Destinations
Continues with Upgrades and Its Popularity
Destinations
Lake Valley Golf Club
Continues with Upgrades and Its Popularity
by John Baccala, Golf Course Profiler, and Bill Cromwell, Publisher
Lake Valley Golf Club has sat on the south side of U. S. Highway 54, just outside Camdenton and across the Niangua Arm bridge of the Lake of the Ozarks for more than 55 years. While it may not be the first Lake golf destination that comes to mind, its extensive upgrades and renovations in recent years may change your perspective.
Most avid Lake-area golfers know Lake Valley because of its unique layout— six par 3s, six par 4s, and six par 5s. However, the member-owned, public course wanted to be recognized for more than its quirky yet fun design, so in 2020, the membership unanimously approved a 15-year capital improvement plan. Since that time, several phases of the plan have been completed.
In 2021, it completed interior clubhouse renovations and oncourse upgrades, including new, pristine white sand bunkers with improved drainage. In 2024, the clubhouse underwent another update, featuring a new paint job, awnings, and a new sign highlighting the club’ s logo.
Despite not actually sitting on the Lake, there is water near 13 of the holes. Small lakes dot the last three holes, while a meandering creek bisects the course throughout the front and back nine. And while not particularly long, Lake Valley features enough elevation changes to keep you challenged, and its quick, undulating greens force you to— much like the trip down U. S. 54— watch your speed.
Wilson says his favorite hole is the slight dogleg left par-4 8th, featuring several of those beautiful white sand bunkers and a picturesque view of the Lake as a backdrop.
“ It is a risk / reward hole for the longer hitters,” he said.“ If you can hit the ball high enough and long enough, you can carry the tall sycamores that line the creek all the way down the left side. If successful, you have under 100 yards on approach to a narrow green guarded by two greenside bunkers.”
More upgrades came this year( 2025). In May, new tee boxes were built. With the ever-growing popularity of golf and the club’ s increase in play over recent years, members felt they had outgrown their tee boxes. So, five new tee boxes were built, and 21 other tee boxes were expanded.
“ The improvements had been talked about for many years,” said Rob Wilson, the long-time Lake Valley head golf professional.“ Now, members and public golfers are thrilled with the improvements— we continually get positive feedback from everyone.”
The clubhouse renovations expanded the main restroom area for members and guests, and several big-screen TVs with a new audio system were also added to the newly renovated bar and grill area, creating what Wilson calls“ a very inviting atmosphere.” The improvements have been a big hit with golfers and bar and restaurant patrons alike.
While all the upgrades have been a big hit, Wilson says,“ The biggest compliments are about the new white sand bunkers and the visual definition they give to the golf course.”
Lake Valley’ s par 72 course features six sets of tees, ranging from 6,374 yards from the back tees to 4,891 yards from red tees. It also offers forward tees playing at 3,915 yards for seniors, juniors, and those new to the game.
26 August 2025 TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE
Lake Valley’ s scenic par-3 17th.
( Photo by Bill Cromwell.)
A favorite among many golfers is the downhill par-3 17th, which features a large scenic lake behind the green. Ranging from 134 to 179 yards, there is really no trouble— unless you are long. Then, you are wet! Like so many of the holes at Lake Valley, tee to green is very“ visually pleasing.”
Simply said, Lake Valley is just a pretty golf course that’ s fun to play.
Nevertheless, it’ s a scenic golf course that just doesn’ t get much“ ink” or many“ shout-outs” compared to other Lake of the Ozarks resort-style golf destinations. However, that’ s changing too. Wilson said changing the narrative might have started by changing the name.