Places to Play
I ’ ve Been Playing the
Lake of the Ozarks Golf Trail
July is a Great Month for Golf and Happy Hour along the Lake Golf Trail .
by Ron Underwood , Roving Course Analyst
One thing is certain : the Lake of the Ozarks Golf Trail is popular –– very popular ! Having just finished a week playing the courses in early May , it ’ s very clear : do your homework before making your tee times and lodging reservations . Verify the weather outlook and decide which course will satisfy your location and travel distances . My course choices revolve around happy hour at several popular spots with both libations and excellent food venues .
After some research , here is the itinerary for my four-day Lake of the Ozarks Golf trip this past May .
Hotel check-in is usually around three to four in the afternoon .
Old Kinderhook
When it comes to golf at the Lake , we have choices –– 12 of them , to be exact . My next choice is Bear Creek Valley — not a single house on this course , only tree after tree after tree . Did I mention trees ? Oh , and don ’ t forget to arrive early and have a great country breakfast at its restaurant overlooking the course , none better ! When you leave the first tee –– teeing off over a pond –– you won ’ t return to the clubhouse until the 18th hole . There is a halfway house on the 10th , so you won ’ t get thirsty . Bear Creek is one of my favs because of its secluded holes . It ’ s a really beautiful course . A “ must-play ”!
Next , we need to narrow our choices . For me , it is a toss-up between Old Kinderhook and Seasons Ridge .
I generally pick the favorite –– Old Kinderhook , Missouri ’ s premier golf resort destination at the Lake of the Ozarks .
The “ River ” course at Osage National offer awesome views of nearly 500-foot cliffs as you play the 5th , 6th , 7th , and 8th holes along the Osage River . ( Photo by Bill Cromwell )
If I stay near the Bagnell Dam strip , my first choice for golf is Osage National . Within earshot of the dam , it offers exceptional golf . It offers three nines , good hospitality , and incredible views only the Ozarks can provide . The “ River ” nine is my favorite for quality and a sense of history , with the 5th , 6th , 7th , and 8th holes playing right along the Osage River with 500-foot cliffs looking down at you . Let your mind go back in time and picture the Osage Indians living along the river in that environment next to those huge cliffs — if those cliffs could talk .
Old Kinderhook
Old Kinderhook is about 25 minutes south from the dam but so worth the trip — the fastest greens at the Lake and one of the better challenges for your game skills . Immaculate conditions , unlimited range balls with a very attentive staff for all your needs . The par-5 14th is probably the toughest par 5 at the Lake unless 300-yard drives are in
26 July 2024 TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE