Kansas City Area Golf Options — KANSAS
Sunflower Hills Golf Course
One of KC ’ s Longest
Heritage Park Golf Course
Lakes and Creeks Meander Through It
Tomahawk Hills Golf Course
Plays Much Longer Than It Looks
BONNER SPRINGS , KS — Sunflower Hills 18-hole championship golf course plays at 7,001 from the back tees and has earned a reputation as one of the foremost and longest golf courses in the Kansas City area . It opened in May 1977 and is owned by Wyandotte County .
Though it ’ s in Kansas , it ’ s hilly , tree-lined Zoysia fairways make control and accuracy important . It offers five sets of tees ( with the forward tees at 5,081 yards ), large rolling greens , Zoysia fairways , numerous bunkers , and water hazards making it very enjoyable for all golfers .
Other course amenities include a 30-station driving range with accurate targets and measurements . It boasts one of the largest putting greens in the entire Midwest , providing the ability for the golfer to practice putts for all degrees of difficulty . There are also chipping and pitching greens and a practice bunker . Amenities include a full service pro-shop , grill area , and PGA professionals providing lessons and clubfitting .
Sunflower Hills also offers one of the best junior golf facilities in the Kansas City area . The Junior golf course features six holes with three sets of tees .
This is a scenic course and is extremely popular among Kansas City area golfers . The course is located adjacent to the Kansas Speedway , Village West , and is just minutes from downtown Kansas City , MO . It offers very affordable walking or riding green fees . Truly one of those great courses most golfers don ’ t think about playing often enough — but should !
Sunflower Hill Golf Course , 913.573.8570 . Located at 12200 Riverview Road , Bonner Springs , KS 66012 . www . SunFlowerHillsGolfCourse . com .
OLATHE , KS — Designed by Don Sechrest , Heritage Park Golf Course opened in 1980 . “ Over the years , we ’ ve tried to change or update a little something now and then , while keeping the character of a links course ,” said Manager of Golf Operations Rob Wilkin . The biggest improvement came about 16 years ago when rye grass fairways were replaced by Zoysia , and now it ’ s perfect .
About ten years ago , the par-4 8th hole was restored to its original design . “ It was built with a split fairway right and left , but with a creek and a lot of trees , the higher level was not able to be maintained well , so it was leveled off and now it ’ s just a tremendous hole ,” says Wilkin .
A deep swale running through the middle of the green drastically reduces the availability of pin placements on the par-3 16th hole and adds to the difficulty of the hole played 132 to 215 yards over a lake . One day , Wilkin would like this hole to have an island green .
Heritage Park ’ s demanding par 5s include the 599-yard 15th hole and the 539-yard 18th hole that requires a big drive and a well-placed second shot to clear a creek that fronts the green .
One of Kansas City ’ s most beautiful courses , its layout offers an exceptional combination of traditional tree-lined and links-type holes . Three lakes and Coffee Creek meander through the course bringing water into play on 11 of the 18 holes . The course plays 6,876 yards from the tips and is a par 71 . It is an easy walking course for those so inclined .
Located at 16445 Lackman Road in Olathe , KS , green fee rates range from about $ 28 to walk depending on the time of day and day of the week . Carts are an additional $ 18 to ride for 18 holes . More information is available by calling 913.829.4653 or online at www . heritageparkgc . com .
SHAWNEE , KS — Tomahawk Hills Golf Course is one of the oldest public courses in Kansas City at its original location . Every golfer remembers the final picturesque hole on each nine holes , and every golfer needs to play it at least once . From the tee boxes constructed on a bluff overlooking a wide expanse of Shawnee , it ’ s a drop in elevation of 92 feet on the 170-yard No . 9 and another 98 feet to the green on the 178-yard 18th hole . They ’ re two of the most memorable holes in Kansas City .
Located on Midland Drive just west of I-435 , Tomahawk Hills is now in its 117th year . A par 70 played at 5,978 yards from the back tees , Tomahawk Hills plays much longer . “ People look at 6,000 yards and don ’ t expect much — only to find out when they get out on it — it can eat your lunch ,” said Head Golf Professional Michael Tanner . “ If you don ’ t hit the ball straight , it can be a long day . You have to keep the ball in play .”
For example , the No . 1 handicap hole is the 410-yard par-4 4th featuring a tiered fairway that slopes to the right making it difficult to keep the ball in the fairway and on the green . Toughest on the backside is the 390-yard 12th . A dogleg uphill to an elevated green , even the best of tee shots require a second shot of 150 yards — and it ’ s all uphill . The forward ( red ) tees are played at 5,117 yards and are highly recommended for seniors and women .
A fun course to play ; add it to your 2025 “ Must Play ” list .
Tomahawk ’ s very affordable non-patron walking green fees are $ 25 Mon . -Fri . and $ 32 weekends and holidays . Carts are $ 18 . Senior rates Mon . -Fri . only $ 33 with cart . Tomahawk Hills Golf Club , 913.631.8000 . Located at 17501 Midland Drive , Shawnee , KS 66218 . www . TomahawkHillsgc . com .
( All rates mentioned subject to change .) TeeTimesMagazine . com TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE February 2025 17