Legends of Quail Valley
Written by Gregg Vaupel

Perhaps their motto was build it and they will come.....and we did! Upon completion, in the fall of 1969, the first nine holes were a spectacular project way out in the country. Because of all of the hard work put forth by these individuals, under the direction of Mac MacNaughton, a full 18 holes were open a year later, in 1970.

Lee Freeman and Jack Miller worked hand-in-hand to build the Quail Valley Golf Course. Lee was an extremely dedicated man, who worked from "sunset to sundown", according to Bill Temple. Bill also said that it wasn't uncommon, during the pre-construction phase, to see Lee out on his horse, checking over things before heading out in the dozer. Jack Miller, course architect, affirms the comments about Lee's work ethic and adds "Lee has built more courses than just about anyone I've known" and "was a very experienced dozer man." Jack and Lee were very close friends and the pair was instrumental in the building of the Quail Valley Golf Course. Lee worked in Quail Valley from 1969-1975, and then went on to Texas National in Willis. From there, Lee managed the Mount Pleasant Country Club. He took a leave from Mount Pleasant to build a Jack Miller designed course in Hempstead. Lee did all of the dirt work by himself! He returned to Mount Pleasant to continue managing the course. Lee passed away in April of 1998.

Bill Hill is a name that just about everyone who lived in Quail Valley during the 70's and 80's remembers, even if they never golfed! Bill's tenure at the club lasted about 18 years, from 1969-1987. After leaving Quail Valley, he took a fews years off, then landed a position at Stephen F. Austin State University in 1990 to coach golf. These days Bill's out on the road with the team, playing tournaments, and winning. Most recently, his team won a collegiate tournament at Columbia Lakes.

Quail Valley was definitely Jack Miller's baby. He was responsible for the hiring of most of the team that built the course and managed the club. His co-workers said he enjoyed his work and was there everyday working on the course. He is said to have a good knowledge of both golf course engineering and promotion. His talents were definitely in high demand, so, shortly after completing construction of the course, Jack left Quail Valley in 1974. He Designed the Texas National course in Willis. From there, he worked at such clubs as: Atascocita, Pecan Grove, Weston Lakes, April Sound, Bentwater, and Westwood Shores, where he both managed designed these courses. In 1995, he went back to Weston Lakes to serve as club manager, where he presently works.

Pat Baker was known to have been a great golfer, winning the club championship 3 times. Pat Baker worked at Quail Valley until the early 1980's. She then helped start The Falls Country club in New Ulm. From there, she came back to "town" to work at Greatwood Country Club in 1988. Pat passed away in 1992.