254 Most Popular Public Golf Courses in Missouri
Missouri’s golf courses perfectly encapsulate the state’s diverse beauty, blending expert designs with landscapes that travel across the rolling Ozarks, bustling cities, and serene riverbanks. From the jazz-infused corners of Kansas City, the iconic Arch of St. Louis, to the historical charm of Jefferson City and the vibrant buzz of Springfield, Missouri’s golfing paradises mirror both modernity and natural allure. I have clear memories of a round at the breathtaking Ozarks, and another with the flow of the Missouri River in the backgroun. In this article, I’ll navigate through these memorable golfing adventures, highlighting the standout public courses Missouri has kindly opened to me. Whether you’re drawn to a game set against the state’s rugged highlands or one nestled amidst its expansive plains, my curated picks reflect the depth and vibrancy of golfing in the Show-Me State.
Horton Smith Municipal Golf Course - Best Public Golf Course in Springfield
Horton Smith Municipal Golf Course, nestled in beautiful Springfield, Missouri, is an 18-hole course that offers a great value for both weekend and weekday golfers with a flat rate of just $17. Built in 1962, this course boasts Bent Grass greens and Winter Rye fairways, providing a quality playing surface throughout the year. Golfers should note that the greens are typically aerated in March and October for optimal upkeep. The course operates from 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with the earliest tee time being 6:30 AM. With 20 strategically placed bunkers adding to the challenge, the course does not permit fivesome groups, ensuring a steady pace of play. Come experience the charm and challenge of Horton Smith Municipal Golf Course, a true gem in the heartland of America.
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Fairview Golf Course - Best Public Golf Course in Saint Joseph
Fairview Golf Course in Saint Joseph, Missouri, is a classic course with a history dating back to 1927. Open from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, it offers a reasonable rate of $14.5 whether you decide to play on a weekday or weekend. The course features 18 holes with a par of 72, and is beautifully maintained with Bent Grass greens and Bluegrass fairways. You should note that the greens are typically aerated in April and September. The course is also accommodating to larger golf groups, allowing fivesomes. With up to 10 strategically placed bunkers, it offers a fair but challenging golfing experience.
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Quail Creek Golf Course - Best Public Golf Course in Saint Louis
Quail Creek Golf Course, designed by the duo Hale Irwin and Gary Kern in 1985, is a captivating 18-hole course located in Saint Louis, Missouri. The course, with a par of 72, offers a fantastic experience on its bent grass greens and Bermuda grass fairways. Open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, the earliest tee time is at 7:00 AM, making it a perfect choice for early birds. It's worth noting that the greens are typically aerated in April and September, and the course is home to 50 strategically placed bunkers to challenge your game. Unfortunately, fivesomes are not allowed. At a reasonable rate of $57, regardless of weekdays or weekends, it offers a great value for a memorable golfing experience.
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Missouri Bluffs Golf Club - Best Public Golf Course in Saint Charles
Missouri Bluffs Golf Club in Saint Charles, Missouri, is a captivating golf course designed by Tom Fazio in 1995. It's an 18-hole course with a par of 71, featuring Bent Grass greens and Zoysia Grass fairways, which provide a pleasing contrast and a challenging play. The course has 60 strategically placed bunkers adding to its complexity. The green fee is $95, whether you choose to play on a weekday or weekend, with the earliest tee time at 6:30 AM. However, be aware that fivesome golf groups are not allowed. The course is well-maintained with greens typically aerated in April and August, ensuring optimal playing conditions throughout the year.
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Dogwood Hills Golf Club - Best Public Golf Course in Osage Beach
Dogwood Hills Golf Club, nestled in Osage Beach, Missouri, is a charming course designed by Herman Hackbarth in 1963. This 18-hole course offers an engaging play with a par of 70, featuring bent grass greens and Bermuda grass fairways, typically aerated in April and September for optimal playing conditions. Unfortunately, fivesome golf groups are not permitted, but the course does host a modest 10 bunkers to challenge your skills. Open from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, the earliest tee time is at 7:00 AM and for a reasonable fee of $47, regardless of whether it's a weekend or weekday. Overall, Dogwood Hills provides a classic golf experience with a touch of historical charm and a dash of challenge.
