Seven of the best courses open to beginner golfers in Missouri

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One place stands out when it comes to providing quality golf courses in Missouri – and that is Big Cedar Lodge.

There is no big tease here as the area dominates the top three in this list.

The state has a number of great public outreach courses and here we list the best of them.

Ledgestone

Ledgestone is an 18-hole, par 71, championship course nestled in the Ozark Mountains but also just minutes from downtown Branson.

Tom Clark's building has unique elevation changes that require precise shot formation and distance control and is a great example of how to skillfully combine course challenges with seamless natural design.

In season you can play a round of Twilight for $85 per round, although 18 holes are not guaranteed. A typical weekday round of the season will set you back $130. Prices for March and November start at $85 while winter prices from December to February are currently set at $69 per round.

Old Kinderhook

One of the most beautiful golf courses in America is the Old Kinderhook Golf Course, carved out of the landscape surrounding the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks.

This 6,726-yard, par 71 course, designed by the legendary Tom Weiskopf, offers a memorable golf experience that expertly combines difficulty and friendliness.

This course puts both power and precision into your game with its large bentgrass greens and pristine zoysia tees and fairways.

Seasonal weekday rates start at $105 and there are better rates offered to lodge guests.

Swope Reminder

This compact course with consistent fairways and multi-layered greens is carved out of Swope Park's wooded landscape and offers a real golf challenge.

There's nothing like the character of this course anywhere in the city, with views of the downtown skyline and the sound of roaring lions from the Kansas City Zoo below.

Designed in 1934 by AW Tillinghast Swope Memorial it was once the home of the PGA Tour's Kansas City Open making it the only public course in the area to host a PGA Tour event.

You can walk the course for as little as $34 and there are other discounts for seniors and juniors.

Branson Hills

Designed by Chuck Smith and design consultant by PGA Professional, Bobby Clampett, Branson Hills Golf Club is a masterpiece literally carved out of the Ozark Mountains.

Natural rock outcroppings, waterfalls and streams are home to an abundance of wildlife that will add to your experience in this amazing area.

Their six tees and fairways vary from 7,324 to 5,323 yards making the course suitable for players of all skill levels.

Branson Hills boasts that each hole may qualify as “The Signature Hole” and offers a unique challenge to all players.

The 130-foot drop from tee to green on hole No.1 gives you an amazing preview of what to expect during your round at Branson Hills.

Seasonal weekday rates start at $150, but residents of nearby counties can play the course at a discounted rate.

Big Cedar Lodge (Payne's Valley)

Founder Johnny Morris created Big Cedar to help families create traditions and find visitors connected to the outdoors. There is, of course, more to do at the lodge than golf, but that doesn't mean the courses are attractive on the side.

Payne's Valley was intended to honor Ozarks native and World Golf Hall of Fame member, Payne Stewart.

It is the first publicly accessible golf course designed by Tiger Woods and his golf course design firm, TGR Design.

With the construction of this magnificent course, The Woods and Big Cedar Lodge provide a playground where golfers of all skill levels are invited to come together to enjoy the game in the stunning Ozark Mountain Landscape.

In high season a round at Payne's Valley will set you back $450 as a guest player while those staying at the Lodge itself will pay $350. During most of the year, juniors play for $85 per round.

Big Cedar Lodge (Buffalo Ridge)

Buffalo Ridge was transformed by the guiding hands of Big Cedar Lodge founder Johnny Morris assisted by renowned golf course architect Tom Fazio.

Fazio redesigned the course layout to immerse players in the majestic nature around them and produced a winner.

Often hailed as the top golf course in the region, the 18-hole championship showcases the beauty of the Ozarks with rich natural grasses, natural rock formations, caves and streams, lakes and waterfalls and the North American bison found in nearby Dogwood Canyon. Nature Park.

During peak season, public guests will pay $275 a round while guests will be asked to bring $225 from May 1 – October 27.

Big Cedar Lodge (Ozarks National)

Ozarks National is the first and only golf course in Missouri designed by renowned architects, Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw.

Measuring 7,036 yards from the back tees, this 18-hole course represents the cream of what the Ozarks have to offer golfers.

With its spectacular views and a variety of scenic attractions, highlighting the natural surroundings, Ozarks National is an experience for golfers and nature lovers.

Also appearing throughout the course are several rolling design features, including a 400-foot wooden fairway and a wooden bridge, which connects the tee box and the 13th hole that stands 60 feet above the flowing river.

The course closes in December and its peak season runs from April 15 – October 27 and will see them asking $275 a round for public guests.