Get ready to tee off at the finest golf courses in Missouri, where the stunning natural landscapes of the Ozark Highlands and the majestic Mighty Mississippi provide the perfect backdrop for your game. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just starting out, Missouri offers a wide range of exceptional courses that cater to every skill level. From challenging championship courses nestled in lush green valleys to scenic riverfront courses that offer sweeping views, there’s something for everyone in this golfing paradise. So grab your clubs, and get ready to experience the best golf Missouri has to offer.
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Ozark Highlands Golf Courses
Welcome to the picturesque region of Ozark Highlands, where rolling hills, dense forests, and scenic beauty create the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable golfing experience. Nestled in the heart of Missouri, this region offers a variety of world-class golf courses that cater to golfers of all skill levels. From elegant country clubs to challenging championship courses, here are some of the top golfing destinations in the Ozark Highlands.
1. Big Cedar Lodge – Top of the Rock
At the pinnacle of golf excellence in the Ozark Highlands region stands the Big Cedar Lodge’s “Top of the Rock” golf course. Designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus, this course offers breathtaking views of Table Rock Lake and the surrounding Ozark Mountains. It features unique par-3 holes, waterfalls, and a beautiful nature trail, making it a golfer’s paradise. The impeccable attention to detail and the natural beauty of the surroundings make Top of the Rock a must-visit destination for any avid golfer.
2. Buffalo Ridge Springs Golf Course
Nestled in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, the Buffalo Ridge Springs Golf Course is a masterful blend of natural beauty and innovative design. This Tom Fazio-designed course offers a challenge for even the most seasoned golfers. With dramatic elevation changes, pristine greens, and panoramic views of the Ozark Mountains, Buffalo Ridge Springs is a true gem. The course embraces its surroundings, with wildlife and natural rock formations enhancing the golfing experience. Don’t forget to take in the awe-inspiring views from the signature 13th hole, aptly named “Spectacular.”
3. The Payne’s Valley Golf Course
Named in honor of the legendary Payne Stewart, the Payne’s Valley Golf Course is a testament to the incomparable beauty of the Ozark Highlands. Designed by Tiger Woods, this championship course is a harmonious blend of challenge and aesthetic appeal. With its distinct layout and strategic bunkering, Payne’s Valley offers an unforgettable golfing experience. The course’s standout feature is the awe-inspiring “Big Rock” hole, where players must navigate a dramatic cliffside shot to reach the green. Prepare to be captivated by the natural wonders and the world-class design of Payne’s Valley.
4. Branson Hills Golf Club
Nestled in the heart of Branson, the Branson Hills Golf Club offers a perfect combination of exceptional golfing and scenic beauty. Designed by Chuck Smith and Bobby Clampett, this championship course is known for its rolling fairways, challenging holes, and impeccable conditions. The course’s elevation changes provide stunning views of the surrounding Ozark Mountains. Golfers will also appreciate the wide selection of eco-friendly practices applied throughout the club, ensuring a harmonious balance between golfing excellence and environmental stewardship.
5. Ledgestone Golf Course
Situated amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Ozark Mountains, the Ledgestone Golf Course is a golfer’s dream come true. Designed by the renowned Tom Clark and Andy Dye, this championship course encompasses the perfect blend of nature and golfing excellence. With its manicured fairways, picturesque water features, and challenging layout, Ledgestone offers an unforgettable golfing experience for players of all skill levels. The course’s signature hole, aptly named “Eye of the Needle,” requires precise shot placement and a strategic approach, adding a touch of excitement to the round.
6. Thousand Hills Golf Resort
Nestled in the heart of Branson, Thousand Hills Golf Resort offers a unique and scenic golfing experience. With its undulating fairways, immaculate greens, and panoramic views of the Ozark Mountains, this resort has become a haven for golf enthusiasts. The course, designed by Bob Cupp, is lauded for its strategic bunkering and challenging layout, demanding accuracy and skill from players. After a rewarding round of golf, players can relax and enjoy the resort’s world-class amenities, ensuring a holistic and unforgettable getaway.
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Mighty Mississippi Golf Courses
Situated along the majestic Mississippi River, the Mighty Mississippi region in Missouri is home to a collection of exceptional golf courses that showcase both stunning natural beauty and world-class golfing experiences. With its rich history and picturesque landscapes, this region offers a diverse array of courses that are sure to captivate golfers of all levels.
1. Bellerive Country Club
As one of the most prestigious golf courses in the Midwest, Bellerive Country Club has hosted numerous major championships and has earned its reputation as an elite golfing destination. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., the course features impeccable fairways, well-manicured greens, and strategic bunkering. The signature 17th hole, with its iconic island green, presents a challenge that tests the skill and nerve of even the most seasoned golfers. Bellerive Country Club is a true gem of the Mighty Mississippi region, offering an unforgettable golfing experience steeped in history and elegance.
2. Meadowbrook Country Club
Nestled in the scenic St. Louis suburb of Ballwin, Meadowbrook Country Club boasts a rich history and a championship golf course that consistently ranks among the best in the region. Designed by Norman Woods, this classic-style course is renowned for its tree-lined fairways, challenging water hazards, and strategic bunkering. The club’s commitment to maintaining top-notch course conditions ensures that every round played here is nothing short of exceptional. Meadowbrook Country Club offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it a popular choice among golfers seeking both outstanding golf and a sense of community.
3. The Legends Golf Club
With its rolling terrain, mature trees, and stunning views of the Mississippi River, The Legends Golf Club is a golfer’s paradise in the Mighty Mississippi region. This Jack Nicklaus-designed course seamlessly incorporates the natural beauty of the surroundings, creating an unforgettable golfing experience. The course offers a diverse range of challenges, including holes that require precise shot placement, strategic course management, and a keen eye for reading greens. Whether you’re a casual golfer or a seasoned pro, The Legends Golf Club provides a memorable round of golf that will keep you coming back for more.
4. Gateway National Golf Links
Gateway National Golf Links is a hidden gem nestled along the banks of the Mississippi River. Designed by Keith Foster, this links-style course offers a unique golfing experience that takes inspiration from the traditional courses of Scotland and Ireland. The open fairways, undulating greens, and strategically placed bunkers provide a challenge that tests the player’s skill and strategy. With stunning views of the river and the St. Louis skyline, Gateway National Golf Links is a picturesque destination that delivers both a memorable round of golf and a feast for the eyes.
5. Normandie Golf Club
Established in 1901, Normandie Golf Club holds the distinction of being the oldest public golf course in the United States. With its rich history and classic design, this course offers a charming and nostalgic golfing experience. The layout, originally designed by Robert Foulis and later renovated by Gary Kern, offers tree-lined fairways, strategic bunkering, and challenging greens. Normandie Golf Club provides golfers with the opportunity to step back in time while enjoying a round of golf in a picturesque setting, making it a must-visit destination for enthusiasts of both the game and golf history.
In conclusion, the Ozark Highlands and Mighty Mississippi regions in Missouri offer an impressive collection of golf courses that blend natural beauty, challenging layouts, and impeccable course conditions. Whether you’re seeking a scenic round amidst breathtaking landscapes or a championship-caliber test of skill, these regions have something to offer every golfer. So grab your clubs, embrace the friendly atmosphere, and get ready for an unforgettable golfing experience in the heartland of America.
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