With nearly 400 golf courses spread around Missouri, the golfer is spoiled for choice. You can play on every type of course design, from traditional, links, parkland, and a mixture. With so many courses, you may struggle to choose one. We put together the top 10 best golf courses in Missouri, but we would even invite you to look beyond the list because of so many wonderful golf courses in the state.
This task has been eased with a collaboration with TheGrint, our favorite mobile app that helps golfers track their handicap and stats. They have collected golf course reviews from millions of real golf rounds from real golfers, including on Missouri golf courses.
The 10 best Missouri golf courses ranked from 1 to 10:
- Persimmon Woods Golf Club
- Ozarks National
- Norwood Hills Country Club | West
- Buffalo Ridge Springs Course
- Glen Echo Country Club
- The Club at Porto Cima | Porto Cima
- Forest Hills Country Club
- Osage National Golf Club | Mountain Links
- Creekmoor Golf Club
- The Club at Old Kinderhook
Any golf fan will want to know about the best courses in this beautiful state. Below you’ll find all the info you need to plan a trip from location, signature holes, green fees, and links to book a tee time.
10 Best Missouri Golf Courses
1. Persimmon Woods Golf Club – Best Choice for Golfers of Every Skill Level
- Site Link
- Price: $35
- Opening Hours: 8 am – 5 pm
- Location: Saint Charles, Missouri
- Par: 71
- Length: 6,935 yards off the Tips and 5,522 yards off the Front
- Book a Tee Time
PLAYER RATING
Signature Hole: The 7th hole is a shortish par 4 measuring 308 meters. It is a risk-reward hole that tempts long hitters to attack the green from the tee. Water lurks on the left side of the fairway, and a creek crosses in front of the two-tiered green.
Course Overview: Persimmon Woods Golf Course is a walkable course with Crooked Creek meandering through and set in the rolling hills of Missouri. It is a solid track that will excite the strategic golfer as the round progresses. The huge undulating green complexes and fantastic bunkering throughout the course are features that will challenge golfers of all skill levels.
Tee Options: The golf course offers five tee options, so golfers of all abilities can enjoy the course. The forward tees are 5,300 meters from the tips, while the championship tees measure 6,800 meters.
Front 9: The front nine is hilly but open, with several dogleg holes that require accuracy off the tee. The 4th hole is a par 5 that is reachable in two shots for long hitters, but the fairway is narrow and the green is well-protected by bunkers.
Back 9: The back nine plays through densely wooded areas, where the creek lurks to punish wayward shots. The 12th hole is a par 3 that plays over the creek, and the 18th hole is a challenging par 4 that doglegs left around a pond.
Overall Impression: Persimmon Woods. Golf Course is a challenging but rewarding course that offers something for golfers of all skill levels. The course is well-maintained, and the greens are fast and true. The signature hole is the 7th, but many other memorable holes are on the course. If you are looking for a challenging and scenic golf course in Missouri, Persimmon Woods Golf Course is a great option.
Related article: 100 Best Public Golf Courses in America: Rankings & Prices
2. Ozarks National—Golf Course with the Most Interesting Layout
- Site Link
- Price: $150 – $250
- Opening Hours: 8 am – 6:30 pm
- Location: Hollister, Missouri
- Par: 71
- Length: 7,033 yards off the Tips and 5,901 yards off the Front
- Book a Tee Time
PLAYER RATING
Signature Hole: The 14th hole is a long par – measuring 253 yards. It is a signature hole that plays from an elevated tee to a large green protected by a deep bunker left and another on the right. A fairway-corridor on the right allows for a running approach into the green.
Course Overview: Ozarks National Golf Course is a challenging but rewarding course that offers something for golfers of all skill levels. The course is laid on ridges surrounding the area, offering stunning views of the Ozark Mountains. It plays fast and firm, offering a choice of aerial or ground-running approach shots.
Tee Options: Ozarks National Golf Course offers three tee options, so golfers of all abilities can enjoy the course.
