to get to the top of a hill for a 150-yard second or third shot to a green 60 feet below and fronted by a creek and trees. Anything closer, and it’ s a difficult downhill shot.“ A risk-reward second shot,” says Mahon.“ Both No. 1 and No. 16 can be reached in two for possible eagles.”
Back tees �
▲ Countless trees were removed, and tons of dirt moved to build a new pond while creating Grand Summit’ s scenic signature hole, the par-4 4th that’ s now 260 yards.
Grand Summit is built into rolling hills— hills that occasionally leave side-hill second shots, particularly the fairways on holes No. 1 and 18. Just 16 bunkers on the course, eight on each side, but most are large and deep.“ Well positioned but challenging to get out of,” says Mahon.
Last but not least, the large but very undulating greens.“ Our golf superintendent has done a great job with the greens; you just don’ t want to get on the wrong side of the hole,” admits Mahon.“ There are places you don’ t want to be. We don’ t hold a‘ Superintendent’ s Challenge tournament,’ golfers may never get done.”
With Zoysia fairways and Bentgrass greens, the course offers four or five tee boxes on every hole. A par 71, the course measures 6,633 yards from the back, 5,931 from the more popular white tees, and 4,688 yards from the forward tees. In addition to a driving range and putting clock, there’ s a 12,000-square-foot clubhouse with a bar and grille and a large state-of-the-art physical fitness area.
“ It has so much character, 18 distinctive holes,” Mahon says of the course.“ And it changes every day. The wind changes so much that it can be a totally different course from one day to the next.”
Mahon is in his 22nd year at Grand Summit, which opened in 2002. He and his wife of 46 years, Mary Beth, are the parents of three very successful golfing children. A former head professional at Staley Farms, son Charlie teaches at Grand Summit. Daughter Courtney is the Director of Instruction at Falcon Ridge and with many accolades, including the National LPGA Teacher of the Year award. Their youngest daughter, Mallory, is a former Kansas state golf champion and played four years on the golf team at Missouri State University. She has since earned a doctorate in speech pathology.
▲ In 2020, the 11th hole was shortened from a par 4 to a par 3 and now provides scenic views from the elevated tee.
Although a semi-private course, it is open for limited public play with club members afforded advanced tee times. Play is offered to the public at some of the city’ s most affordable rates. Currently off-season rates are $ 35 before 1 p. m., $ 30 after 1 p. m. during the week, and $ 45 and $ 35 on weekends( excluding holidays) carts included.( Rates subject to change). Tee times are available online at www. GrandSummitCC. com. Grand Summit is located about three miles south of I-435, just east of the intersection of Interstate 49 / Highway 71 and 150 in Grandview.
Tell Charlie, Hi for us! �
▲ Typical of the mounds that flank some of the holes. Terraced tee boxes on several holes provide scenic views.
Alan Hoskins, Golf Writer Lead Feature Writer since 2007 TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE ™ Magazine
TeeTimesMagazine. com TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE January 2026 17