While the front nine is visually and aesthetically pleasing in its own right, I believe the back nine from 10 to 18 might be the best nine-hole stretch in Kansas City. The uphill par-4 10th and long downhill par-3 11th are just a prelude to the short, but challenging, par-4 12th, where you cross not one, but two hazards and hit to a green where the flag is seemingly always set behind the giant bunker fronting the green. It is a great golf hole!
The par-4 15th features water down most of the left side of the fairway all the way to the green. The 16th, also a par 4, features the same water hazard left of the fairway, with bunkers right and surrounding the green.
While they can make or break your round, the final two holes are among the favorites for most golfers.
The par-3 17th is considered one of the KC area’ s best par-3 signature holes and a favorite among KC golfers.
Number 17, a signature hole, is a downhill par 3 that plays over Shoal Creek. It’ s a scenic hole with a rock wall fronting the green. The par-4 18th is perhaps one of the toughest finishing holes in KC. It plays 462 yards from the back tees into the prevailing south wind, with two fairway bunkers( right and left of the fairway) that will catch any errant tee shots. It can be a very challenging par 4 to reach in two!
Overall, Shoal Creek sets up well for any golfer— regardless of your skill level. The best advice is to keep the ball out of native and prairie grasses surrounding the course. If not, your ball is probably a“ goner.” Just keep it in the fairway, and you’ ll have a great time at Shoal Creek. And isn’ t that the way it’ s supposed to be at any great golf course!
The par-4 15th green with a lake left of the green makes the hole scenic and fun to play.
Have fun( and challenges) playing Shoal Creek during its 25th year. For more information and to make tee times at Shoal Creek Golf Course, call 816.407.7242 or visit www. ShoalCreekGolf. com.
Shoal Creek 2026 Rates( as of 3-2-2026)( All price includes golf cart.)
● Monday- Thursday( to 2:50 pm) $ 72
● Friday- Sunday & Holidays( Open to 2:50 pm) $ 85.
● Seniors – Monday- Thursday $ 58.
● Juniors( 17 & under, must be with an adult to ride) $ 40.
See additional rate options at the website.( All prices listed are subject to change.)
The picturesque par-5 7th can play long with a prevailing south wind. A solid drive and skilled approach shot will card you a birdie on this hole.
John Baccala, Golf Writer Golf Course writer since 2010
TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE ™ Magazine
TeeTimesMagazine. com TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE April 2026 17