Overall Impression: Ozarks National Golf Course is a beautiful and satisfiying course that offers something for golfers of all skill levels. The course is well-maintained, and the greens are fast and true. The signature hole is the 14th, but many other memorable holes are on the course. If you are looking for a challenging and scenic golf course in Missouri, Ozarks National Golf Course is a great option.
3. Norwood Hills Country Club | West—Most Fun Golf Course
- Site Link
- Price: $25 – $35
- Opening Hours: 10 am – 8 pm
- Location: Saint Louis, Missouri
- Par: 71
- Length: 7,029 yards off the Tips and 5,521 yards off the Front
- Book a Tee Time
PLAYER RATING
Signature Hole: The 4th hole is a par 3, measuring 180 meters from the tips. It is a signature hole that plays over water to a green that is protected by bunkers on both sides. The green is also tiered, so accuracy and distance control are essential to avoid a 3-putt.
Course Overview: Norwood Hills Country Club West is a golden-oldie design that is steeped in tradition. The course is challenging but fair, with tree-lined, undulating, rolling fairways that require accuracy from the tee. Strategically-placed bunkers, a meandering stream, uphill and downhill shots, OB, and highly contoured greens set the scene for an enjoyable round.
Tee Options: Norwood Hills Country Club West offers 5 tee options, so golfers of all abilities can enjoy the course. The forward tees are 5,400 meters from the tips, while the championship tees measure 6,800 meters.
Overall Impression: Norwood Hills Country Club West is a challenging but rewarding course that offers something for golfers of all skill levels. The course is well-maintained and the greens are fast and true. The signature hole is the 4th, but many other memorable holes are on the course. If you are looking for a challenging and scenic golf course in Missouri, Norwood Hills Country Club West is a great option.
Additional Information:
- The course was designed by Wayne Stiles, one of the Midwest’s most respected golf course architects.
- The course is in Jennings, Missouri, just outside St. Louis.
- The course is open to the public, and tee times can be booked online or by calling the pro shop.
Related article: Which State Has the Most Golf Courses?
4. Buffalo Ridge Springs Course—Hardest Most Narrow Golf Course
- Site Link
- Opening Hours: 8 am – 6:30 pm
- Price: $60 – $135
- Location: Hollister, Missouri
- Par: 71
- Length: 6,934 yards off the Tips and 5,002 yards off the Front
- Book a Tee Time
PLAYER RATING
Signature Hole: The 7th hole is a par 3 measuring 224 meters from the tips. It is a signature hole that requires an accurate tee shot to a green that is surrounded by water on the right and penal natural grasses on the left. A miss long or right will result in a watery grave, while a miss left will leave a difficult up-and-down.
Course Overview: Buffalo Ridge Springs Course is a tremendous golfing experience that is unlike any other in Missouri. The course is set amongst the beautiful Ozark Mountains and features free-ranging bison, creeks, lakes, waterfalls, rock formations, undulating and sloping fairways, and risk-reward holes aplenty.
Tee Options: Buffalo Ridge Springs Course offers 5 tee options, so golfers of all abilities can enjoy the course. The forward tees are 5,032 meters from the tips, while the championship tees measure 7,036 meters.
Overall Impression: Buffalo Ridge Springs Course is a challenging but rewarding course that offers something for golfers of all skill levels. The course is well-maintained and the greens are fast and true. The signature hole is the 7th, but there are many other memorable holes on the course. If you are looking for a challenging and scenic golf course in Missouri, Buffalo Ridge Springs Course is a great option.
Additional Information:
- The course was designed by Tom Fazio, one of the most respected golf course architects in the world.
- The course is located in Hollister, Missouri, just outside of Branson.
- The course is open to the public and tee times can be booked online or by calling the pro shop.
