 13 – 296 yards – Par 4 – Milford
Options abound on this short devil. The fairway has distinct levels and sections that must be navigated unless trying to drive the green.
You’ll want to be in the correct section of the green because three putts are easily had.
Hole 14 – 499 yards – Par 5 – Schley
With the uphill slope to the green, this hole played longer than the card. Anything on the short grass is a good tee shot.
She’s uphill all the way!
Hole 15 – 431 yards – Par 4 – Spruce
The fairway is split by a hazard and rough once it bends to the left. Be careful on your tee shots and consult the yardage book.
With the bisecting hazard, second shots may be a bit longer than normal.
Hole 16 – 502 yards – Par 5 – Grant
Playing target golf from tee to fairway to green will serve you well on this hole. If you miss, bunkers and drop-offs can complicate your score.
Once you get closer to the green, things settle down a bit.
Hole 17 – 181 yards – Par 3 – Hull-Rust
In normal light, it’s a bit easier to see the challenge on this hole. You really just need to avoid the water. The green is a large target.
Hole 18 – 448 yards – Par 4 – Embarrass
The bold play is to carry the bunkers on the left, but it you overdo it hazards await. The hole doglegs left as it borders the mine pit.
The green is accepting of shots coming up the left side and will likely kick your ball towards the putting surface unless you miss badly.
You can see the slope on the left better in the photo below.
It’s not hard to see where the Quarry gets its name. This was a peaceful, beautiful spot.
I can tell why people like the Quarry. It’s brawnier than it’s sister course, but also features a bit more thrill. Together I think they make a good pair for resort guests.