Quail Hollow Devlin/Von Hagge Course (Concord, OH)

The Devlin/Von Hagge course hosted the Greater Cleveland Open from 1990-2001. It’s not very long compared to modern standards, but back then, it was considered a solid course. One could tell the technology was quickly passing it up since it seemed every year players were shooting low 60s on a consistent basis. Granted the five par fives really made this a shootout year in year out, but a handful of holes were the key to keeping a low round going. The fact that the tournament never ventured over to the Weiskopf course is proof of its popularity among the players. 

(The 445 yard par four seventh is the best hole at Quail Hollow. The player must hit a long accurate drive, and then control the distance of his downhill shot to the green. This was originally the ninth hole, and it had a big impact during the tournament.)

Devlin/Von Hagge course is a traditional parkland layout. Holes dogleg left and right, requiring thoughtful drives. The greens are well bunkered with daunting pin locations on each hole. All in all, it’s a very good members course. 

(The 172 yard par three fifteenth has some good pin placements, especially the front where water, sand, and a severe slope can quickly bite a careless player.)

My biggest criticism is the atmosphere the D/VH course has. It feels like a resort course. The housing is more visible and one gets the sense that the doglegs are strictly a byproduct of fitting the holes into the residential plan. The course itself is strong and has well conceived shots. It places a premium on the aerial game and flighting the ball to the flag is usually the only option available. It’s a good challenge for the more accomplished player.  

(The old eighteenth is now seventeen. The 409 yard par has a water hazard on the right about 250 yards from the tee. The player trying to get a short iron in his hand will have to challenge it with a good drive. It’s a well bunkered green with the back right location protected both short and long.) 

Quail Hollow is one of the few 36 hole golf facilities in northeast Ohio. Being a private club, that fact is a huge advantage in attracting potential members. While I prefer the Weiskopf, the Devlin Von Hagge stands alone as tournament tested championship caliber course. I give it a 5 (good)(worth driving an hour to play).

[When looking at the list of champions from the Greater Cleveland Open, one name resonates with me because of a personal experience I had with his father. Karl Zoller won in 1995. He was born in Cleveland and was on Kent State golf team. Winning this tournament was his only professional victory. I’ve been intrigued by Zoller ever since I paired up with his father one day at Punderson. He invited back to his place for dinner and showed me several of Karl’s memorabilia. He was particularly proud of Karl’s Ohio Open win out at Geneva on the Lake Golf Course.]