5. Glen Echo Country Club | Glen Echo—Oldest Country Club
- Site Link
- Opening Hours: 8 am – 10 pm
- Price: $5,300 annually
- Location: Saint Louis, Missouri
- Par: 71
- Length: 6,458 yards off the Tips and 6,103 yards off the Front
- Book a Tee Time
PLAYER RATING
Signature Hole: The 13th hole is a par 4, measuring 318 meters from the tips. It is a risk-reward hole that long hitters can reach in two shots. However, the green is protected by two bunkers on the right, so accuracy is essential. A well-placed drive will result in a birdie opportunity, while a mishit could lead to a bogey or worse.
Course Overview: Glen Echo Country Club is a historic course that was founded in 1901. It is the first 18-hole course ever built in St. Louis, and it is still one of the most challenging courses in the city. The course is laid out in a wooded area, and the gently undulating fairways are generous, but misdirected shots are penalized. Tall trees frame the holes, and accuracy and strategy are essential to scoring well.
Tee Options: Glen Echo Country Club offers 3 tee options, so golfers of all abilities can enjoy the course. The forward tees are 5,100 meters from the tips, while the championship tees measure 6,500 meters.
Overall Impression: Glen Echo Country Club is a tough but fair course that all skill levels can enjoy. The course is well-maintained, and the greens are fast and true. The signature hole is the 13th, but many other memorable holes are on the course. If you are looking for a challenging and historic golf course in St. Louis, Glen Echo Country Club is a great option.
Related article: The Most Expensive Golf Courses in the World by Green Fees
6. The Club at Porto Cima | Porto Cima—Most Beautiful Golf Club on Lake Ozark
- Site Link
- Opening Hours: 7 am – 9 pm
- Price: $110 – $175
- Location: Sunrise Beach, Missouri
- Par: 72
- Length: 7,033 yards off the Tips and 5,808 yards off the Front
- Book a Tee Time
PLAYER RATING
Signature Hole: The 15th hole is a par 5, measuring 499 meters from the tips. It is a signature hole that plays downhill and the fairway snakes towards the peninsula green. The green complex juts out into the Lake of the Ozarks, making for a stunning view.
Course Overview: The Club at Porto Cima is a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course that weaves through dense oak forest, and the fairways rise and fall over the gentle terrain. The back 9 uses the Lake of the Ozarks extensively over 7 of the holes, and accuracy off the tee is required. The tree-lined fairway landing areas are fairly generous, but the driver is not always the call.
Tee Options: The Club at Porto Cima offers 5 tee options, so golfers of all abilities can enjoy the course. The forward tees are 5,000 meters from the tips, while the championship tees measure 6,500 meters.
Overall Impression: The Club at Porto Cima is a challenging but rewarding course that offers something for golfers of all skill levels. The course is well-maintained, and the greens are fast and true. The signature hole is the 15th, but many other memorable holes are on the course. If you are looking for a challenging and scenic golf course in the Lake of the Ozarks area, The Club at Porto Cima is a great option.
7. Forest Hills Country Club—Most Friendly and Inviting Atmosphere
- Site Link
- Price: $39 – $50
- Opening Hours: 5:30 am – 8 pm
- Location: Chesterfield, Missouri
- Par: 72
- Length: 6,702 yards off the Tips and 5,566 yards off the Front
- Book a Tee Time
PLAYER RATING
Signature Hole: The 9th hole is a par 4 measuring 374 meters from the tips, or 411 yards. It is a signature hole that requires a well-placed tee shot to avoid the fairway bunkers. The uphill approach to a raised green guarded by deep bunkers is challenging. It is not regarded as the toughest hole on the course for nothing!
Course Overview: Forest Hills Country Club is a parkland layout that is situated in the rolling hills of Missouri. The course features lush fairways, strategically placed bunkers, hazards, and trees throughout. The undulating greens are well protected and accuracy and shot-making are well rewarded. Forest Hills is a thinking golfer’s delight, as the risk-reward holes can make or break the round.
Tee Options: Forest Hills Country Club offers 4 tee options, so golfers of all abilities can enjoy the course. The forward tees are 5,200 meters from the tips, or 5,676 yards, while the championship tees measure 6,500 meters, or 7,143 yards.
