Hodge Park’ s front nine features a short par-4 2nd hole and the short par-5 4th hole— watch for the water left of the fairway, and a really challenging, almost boomerang-shaped, dogleg-left par-4 8th hole. If you are lucky enough to hit the fairway on No. 8, remember exactly how you did it. You’ ll need to replicate the shot on the par-4 10th— one of the most, if not“ The” most challenging hole on the course.
“ It [ No. 10 ] is a dogleg left from an elevated tee,” Underwood said.“ You need an accurate tee ball, ideally in the center or right center of the fairway. If you hit the ball a little left, several large oak trees block any opportunity for hitting the green, but if you’ re on the proper side of the fairway, your approach shot is much easier.”
I love the short, downhill par-4 15th. Make sure you climb the steps of the lookout tower first to see if the coast is clear— then put the driver back in the bag, or else— splash!“ You need to lay up because there’ s water about 200 yards out,” Underwood said.“ Two large oak trees border the approach into the green, which makes your tee shot crucial. The green is also elevated, making the big oaks look even more menacing. Hitting over them is probably too difficult for most players unless you can hit a pitching wedge 130-to-140 yards, so most are forced to hit a low shot between the trees.
Hodge Park has a fourth set of tees, the short tees( named ST), designed for the young golfer, the young-at-heart golfer, and those new to the game. Underwood said the short tees take the pressure off and helps with the pace of play while they are learning. Underwood encourages their use for more fun.
“ We try to talk players into playing from a tee where they can make double par or less,” he said.“ It makes the game more enjoyable whether you’ re a beginner or not.”
This Kansas City-owned course, managed by Orion Management, has seen several recent off-the-course improvements, including the remodeling of the clubhouse and other improvements. Hodge Park is typically in great shape— one of many reasons the course is on the“ must-play” list for many Kansas City area golfers.
Hodge is a great value; it’ s an easy walk, the golf course isn’ t too threatening, it is fun to play, and the staff is friendly and helpful. Considering the improvements and its park-like setting, Hodge Park seems like the perfect combination for an enjoyable day on the course!
For more details about Hodge Park Golf Course, call 816.781.4152 or visit www. HodgeParkGolf. com.
Hodge Park’ s 318-yard dogleg right par-4 18th is a fun finishing hole.
“ It feels like making a field goal in football because you have to thread it between the trees.” Yikes!
Then there’ s the par-5 17th, the longest par 5 on the course. From an elevated tee, you hit to a sloping fairway that doglegs back to the left.“ Most players struggle with this hole because it’ s difficult to hit a draw or hook off a sloping fairway,” said Underwood.“ But if you’ re able to place your second shot correctly, birdie is a real possibility.”
Hodge Park Golf Course Details Hodge Park also offers fun Combo tees.
Tee Par Length Rating Slope Blue 70 / 72 6,050 yards 69.5 120 White 70 / 72 5,642 yards 67.8 114 Red 70 / 72 4,764 yards 63.7 112
Learn more at www. HodgeParkGolf. com.
TeeTimesMagazine. com TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE April 2025 17