Best Golf Courses in St. Louis, Missouri

Did you know St. Louis has a golf course designed by a World Golf Hall of Famer? Tapawingo National Golf Club, made by Gary Player, has 27 challenging holes. This is just the start of the amazing golfing experiences waiting for you in the Gateway City.

St. Louis and its areas have many golf courses for all skill levels. You’ll find scenic views by the Missouri River and layouts by famous architects. These courses have top-notch facilities to test your golf skills.

These golf courses were built between the mid-1970s and mid-1990s. But don’t worry, they’ve been updated for today’s players and equipment. Whether you live here or are visiting, you’ll find a course that suits your budget and schedule. Weekday rates are usually the lowest, with twilight rates saving you more. Some courses even include cart rentals in their fees, making your game more enjoyable.

Key Takeaways

• St. Louis offers a diverse range of golf courses for all skill levels
• Courses feature designs by renowned architects like Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus
• Many courses have been updated to accommodate modern players and equipment
• Fees vary based on day and time, with weekday and twilight rates available
• The region boasts both public and private courses with unique challenges

Discovering St. Louis’s Golfing Gems

St. Louis is a golfer’s paradise with its public courses and designer layouts. The city has everything from historic fairways to modern masterpieces. It welcomes golfers of all skill levels.

Normandie Golf Club is the oldest public course west of the Mississippi. It offers a unique golfing experience with its rich history and classic design. Forest Park Golf Course, with its 27 holes from the early 1900s, combines tradition and challenge.

St. Louis also boasts designer layouts. Spencer T. Olin Golf Course, designed by Arnold Palmer, has challenging holes for seasoned players. Jack Nicklaus’s Stonewolf Golf Club and Gary Player’s Tapawingo National Golf Club add to the region’s golfing excellence.

Crystal Springs Quarry Golf Club, opened in 1997, provides year-round play. It features zoysia fairways and bent grass greens. Golfers give it high praise, with 97% recommending it, despite some challenges.

Top 10 Golf Courses in St. Louis, Missouri

St. Louis is known for its excellent golf courses. These courses are perfect for all skill levels. They offer beautiful views and challenging play.

Bear Creek Golf Club and The Missouri Bluffs Golf Club are top picks. They are known for their well-kept fairways and tough layouts. Tapawingo National Golf Club, designed by Gary Player, offers a unique 27-hole experience.

Creve Coeur Golf Course and Forest Park Golf Course are great for those on a budget. They offer quality golf at a lower price. These courses are loved by local golfers for their charm and accessibility.

Golfers visiting the St. Louis area must play Gateway National Golf Links. It has a links-style design and amazing views of the St. Louis skyline. It’s a top choice in Missouri’s golf rankings.

In 2023, Missouri reviewed 112 golf courses and got 2,392 reviews. The average green fee for the top 10 courses is about $85.70. This shows there’s something for every budget.

Annbriar Golf Course: A Scottish-Inspired Challenge

Annbriar Golf Course is in Waterloo, Illinois, just outside St. Louis. It’s a Scottish-inspired course designed by Dr. Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry. It opened in 1993.

Course Overview and Design

Dr. Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry designed Annbriar’s course. It’s a par-72 layout, 6,863 yards long, with a slope of 136. The front nine is like Scottish links, and the back nine goes through woodlands.

Standout Holes and Scenic Views

Players love the views at Annbriar. The 11th hole is a par-4 dogleg right with a creek. It’s a mix of beauty and challenge, making it one of Golf Digest’s Top 500 American courses.

Greens Fees and Booking Information

Annbriar has great prices for its quality. Green fees are $44 to $77, based on the day and time. You can book online or call the pro shop. Here’s a table with rates:

Annbriar Golf Course is a challenge and a reward. Its Scottish design and views make it a top choice in St. Louis. It’s a public course loved by many.