Overall Impression: Forest Hills Country Club is a challenging but rewarding course that offers something for golfers of all skill levels. The course is well-maintained and the greens are fast and true. The signature hole is the 9th, but there are many other memorable holes on the course. If you are looking for a challenging and scenic golf course in Missouri, Forest Hills Country Club is a great option.
Additional Information:
- The course was designed by Chick Adams, one of the most respected golf course architects in the Midwest.
- The course is located in Clarkson Valley, Missouri, just outside of St. Louis.
- The course is open to the public and tee times can be booked online or by calling the pro shop.
8. Osage National Golf Club | Mountain/ Links—Most Magnificent Views with This Golf Course
- Site Link
- Price: $75 – $90
- Opening Hours: 9 am – 5 pm
- Location: Lake Ozark, Missouri
- Par: 72
- Length: 7,063 yards off the Tips and 5,753 yards off the Front
- Book a Tee Time
PLAYER RATING
Signature Hole: The Mountain 9 has two signature holes, both of which are dogleg par 4s. The 3rd hole is 365 meters from the tips, or 402 yards, and the 8th hole is 421 meters, or 463 yards. Both holes require accurate tee shots to tight, tree-lined fairways. The combination of the tight fairways and the elevation changes makes these holes a real test of golf.
Course Overview: Osage National Golf Club is a two-course facility located in Lake Ozark, Missouri. The Mountain 9 is known for its tight fairways, elevation changes, and majestic scenery. The Links 9 is a flatter course, but it still features plenty of challenges, including mounds, bunkers, and water hazards.
Tee Options: Osage National Golf Club offers 4 tee options on both the Mountain 9 and the Links 9, so golfers of all abilities can enjoy the course. The forward tees on the Mountain 9 are 5,200 meters from the tips, or 5,676 yards, while the championship tees measure 6,600 meters, or 7,143 yards. The forward tees on the Links 9 are 5,000 meters from the tips, or 5,468 yards, while the championship tees measure 6,400 meters, or 6,923 yards.
Overall Impression: Osage National Golf Club is a challenging but rewarding course that offers something for golfers of all skill levels. The course is well-maintained and the greens are fast and true. The signature holes on the Mountain 9 are a real test of golf, but the Links 9 is also a great course with its own unique challenges. If you are looking for a challenging and scenic golf course in the Lake Ozark area, Osage National Golf Club is a great option.
9. Creekmoor Golf Club—Most Tranquil Golf Course
- Site Link
- Price: $80 – $90
- Opening Hours: 7 am – 8 pm
- Location: Raymore, Missouri
- Par: 72
- Length: 7,403 yards off the Tips and 5,331 yards off the Front
- Book a Tee Time
PLAYER RATING
Signature Hole: The 7th hole is a par 3 measuring 155 meters from the tips, or 170 yards. It is the course’s signature hole, as it plays to a green that sits on the main body of the lake. The green is also protected by bunkers front and rear, so players must hit a precise shot to avoid a bogey or worse.
Course Overview: Creekmoor Golf Club is a challenging course located in Raymore, Missouri. The course is set on rolling hills and features a variety of holes, including long par 4s, short par 5s, and challenging par 3s. The greens are small and undulating, so players must be precise with their approach shots.
Tee Options: Creekmoor Golf Club offers 4 tee options, so golfers of all abilities can enjoy the course. The forward tees are 5,200 meters from the tips, or 5,676 yards, while the championship tees measure 6,500 meters, or 7,143 yards.
Overall Impression: Creekmoor Golf Club is a challenging but rewarding course that offers something for golfers of all skill levels. The course is well-maintained, and the greens are fast and true. The signature hole is the 7th, but there are many other memorable holes on the course. If you are looking for a challenging and scenic golf course in the Kansas City area, Creekmoor Golf Club is a great option.
Additional Information:
- The course was designed by Tom Clark, a renowned golf course architect.
- The course is located in Raymore, Missouri, just outside of Kansas City.
- The course is open to the public and tee times can be booked online or by calling the pro shop.