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Shamrock Hills Golf Course - Best Public Golf Course in Lees Summit
Shamrock Hills Golf Course in Lees Summit, Missouri, is a charming, classic course designed by Jim Weaver in 1964. With a par of 71 over 18 holes, it provides a traditional golfing experience on Bent Grass greens and fairways, which are meticulously maintained and aerated twice a year in April and September. The course is quite accommodating with tee times starting at 8:00 AM and it remains open until 5:00 PM. It's also budget-friendly, with a flat rate of $16.5 whether you choose to play on a weekday or weekend. Groups of up to five are welcome, adding to the course's friendly, sociable atmosphere. With ten bunkers scattered throughout, it offers just enough challenge to keep things interesting without being overwhelming.
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Bear Creek Valley Golf Club - Best Public Golf Course in Lake Ozark
Bear Creek Valley Golf Club in Lake Ozark, Missouri, is a captivating 18-hole course, designed by the talented duo Sherril Duncan and Jeff Somerer in 2001. The course, open from dawn to dusk, offers an early tee time of 6:30 AM, perfect for those who enjoy a morning round. With a reasonable fee of $49.5, whether you play on a weekday or weekend, it's a great value for the quality of the course. The course is beautifully maintained with Bent Grass greens and Zoysia Grass fairways, typically aerated in April and September. However, be prepared for a challenging game as the course boasts up to 30 bunkers and does not allow fivesome golf groups. If you're seeking a well-priced, challenging golf experience amidst stunning landscapes, Bear Creek Valley is certainly worth considering.
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Loma Linda South - Best Public Golf Course in Joplin
Loma Linda South, located in Joplin, Missouri, is an affordable and accessible golf course designed by Tom Sturdemen in 1989. With a consistent fee of $11, whether you play on the weekend or a weekday, it's a great choice for golfers on a budget. The course opens at 7:00 AM with the earliest tee time at 7:30 AM, and winds down around 5:00 PM. The 18-hole course is covered with Bermuda grass, both on the green and the fairway, and undergoes aeration in April and September for optimum play conditions. It's also worth noting that the course allows fivesome golf groups, making it a great choice for a group outing. The lack of bunkers might be a plus for beginners or those who prefer a simpler play.
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Fred Arbanas Golf Course at Longview Lake - Best Public Golf Course in Kansas City
Fred Arbanas Golf Course at Longview Lake, built in 1986, is a well-designed 18-hole course by Brad Benz and Mike Poellot. The course boasts a par of 72 and is beautifully adorned with Bermuda grass greens and Zoysia grass fairways. It's an affordable golfing option with a flat rate of $22, whether you choose to play on a weekday or weekend. The earliest tee time is at 8:00 AM, and the course stays open until 5:00 PM. You'll find the course challenging yet enjoyable with 40 strategically placed bunkers and the greens are typically aerated in April and September for optimal playing conditions. Plus, if you're planning to bring a group, they do allow fivesomes.
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Rockwood Golf Club - Best Public Golf Course in Independence
Rockwood Golf Club in Independence, Missouri, is a charming course with a rich history, having been designed by John S. Davis back in 1947. This 18-hole course offers golfers the challenge of navigating through 20 strategically placed bunkers and playing on Bent Grass greens and Bluegrass fairways. The course is accessible from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the earliest tee time being 6:00 AM. You'll find the greens freshly aerated in March and October, ensuring optimal playing conditions. Rockwood Golf Club is also notably accommodating, allowing fivesome golf groups and offering a flat rate of $17, regardless of whether you're playing on a weekday or weekend. This course provides an affordable and enjoyable golfing experience steeped in tradition.
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Norwoods Golf Club - Best Public Golf Course in Hannibal
Norwoods Golf Club in Hannibal, Missouri, is a well-maintained course designed by Scott & Scott in 1996. This 18-hole course, with a par of 72, is a great value at just $15 for both weekday and weekend rounds. The course has a generous opening time of 7:00 AM, perfect for early bird golfers, and stays open until 5:00 PM. The greens are made of Bent Grass while the fairways are Bluegrass, providing a pleasant playing surface, and with 30 bunkers scattered throughout, it offers a challenging but enjoyable golfing experience. The course is also accommodating to fivesome groups. The aeration schedule varies, ensuring the course conditions are always at their best.
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Aberdeen Golf Club - Best Public Golf Course in Eureka
If you're an early bird golfer, Aberdeen Golf Club in Eureka, Missouri, opens its greens from dawn to dusk, with the earliest tee time at 6:30 AM. Designed by Gary Kern in 2001, the 18-hole course is a par 72 and is well known for its Bent Grass greens and Zoysia Grass fairways. While the greens are aerated at varying times, the course is meticulously maintained with over 60 strategically placed bunkers, adding a challenging element to your game. However, do note that fivesome golf groups are not permitted. With a flat rate of $49 for both weekdays and weekends, Aberdeen Golf Club offers a high-quality golfing experience at an affordable price.
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L A Nickell Golf Course - Best Public Golf Course in Columbia
L A Nickell Golf Course in Columbia, Missouri, built in 1965, offers an affordable golfing experience with a flat rate of $18, whether you choose to play on a weekday or weekend. The course opens bright and early at 7:00 AM, perfect for those who love to start their day with a round of golf on the 18-hole course. The course is well-maintained, with Bent Grass greens and Bluegrass fairways, and typically undergoes aeration in April and September. One unique feature of this course is that it allows fivesome groups, which is a bonus for larger golfing parties. With up to 10 strategically placed bunkers, it offers a fair challenge for golfers of varying skill levels. The course closes at 5:00 PM, providing ample time for a leisurely game.
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Cape Girardeau JC Municipal Golf Course - Best Public Golf Course in Cape Girardeau
Cape Girardeau JC Municipal Golf Course in Missouri is a budget-friendly choice for golf enthusiasts, with a flat rate of $11 for both weekdays and weekends. Built in 1978, this 18-hole course opens at 7:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM, perfect for early birds. The course is well-maintained with Bermuda Grass on both the green and the fairway, and aeration typically happens in May and September ensuring optimal playing conditions. However, it's worth noting that fivesome groups are not permitted, and the course lacks any bunkers, which might not appeal to those seeking a more challenging play. Overall, it's a straightforward, no-frills course that's great for a casual round of golf.
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Holiday Hills Golf Course - Best Public Golf Course in Branson
Holiday Hills Golf Course in Branson, Missouri, is a charming course with a rich history dating back to 1953, designed by the talented duo Bob Dunning & Larry Gardner. This 18-hole course boasts a par of 68 and is beautifully maintained with Bent Grass greens and Bermuda Grass fairways. Open from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, it offers golfers a reasonable fee of $50, whether on a weekday or weekend, with the earliest tee time being 7:00 AM. It's worth noting that the course features a substantial number of bunkers, with a total of 50 strategically placed throughout. However, please be aware that groups of five are not permitted. With greens typically aerated in March and September, the course ensures top-notch playing conditions year-round.
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Adams Point Golf Club - Best Public Golf Course in Blue Springs
Adams Point Golf Club in Blue Springs, Missouri, is a well-established course built in 1998 by renowned designer Donald Sechrest. This 18-hole, par 72 course is a bargain at $37, whether you choose to play on a weekday or weekend. The course is known for its Bent Grass greens and Bermuda Grass fairways, providing a delightful playing surface. You can tee off as early as 6:00 AM, with the course staying open until 5:00 PM. It's worth noting that the course has 40 strategically placed bunkers, adding a challenging element to your game. However, be aware that fivesome groups are not allowed, so plan your golf outing accordingly.
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Eagles Landing Golf Course Of Belton - Best Public Golf Course in Belton
Eagles Landing Golf Course of Belton, Missouri, is a classic course with a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1965 by designer Bob E. Baldock. The course, featuring a Bent Grass green and Bluegrass fairway, offers a challenging 18 holes with a par of 72 and an impressive 70 bunkers to test your skills. With tee times starting at 6:00 AM, it's perfect for early birds looking to get a round in before the day's heat. The course is open until 5:00 PM, offering plenty of play time. Whether you're planning to play on a weekday or weekend, the cost remains a reasonable $28. Plus, fivesome golf groups are welcome, making it a great choice for groups.
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