Bellerive Country Club

Bellerive Country Club is an important part of St. Louis golf history. It was founded in 1897 and has become a top golf course. Golf lovers dream of playing here because of its rich history and challenging layout.

The course was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. in 1960. It’s 7,547 yards long with a par of 72. Its high rating and slope show it’s a tough course, drawing players from everywhere.

Bellerive has hosted many big golf events. In 1965, it held its first U.S. Open, where Gary Player won. It also hosted the PGA Championship in 1992, with Nick Price as the winner.

Rees Jones renovated the course in 2006. This kept Bellerive at the top of golf. The club is set to host big events like the 2026 BMW Championship and the 2030 Presidents Cup.

Forest Park Golf Course

Forest Park Golf Course is a historic gem in St. Louis. It offers a top-notch city park golf experience. Built in 1912, it has become a favorite spot for golf lovers. The course, also known as Norman K. Probstein Golf Course, has three nine-hole layouts for all skill levels.

The course has Zoysia Grass fairways and L-93 Bentgrass greens. This makes for great playing conditions. In 2003, famous architects Hale Irwin, Robert Foulis, and Stan Gentry worked on the design. They made it one of St. Louis’s best golf spots.

Players love Forest Park Golf Course for its quality and charm. It has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 from 30 reviews. A whopping 89.5% of players recommend it. The layout and amenities get a 4.6 out of 5, and the course conditions are rated 4.3.

The friendly staff is another highlight, with a 4.5 out of 5 rating. A nine-hole round usually takes 3 hours and 15 minutes. But, weekend play for 18 holes can take up to 5.5 hours because it’s so popular.

Crystal Highlands: Dr. Hurdzan’s Early Masterpiece

Crystal Highlands is in Festus, Missouri, and shows Dr. Michael Hurdzan’s skill. It opened in 1988, a very important moment in his career. The course is 6,242 yards long, with a par 72 and a slope rating of 128.

Golf fans in Festus love Crystal Highlands for its natural beauty and strategic play. The 290-yard par-4 12th hole is a highlight. It features a pond that adds beauty and challenge.

Crystal Highlands is great for golfers of all levels, thanks to its fair prices. It’s a top spot for both locals and visitors in the St. Louis area.

Crystal Highlands may not host big tournaments, but it’s a gem. It shows Dr. Michael Hurdzan’s early design ideas. Its lasting appeal among Festus golfers proves its quality.

The Cove at Lake Ozark: Robert Trent Jones’s Resort Jewel

The Cove at Lake Ozark is a gem in Robert Trent Jones design. It opened in 1974 and is an important part of Lake Ozark golf. The course is a par-72 layout, 6,573 yards long, with a challenging slope of 139.

Course Features and Challenges

The Cove’s signature hole is the par-3 4th. It requires precision to carry your shot over a cove to an elevated green. Bunkers guard the green, making it a strategic challenge.

Resort Amenities and Tee Time Bookings

The Cove is part of the Lodge of Four Seasons, offering a full resort experience. Tee times can be booked directly through the resort. This ensures a smooth golfing trip. The course is known as one of the best in the Midwest.

Pricing and Membership Options

The Cove has options for both resort guests and day players. Green fees vary from $55 to $95, based on season and time. Here’s a look at the rates:

The Cove at Lake Ozark is a mix of challenge and beauty. It’s perfect for both resort guests and local golfers. This Robert Trent Jones masterpiece offers an unforgettable golf experience.

Piper Glen: Springfield’s Finest Public Course

Piper Glen is a standout among Springfield’s golf courses. Designed by Bob Lohmann, it opened in 1996. It offers a mix of challenge and fun for all players.

The course is 7,005 yards long from the back tees, with a par 72 layout. It’s a place where players of all levels can test their skills. The bent grass layout is a testament to Lohmann’s skill in designing courses.

Creeks and ponds add beauty and strategy to the 18 holes. The course’s slope rating of 133 makes it a moderate challenge. It’s great for improving your game.