Related article: What is a Links Golf Course?
10. The Club at Old Kinderhook—Best Public Golf Course
- Site Link
- Price: $35 – $55
- Opening Hours: 24 hours
- Location: Camdenton, Missouri
- Par: 71
- Length: 6,723 yards off the Tips and 5,171 yards off the Front
- Book a Tee Time
PLAYER RATING
Signature Hole: The 18th hole is a par 5 measuring 472 meters from the tips, or 520 yards. It is the course’s signature hole, rated as the best and most memorable hole. The hole doglegs left, with a lake and trees on the left side and a deep bunker on the right. The lake comes into play on the second and third shots, and players must decide whether to try to reach the green in two shots or lay up short. The green is surrounded by water and bunkers, so players need to be precise with their approach shots.
Course Overview: The Club at Old Kinderhook is a public course located in the Lake of the Ozarks area of Missouri. Tom Weiskopf designed the course and features a variety of holes, including long par 4s, short par 5s, and challenging par 3s. The course is set in the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks valleys and features elevation changes, hills, waterfalls, trees, and water hazards. The views from the course are magnificent, and the course will test every club and shot in your bag.
Tee Options: The Club at Old Kinderhook offers 4 tee options, so golfers of all abilities can enjoy the course. The forward tees are 5,200 meters from the tips, or 5,676 yards, while the championship tees measure 6,500 meters, or 7,143 yards.
Overall Impression: The Club at Old Kinderhook is a challenging but rewarding course that offers something for golfers of all skill levels. The course is well-maintained, and the greens are fast and true. The signature hole is the 18th, but many other memorable holes are on the course. If you are looking for a challenging and scenic golf course in the Lake of the Ozarks area, The Club at Old Kinderhook is a great option.
Other Great Missouri Golf Courses
1. Branson Hills
- Site Link
- Price: $140 – $160
- Opening Hours: 7 am – 8 pm
- Par: 72
- Length: 7,324 yards
- Location: Branson, Missouri
- Book a Tee Time
PLAYER RATING
Course Overview: Branson Hills Golf Club is a challenging course carved out of the Ozark Mountains. The course features elevated tees that offer magnificent views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The fairways are undulating, making for a challenging round of golf. The course also features waterfalls, creeks, and plenty of wildlife, adding to the overall experience.
Signature Hole: The 13th hole is a par 3 that plays over a waterfall to a green that is protected by bunkers. The hole is a great accuracy test and requires players to hit a precise shot to avoid dropping their ball into the water.
Tee Options: Branson Hills Golf Club offers 4 tee options, so golfers of all abilities can enjoy the course. The forward tees are 5,200 yards from the tips, while the championship tees measure 6,500 yards.
Overall Impression: Branson Hills Golf Club is a challenging but rewarding course that offers something for golfers of all skill levels. The course is well-maintained and the greens are fast and true. The signature hole is the 13th, but many other memorable holes are on the course. If you are looking for a challenging and scenic golf course in the Branson area, Branson Hills Golf Club is a great option.
Additional Information:
- The course was designed by Chuck Smith with design consultant by PGA Professional, Bobby Clampett.
- The course is located in Branson, Missouri, just off Highway 76.
- The course is open to the public and tee times can be booked online or by calling the pro shop.
2. Bogey Hills Golf and Country Club | Bogey Hills
- Site Link
- Price: $50
- Opening Hours: 9 am – 5 pm
- Par: 71
- Length: 6,621 yards
- Location: Saint Charles, Missouri
- Book a Tee Time
PLAYER RATING
Course Overview: Bogey Hills Golf and Country Club is a challenging course located in St. Charles, Missouri. The course is set on rolling hills and features a variety of holes, including long par 4s, short par 5s, and challenging par 3s. The fairways are narrow and tree-lined, with water lurking on many holes. The greens are also difficult, with undulating surfaces and subtle breaks.
Signature Hole: The 18th hole is a par 4 that doglegs left around a lake. The fairway is narrow, and bunkers protect the green. The hole is a great test of both accuracy and strategy.
