Best golf courses in Missouri

 At Inland Grove, we are dedicated to uncovering the best golf courses in the United States. The US is home to many of the must-visit golf courses in the world. In our earlier blogs, we’ve unveiled the best golf courses in South Carolina, Florida, California, and more. Today, we will delve into the best golf courses in Missouri. Let’s get started.

Covered with picturesque lakes and stunning green prairies, Missouri combines nature and golf into a perfect blend. Located in the Midwest, Missouri is practically overflowing with choices for golf courses. So, keep reading to find the best golf courses in Missouri. 

Can You Golf Year-Round in Missouri?

Earlier on Inland Grove’s blogs dedicated to uncovering the best golf courses in the United States, we’ve highlighted many states for year-round golfing, including California, Arizona, Florida, Texas, and Nevada. So, it is pertinent to know that year-round golfing is possible, particularly in the Southwest and West Coast of the US. However, you may be wondering, can I golf year-round in Missouri? Missouri is known for its continental climate which results in chilly winters, and long, humid summers. Consequently, it may not always be possible to spend a day on the fairway during the winter due to snowfall and rainfall.

Which Seasons Are Best for Golfing in Missouri?

Missouri boasts perfect weather for golfing in the spring, summer, and fall seasons. However, many resorts offer year-round memberships. Weather is notoriously erratic in Missouri, so keeping a close eye on the weather forecast regardless of the season is essential. You don’t want to hold a metal golf club in the middle of one of Missouri’s lightning storms.

How Many Golf Courses Are in Missouri?

In Missouri, between St. Louis in the east and the Ozarks in the south, there are nearly 400 golf courses to choose from, making the task of selecting one feel almost overwhelming. Thankfully, at Inland Grove, we do our best to make finding a golf course that fits your needs less challenging. With that being said, let's dig into the best golf courses in Missouri.

Best Golf Courses in Missouri

Bellerive Country Club (Saint Louis, MO)

Although Bellerive is a private course, no list of Missouri’s best golf courses would be complete without it. Located in Town and Country, just west of St. Louis, Bellerive is considered one of the most elite clubs in the country. Host of the US Open in 1965, and the PGA Championship in 1992, and 2018, Bellerive serves as a mainstay in the culture of American golf.

Bellerive is a 7,547-yard long course with six par-4s, making it a very long and challenging course. With the tenth hole being 519 yards long, this course puts your long game to the test. Water hazards are also a constant test on this course, with eleven holes containing some type of water element. Moreover, the high numbers of trees and ponds make for some risky tee shots. However, the wide fairways can help mitigate those risks.

But, Bellerive is an exclusive club. You must either be a member of the country club, with monthly dues of around $1000, or you must be invited to an event. If you’re fortunate enough to gain access to this beautiful course, consider yourself lucky to golf there.

Big Cedar Lodge: Ozarks National (Hollister, MO)

Far in the south of the state, nestled in the iconic Ozarks, sits Big Cedar Lodge’s Ozarks National. Designed by world-renowned architects Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, this course is the epitome of what Missouri has to offer to golf in the Midwest. Which is why it is among Inland Grove’s list of the best golf courses in Missouri. Described as very challenging, this course sits atop a series of ridges that give golfers a full view of the unique Ozarks.

With elevated greens and fairways that taper off and wind around steep ridges, this course demands a certain level of accuracy from its players. Thankfully, the massive practice area allows you to attempt nearly all the more challenging shots you will face.

At Ozarks National, you will be given all the amenities expected of a course with an average green fee of $200. Forecaddies are provided upon request, and excellent food is available at several holes. As stated before, this course will test you but leave you wanting more, which isn’t something that can be said about many challenging courses.

Payne's Valley at Big Cedar Lodge (Hollister, MO)

Another Big Cedar Lodge Resort member, Payne Valley, is another enchanting course. Designed by Tiger Wood’s design company, TGR Design, Payne Valley serves as one of only two completed courses by the design team.

 “My goal when starting TGR Design was to create courses that are fun and playable for golfers of all abilities,” Woods told Golf Digest.

This course boasts massive, sprawling fairways that will undoubtedly be appreciated by more novice players and allow more advanced players to get a low score. The rough is also cut relatively low, allowing you to correct squirrely shots. The 18th hole is truly remarkable, with a massive boulder framing the green that will give you a lasting impression of the course.

The green fees are around $200 depending on the season but for the chance to play like Tiger, that feels more than reasonable.

Big Cedar Lodge: Buffalo Ridge Springs (Hollister, MO)

Rounding off our list of Big Cedar Lodge courses is Buffalo Ridge Springs. This golf course was labeled the Number 1 course in Missouri by Golf Magazine, and it's easy to see why. This Tom Fazio-designed course was created with the Missouri landscape in mind, showcasing natural caves, creeks, and rock formations.

With fast fairways, well-manicured greens, and dense trees that line the course, it is a challenging course for those who wish to test their golf skills. There are fifteen sand traps strategically placed along the par 3s, 4s, and 5s that you will want to remember while golfing here - try not to get distracted by the stunning waterfalls!

Buffalo Ridge offers some very reasonable green fees at around $100, including all the standard amenities of a high-caliber golf course. There is a fully stocked clubhouse with high-quality merchandise, a fully stocked bar, and cheeseburgers for $7. What more could one ask for?

Swope Memorial Golf Course (Kansas City, MO)

No list of Missouri’s best golf courses would be complete without mentioning Swope Memorial Golf Course. 

Designed in 1934 by architect A.W. Tillinghast, Swope Memorial is the only public course to host a PGA Tour event.

With views of the Kansas City skyline and the Kansas City Zoo at the bottom of the hill, this course is a truly unique gem in the Missouri golf scene.

This course has been described as somewhat challenging, with a flowy rolling terrain and dense trees that change to a burnt orange color in fall. Many of the tee shots are blind, so you will have to choose your shots carefully, but nearly all of the reviews on Golfpass.com describe the challenge as highly rewarding. 

It is worth noting that there is no practice area at this course, but there is one just five minutes down the road. However, the highly reasonable green fees are well worth the drive. You will not want to skip this course if you are in the area!

The best golf courses in Missouri combine Midwest’s rich nature with exceptional golf courses featuring picturesque lakes and stunning greens. We advise you to plan a golf trip to Missouri for a refreshing golfing experience.

And we hope this guide has helped you to find the best golf course suitable for you in Missouri. Subscribe to Inland Grove’s blog to keep in the loop for future updates!