water is intimidating , and everyone wants to crush a big drive , but if , for example , you are playing the number two tees , the best shot is about 210 yards . That puts you inside the 150-yard marker with a level shot and a good look at the green .”
To further illustrate Duncan ’ s point , elevation changes range from the 84-foot uphill par-4 4th to the 120-foot downhill par-5 14th . Playing 469 yards from the number three tees , I reached 14 in two — hitting driver and fiverecovery club ! I crack a driver pretty well , but I ’ m not a long 300-yard hitter . Elevation changes are key on Bear Creek Valley ’ s signature hole , the downhill par-3 16th . “ The elevation change really makes the hole ,” Duncan said . “ It seems like the ball is in the air forever , and seeing it hit the green is great .” Speaking of the greens , Duncan says they are cut or rolled every morning ! “ They ’ re usually pretty fast and roll true ,” he said . I say , “ Kudos to Golf Course Superintendent Chris Meyers for the fantastic job he and his staff are doing .”
The greens are indeed immaculate , the course is very well-manicured , and those nearly pristine conditions do not go unnoticed . “ We are constantly , year after year , in great shape ,” said Duncan proudly . “ We get many compliments on the greens , on how good of shape the course is in general , and compliments about how nice everyone is .” I ’ ll vouch for that .
You can ’ t help but enjoy the golf at Bear Creek Valley . However , it gets even better ! If you set a morning tee time , grab yourself breakfast before your round . It ’ s a real treat ! Bear Creek has been voted “ Best Breakfast at the Lake ” numerous times , and the food is outstanding ! My favorite is the eggs benedict ; Duncan ’ s — the Bear Creek Hash . “ Bear Creek Hash is made with smoked ham instead of corned beef and a variety of different ingredients , including cilantro ,” he said . Yum !
Bear Creek also offers unique daily golf and food combo specials . Golf-N-Food Tuesdays include 18 holes of golf with cart and breakfast or lunch off the menu for $ 75 . ( See more specials on page 24 .)
Bear Creek Valley ’ s par-3 16th hole drops nearly 100 feet from tee to green . It ’ s a fun golf shot . The course offers a peaceful , private Ozarks setting with no houses lining the course .
Restaurant hours are 7 a . m . – 3 p . m ., so you will need to schedule your tee time accordingly .
Whether you want to quench your appetite for golf or your stomach — Bear Creek Valley does not disappoint . You ’ ll clean your plate and want to go back for more !
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For more information about Bear Creek Valley Golf Club , call 573.320.1020 or visit www . BearCreekValley . com . It is located just east of Highway 54 ( behind Lowes ) on Highway 42 . The address is 910 Highway 42 , Osage Beach , MO 65065 .
With a well-struck tee shot and a precise second shot to the downhill green that ’ s nicely tucked away in the valley surrounded by timber , the par-5 14th hole can be a birdie or eagle hole . The green is a bit tricky , but if you make it in two , you can bag a Birdie !
TeeTimesMagazine . com TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE August 2024 17