your bag . Overall , Old Kinderhook offers a first-class golf course and some of the best-designed holes at the Lake . Old Kinderhook also offers very affordable “ Stay & Play ” packages at its state-of-the-art 84-room lodge , a resort-style hotel literally steps away from the first tee . You ’ ll want to add this course to your “ must-play ” list .
That covers three days of your Lake golf trip . If you have a fourth day , the Lake has even more options . Seasons Ridge is a good option . The Lodge of the Four Seasons also has The Cove Course , one of the originals at the Lake . If you want to travel south again , try Lake Valley Golf Club , across the highway from Old Kinderhook . It is a very well-maintained and enjoyable course to play .
Baxter ’ s , never let an architect design a bar that is not a discerning bar aficionado . In other words , don ’ t put the bar so far away from the fantastic views of the Lake . My choice would be a circular bar overlooking the Lake at the rooftop level . Hey , that ’ s why we go to the Lake !
Other nightlife choices are The Encore Lakeside Grill & Sky Bar , also on Business 54 Hwy . It has both a hotel named The Resort at Lake of the Ozarks and The Encore Bar –– the biggest entertainment venue at the Lake with nightly live entertainment . This is a must visit
Then there is The Oaks Course at Margaritaville . The Lodge here is another great place to bring the family . No one will get bored , and on holidays , the fireworks displays are spectacular .
Redfield Country Club , a “ must play ”! It ’ s only six miles north of Eldon off Hwy . 54 in Eugene .
If you want to travel north of Bagnell Dam on your trip home and have the time for 18 , make this last course , Redfield Country Club , a “ must play ”! It ’ s only six miles north of Eldon off Hwy . 54 in Eugene . This is the proverbial “ Hidden Gem .” It ’ s an excellent course , welldesigned , and the back nine is more than a test . It ’ s worth the drive !
Well , that takes care of the green grass daylight hours . Let ’ s talk after golf nightlife ( happy hour ) choices .
As I said before , I like staying near the dam — more nightlife choices ! On the Bagnell Dam strip , Casablanca ’ s and Tuckers Shuckers Oysters & Tap are two fun places . The former is more of a nightlife bar location –– always busy with live entertainment . The latter is great food and entertainment , with oysters on the half-shell , and is the biggest location on the Bagnell Dam strip .
place , even during the daytime , for its outdoor pool bar . The place rocks all day ! The Resort at Lake of the Ozarks also offers Golf Trail Stay & Play packages .
I haven ’ t covered all the resorts , restaurants , and nightlife bars at the Lake ; it would take a whole book to cover all the options . But if that is something you are interested in , just visit the Lake of the Ozarks at www . FunLake . com and see what areas and amenities suit your pleasure . There are tons of places .
You can find more information about all 12 courses on the Lake of the Ozarks Golf Trail , Stay & Play packages , and its lodging partner at www . GolfingAtLakeOfTheOzarks . net .
A final note .
The Encore Bar
I ’ ve played golf a very long time , like many of you , and I hope we share some of the same expectations from any golf venue that would make them expect our return visit . However , one Lake-area golf location in particular does not live up to my ( or any ) standards for the fees they charge versus the conditions they present . In my mind , such corporate-run venues place profit above overall performance . Playing conditions like sparse fairway grass that leads to muddy or dirt lies and golf rules left to an individual ’ s whim . And this particular entity is a very well-known brand nationally . Its management needs to assess its corporate culture and strive for the best performance available to give the customer the experiences it markets within its branding and national advertising . Just saying !
Around the corner from the strip are two excellent restaurants . J . B . Hooks on Business 54 Hwy is the most scenic location with great vibes for dinner and a beautiful bar overlooking the Lake . Next door is Baxter ’ s . Again , great food and drink . My only disappointment with
And with that , my Lake golf trip included fun golf and nightlife ( I made Happy Hour each day )! Remember , leave the course better than you found it and enjoy the best of times because , after all , golf getaways are the best of times . Adieu , my friends . Enjoy your next Lake of the Ozarks golf trip .
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