A New Energy Circulates Around Quarry Ridge Golf Course in Portland, CT

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From the moment you walk into the clubhouse until you are ready to head back home, management and the staff at Portland Ct.’s Quarry Ridge Golf Course make you feel like you are at a special place.

And that’s not by accident. When Tim and Patti Vale of Guilford purchased the club and course early in 2021 they set about improving the course conditions, and the clubhouse and restaurant housed within. Tee boxes, fairways and greens are in splendid shape and the clubhouse has the feel of a private country club.

“We opened the course under our management in early April of last year and we had one of the best years on record,” said Tim Vale, whose wife acts as club general manager while he leads from an advisory position and that of an avid golfer who “Doesn’t get to play as often as I would like”. “The conditions all around had become poor and our first move was to put money into improving conditions and making the clubhouse something distinctive. I think we now have the best greens around and that is because of our maintenance crew, which we doubled the size of to get done properly.”

Vale said the club welcomes golfers of all ages and ability. “My wife is in the position of manager and I think it important for golfers, especially women, to see her running things,” said Vale. “When women walk into the clubhouse they feel welcome and comfortable. Really, we have a ton of new golfers form all age groups. Crystal Lyle plays a big role in building relationships with our customers and building the culture at Quarry Ridge. She has a fun and engaging style that customers really embrace.”

The course also have a virtual golf component, so golfers can get their swings in during inclement weather. Vale hinted at the merging of virtual with real golf, something he and his wife are excited about as a way to make the game more enjoyable for all.

“There’s a new energy here,” said Tim Vale. “We hosted a Hurricane Junior tournament recently and that says something at the improved conditions on the course and way visitors are welcomed in the clubhouse.”

Quarry Ridge Golf Course
Sixth Hole

The owners entered the golf business knowing full well that golf was a tough business with high costs and low profit margins. The entered with the confidence knowing that they could increase play, reduce costs and attract new golfers with patented technology they have developed. It is called Nexus Hybrid Golf and they will be introducing the technology at Quarry Ridge late summer 2022. They want to see the game grow, not just at Quarry Ridge, but everywhere. TopGolf has been credited with providing a boost to the game of golf over the last few years. Nexus Hybrid Golf will provide new golfers a way to play golf that is well beyond TopGolf (more like golf and less like a driving range) and will provide all the benefits of traditional green grass golf but in a faster and less intimidating, entertaining way.

Quarry Ridge is a unique course, with lots of elevation changes and some water hazards. It provides quite a bit if challenge even for the accomplished player despite is yardage from the back tees of slightly less than 6,400 yards.

The front nine has two par-fives that are approachable in two shots for the big hitters, the 509-yard fourth and 495-yard sixth hole. The ninth hole is a stern challenge from the back tees, as the par-three is 204 yards from the tips. The 455-yard par-five 11th hole and 476 17th hole are potential birdie holes with three good shots, with the 11th getable in two shots for big boppers.

The back nine has several par-fours that are almost driveabale, especially so from tees oher than the tips; the 335-yard 10th, and the 320-yard 13th. The back side’s par-threes, the 162-yard 12th and 149-yard 16th are birdie opportunities if you strike the ball well from the tee box. The 18th is a 422-yard par-four which affords views of a quarry to the left of the fairway and rough area.

Quarry Ridge Golf Course
Tenth Hole

The scenery in general is sublime at Quarry Ridge. The clubhouse has a nice view of the Connecticut River Valley, and a number of holes give the golfer sweet views of the surrounding hilly countryside.

Quarry Ridge Golf Course

Portland, Ct.

www.QuarryRidge.com

860-788-2845