Tee Options: Bogey Hills Golf and Country Club offers 4 tee options, so golfers of all abilities can enjoy the course. The forward tees are 5,200 yards from the tips, while the championship tees measure 6,500 yards.
Overall Impression: Bogey Hills Golf and Country Club is a challenging but rewarding course that offers something for golfers of all skill levels. The course is well-maintained, and the greens are fast and true. The signature hole is the 18th, but many other memorable holes are on the course. Bogey Hills Golf and Country Club is a great option if you are looking for a challenging and scenic golf course in the St. Louis area.
Additional Information:
- Wayne Clark designed the course in the early 1900s.
- The course is located in St. Charles, Missouri, just west of St. Louis.
- The course is open to the public and tee times can be booked online or by calling the pro shop.
3. Osage National Golf Resort | River/Mountain
- Site Link
- Price: $35-$60
- Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm
- Par: 72
- Length: 7,150 yards
- Location: Lake Ozark, Missouri
- Book a Tee Time
PLAYER RATING
Course Overview: Osage National Golf Resort is a challenging golf course located in Lake Ozark, Missouri. The resort offers 3 9-hole courses, 18 of which were designed by Arnold Palmer. The River and Mountain courses are the most popular, each with a distinct character. The River course is more open and features wider fairways, while the Mountain course is more challenging and features narrower fairways and more elevation changes.
Signature Hole: The signature hole on the River course is the 18th, a par 5 that plays along the Osage River. The hole is a great test of both accuracy and distance, and the views of the river are spectacular. The signature hole on the Mountain course is the 12th, a par 3 that plays over a ravine to a green that is protected by bunkers. The hole is a great test of accuracy, and the views of the surrounding hills are stunning.
Tee Options: Osage National Golf Resort offers 4 tee options on both the River and Mountain courses, so golfers of all abilities can enjoy the courses. The forward tees are 5,200 yards from the tips, while the championship tees measure 6,500 yards.
Overall Impression: Osage National Golf Resort is a challenging but rewarding course that offers something for golfers of all skill levels. The courses are well-maintained, and the greens are fast and true. The signature holes on both courses are memorable, and the views of the surrounding area are stunning. Osage National Golf Resort is a great option if you are looking for a challenging and scenic golf course in the Lake Ozark area.
Additional Information:
- The resort was designed by Arnold Palmer and opened in 1992.
- The resort is located in Lake Ozark, Missouri, just off Highway 54.
- The resort is open to the public and tee times can be booked online or by calling the pro shop.
FAQ
What’s the Name of Tiger Woods Golf Course in Missouri?
In coordination with Big Cedar Lodge, Tiger Woods has a course in Missouri called Payne’s Valley Golf Course, and it’s one of the best golf courses in Missouri. Set in the majestic Ozark Mountains, the Payne’s Valley Golf Course was the first public TGR designed golf course, and it’s also one of the best public golf courses in Missouri.
How Many Golf Courses are in Missouri?
In total, Missouri has 386 golf courses, putting them close but not quite to 400 golf courses in total. To compare it to another popular golf state, Arizona has 370 total golf courses.
How Many Golf Courses are in the Ozarks?
You have 9 golf courses within a 20-minute drive of the Ozarks and 5 golf courses at Lake Ozark. Historically, this has ranked as the most popular golf getaway in the state of Missouri.
Final Thoughts
Playing golf in Missouri has to be on any bucket list because of so many good golf courses in Missouri. With this list of the top 10 best golf courses in Missouri, you can choose from some of the most beautiful and fun golf courses to play on.
These fantastic, picturesque Missouri golf courses will leave you breathless, and the use of water and natural terrain is hard to beat! It showcases the natural beauty of the state of Missouri.
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Nick is the founder of GolfSpan and an avid golfer. He's not quite a pro but has over 15 years of experience playing and coaching golfers worldwide. His mission is to bring the golfing community a better experience when it comes to choosing the right golf gear and finding the right setup for your game.
