The centerpiece of the course is the old granite quarry – now a lake – that comes into play on the third and 18th holes. The inclusion of the original quarry in the course layout reflects the designer's commitment to marry challenging play with the history and terrain of the region. Bell's focus on the parameters of the course's natural surroundings involved very little grading to create the course and as a result, the environmental setting enhances the golf experience.

At Turkey Creek, there are three distinct yet constant environmental signatures of the course: the rolling oaks woodlands on the front nine, the rugged quarry area and a back nine that resembles Germany's Black Forest. You may also see wild animals on the course such as wild turkey, deer and plenty of birds.