The 190-yard par-3 8th hole is unforgettable. You’ll hit your shot from an elevated tee over a pond to a wide, sloping green. It shows how water and elevation can change the game.

Piper Glen is affordable, making it a great choice for golfers. It’s perfect for both locals and visitors. This Bob Lohmann design offers a top-notch experience on a well-kept bent grass layout.

Gateway National: Links-Style Golf with a View

Gateway National Golf Links offers a unique golfing experience near St. Louis. This links-style course, designed by Keith Foster in 1998, has earned high praise from golfers. With a 4.4 out of 5 rating and a 95.4% recommendation rate, it’s a must-play destination.

Course Layout and Design Philosophy

The Keith Foster design showcases bent grass fairways and greens, a rarity within 100 miles of St. Louis. The course’s layout takes full advantage of the natural terrain, providing challenging play and stunning St. Louis skyline views. Open year-round, Gateway National caters to golfers of all skill levels.

Signature Holes and Playing Strategy

While specific hole details are limited, reviewers praise the course’s overall layout and conditions. The links-style design demands strategic play, with well-placed hazards and undulating greens. Golfers should be prepared for potential wind factors, typical of links courses.

Rates and Guest Policies

Gateway National offers competitive pricing for a course of its caliber. Here’s a breakdown of the rates:

The course maintains a dress code of appropriate golf attire. Tee times can be booked in advance, with discounts available for seniors and off-peak hours. Despite occasional slow play issues, most golfers find the experience well worth the price.

Stonewolf: Jack Nicklaus Signature Excellence

Golf lovers visit Fairview Heights, Illinois, for the Jack Nicklaus Signature design at Stonewolf Golf Club. This par-72 course, with 6,943 yards and a slope of 137, is a top golf spot since 1996.

Stonewolf’s layout shows Nicklaus’s skill in course design. It features a large lake and smaller ponds for both beauty and challenge. The course has Zoysia grass fairways and bent grass greens for great playing conditions all year.

The 160-yard par-3 6th hole is a highlight. It has an elevated tee shot to a green 30 feet below. This hole is a perfect example of the course’s thoughtful design, mixing natural beauty with golf challenges.

Stonewolf is known for its great reviews. It has a 4.3 out of 5 rating from 453 reviews. Golfers love the challenging layout, especially the back nine. Recent updates to tee boxes, greens, and the clubhouse have made the experience even better. The club also offers GPS-equipped carts for a modern touch.

When planning your golf trip, think about Stonewolf for a top Fairview Heights golf experience. The Jack Nicklaus Signature design offers a memorable game for all skill levels.

Tapawingo National: Gary Player’s Triple Threat

Tapawingo National Golf Club is a top spot for golf in Sunset Hills, Missouri. It opened in 1994, offering a tough yet varied game. The club has three nine-hole courses: Prairie, Woodlands, and Meramec.

Each course uses the natural terrain by the Meramec River Valley. It stretches to 7,151 yards from the back tees, with a par of 72 and a slope rating of 141. Golfers face a test of skill and beauty here.

The 190-yard par-3 No. 3 on the Woodlands nine is unforgettable. It has a dramatic rock backdrop and a large lake, making it both beautiful and challenging.

Tapawingo National is known as a premier golf spot in Sunset Hills. Its 27-hole layout offers something for everyone. Whether you’re up for a challenge on a Gary Player design or just want a great day of golf, Tapawingo National is unforgettable.

The Quarry at Crystal Springs (Maryland Heights)

The Quarry at Crystal Springs in Maryland Heights offers a special golf experience. Its challenging layout and unique features attract many golfers. Built in 1997, it has become a favorite, with a 4.0 rating from 95 reviews.

The course features zoysia grass fairways and bent grass greens. Golfers can play all year, facing the tough gold tees. Despite flooding, the course remains in good shape.

Weekend rounds are under $50, making it a great value. The management team offers discounts to help after floods. Don’t forget bug spray for the mosquitoes!

