San Antonio, Texas
There’s simply nowhere in Texas quite like The Quarry. Keith Foster’s bold conversion from industrial pit to public golf mecca delivers an unforgettable back nine inside the mining basin. Locals rave about the drama—expect a shotmaking test you’ll remember.
Grab a post-round drink at the Cementville Icehouse, which preserves original quarry relics and serves as a lively, uniquely San Antonio 19th hole.
Keith Foster’s design at The Quarry ingeniously embraces its industrial heritage, turning what was once a daunting limestone pit into a two-act drama. The front nine rolls across more open, links-inspired ground, encouraging bold lines and creative play against a broad Texas sky, while the back nine plunges players into the quarry itself, demanding precision and nerve with fairways framed by soaring cliffs and punishing drop-offs. The 2024 renovation refreshed the experience, rebuilding greens with Tiff 3D ultra-dwarf Bermuda for firm, fast putting surfaces, reworked bunkers, and enhanced roughs. Throughout, the course draws a clear line between the wide, tempting temptation of its opening stretch and the visual intimidation and strategic challenge of its back-half adventure, capped by some of Texas’s most unforgettable closing holes.
Foster’s work is hallmark for integrating pre-existing industrial landforms, making every round feel unlike any other in Texas.
The course’s first big test, this long par 4 demands both length and accuracy as it skirts the quarry’s perimeter. A solid tee shot here sets up a long approach into a subtly defended green with trouble lurking left.
Prioritize position over distance—take a fairway wood or hybrid to find the short grass, leaving a manageable long-iron into the elevated green.
Miss left and you flirt with trouble; aggressive lines punished by fairway bunkers and thick rough.
Firm, well-maintained fairways and fast greens—expect tournament-level presentation, especially after the 2024 renovation.
Variable public pace; prime times may see rounds stretch over four and a half hours.
Energetic and scenic; popular destination with a lively, non-private club feel.
Standard golf attire (collared shirt, no denim); confirm specifics when booking.
Several holes—especially on the back nine—require precise carries over quarry voids and native areas, so prepare your long iron and hybrid confidence.
Study a flyover or hole-by-hole map ahead of time to avoid awkward first-time misjudgments, especially when transitioning between the distinctly different nines.
Although walkable, the course features long transitions and sharp elevation changes on the quarry holes—bring good shoes and stamina.
The new Tiff 3D greens tend to run quick and true, so practice lag putting to avoid three-putts.
Alamo Portland and Roman Cement Company quarry/cement works active on site
The Quarry Golf Course opens, designed by Keith Foster
Ranks 13th in Golfweek's Best in Texas list
Major renovation: Tiff 3D greens and bunkers by Bruce Burger/Heritage Links
Clubhouse and outdoor space upgraded; Cementville Icehouse introduced
Skeptics believed the Quarry's treacherous pit could never host a golf course, but Keith Foster’s vision and risk-taking spirit proved them wrong. Today, his conversion is considered one of the most visually striking adaptive reuse feats in Texas golf.
The course’s industrial history is celebrated, not buried. The Cementville Icehouse honors the site’s heritage, letting players toast rounds overlooking remnants of the past.
The Quarry back nine ramps up intensity, with forced carries and cliff-backed greens that demand nerves as much as skill. Locals whisper about the round-killing potential of a mistimed swing on holes 10, 16, or 18.
At dusk, the quarry walls light up in golden Texas sun as players line up approach shots on 18—a closing stretch as visually stunning as any in the state.
The back nine plays entirely inside the walls of a historic limestone quarry.
Players cross actual remnants of the former Cementville operation during their round.
The course completed a major renovation in 2024, introducing Tiff 3D ultra-dwarf Bermuda greens.
Early critics said the land was unplayable for golf until Foster proved otherwise.
The signature quarry holes (10-18) are often compared to dramatic canyon golf out West.
Nationally respected PGA Tour venue and top-tier resort experience
Historic public course with classic routing and affordable access
Hill Country views and an upscale full-resort layout
Well-regarded competition/daily-fee course with strong conditioning
North Central San Antonio; Alamo Heights/airport area for easy access to courses and downtown.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. The Golf Club at Red Rock shares a memorable sense of place, making it a compelling counterpart to The Quarry Golf Course.
Why it matches: The Golf Club at Black Rock is a natural next stop after The Quarry Golf Course: it shares a memorable sense of place.
Why it matches: What links these two? Makes the landscape part of the experience — a familiar feeling, expressed in Shooting Star's own setting.
Community Sentiment
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