97% of reviewers recommend The Quarry at Crystal Springs. It’s a top choice for those looking for a challenging golf experience in St. Louis.

Old Kinderhook: Tom Weiskopf’s Lakeside Creation

Old Kinderhook Golf Course in Camdenton is a masterpiece by Tom Weiskopf. It covers 6,726 yards, with a par-71 layout over 700+ acres. Since 1999, it’s been the centerpiece of a planned community.

The course has zoysia tees and fairways, with large bentgrass greens. It uses the land’s natural beauty, with streams, ponds, and tree-lined paths. The 8th hole, a 416-yard par-4, drops 100 feet, showing the course’s varied landscape.

It welcomes golfers of all levels. Open all year, it combines challenge with stunning views. Water features, valleys, and waterfalls make it a top US course.

Old Kinderhook Resort offers more than golf. It has 84 guest rooms, 20 vacation units, and great amenities. The Trophy Room and The Hook serve meals, perfect for golfers and guests.

Missouri Bluffs: Tom Fazio’s Challenging Terrain

Missouri Bluffs Golf Course in Saint Charles is a Tom Fazio design. It mixes a tough layout with natural beauty. This St. Charles golf gem offers a unique golfing experience for all skill levels.

Course Characteristics and Unique Features

The Missouri Bluffs course is over 7,000 yards from the back tees, a par 71 challenge. It has a course rating of 73.2 and a slope rating of 131. This means it requires precision and strategy.

Fazio’s design uses the rolling terrain. It creates up-and-down fairways and elevated par-3s. These features add both difficulty and beauty to the course.

Playing Tips for Success

To succeed on this challenging layout, focus on accuracy off the tee. The undulating fairways can lead to tricky lies. So, choosing the right club is important if you want to save strokes.

Also, watch out for the elevated greens, especially on par-3s. They require precise approach shots. The 529-yard par-5 15th hole is a great example of the course’s strategic demands.

Membership Benefits and Guest Access

Missouri Bluffs offers competitive rates for members and guests. Its accessibility makes it a standout among Tom Fazio designs. It provides a high-quality golfing experience at public course prices.

Missouri Bluffs Golf Course has a strategic design and stunning views. It offers an unforgettable round that rivals more expensive Fazio courses. Its mix of challenge and value makes it a must-play for golf enthusiasts in the St. Louis area.

The Rail: A Classic Robert Trent Jones Design

The Rail, a gem in Springfield golf, opened in 1974. It’s a Robert Trent Jones design, showcasing his signature style. The par-72 course is 6,630 yards long, challenging golfers of all levels.

Golf lovers will enjoy the classic features. It has long runway tees, 82 bunkers, and five lakes. The greens are complex, requiring precision and strategy.

The Rail’s LPGA history adds to its fame. From 1976 to 2006, it hosted the LPGA Rail Classic. This tournament brought top female golfers to Springfield, making The Rail a top golfing spot.

One standout hole is the 158-yard par-3 5th. It requires a precise shot over a large water hazard. This hole tests golfers’ nerve and skill.

The Rail offers a true Robert Trent Jones experience at good prices. Its rich LPGA history and challenging layout make it a must-visit for golf fans in Springfield.

Planning Your St. Louis Golf Getaway

St. Louis, the largest city in Missouri, has many golf courses for your next trip. You can play on historic or modern courses, fitting all skill levels. Think about location, difficulty, and cost to plan your best golf experience.

Ruth Park Golf Course is great for a quick game, with a par 35 layout over 2,800 yards. Gateway National Golf Links offers a par-71 course of 7,178 yards with views of the St. Louis skyline. Forest Park Golf Course has three nine-hole layouts, perfect for variety.

Here’s a table to help plan your trip with greens fees and tee time info for top St. Louis courses:

Book your tee times early, especially for popular spots. Many courses have online booking. For places to stay, Lehmann House Bed and Breakfast is near many golf courses.