Courses to Play in 2024
Swope Memorial Golf Course
Where Lions Roar ! by Bill Cromwell
YIKES ! Time to head in ! photo by Bill Cromwell
If you don ’ t already know about Swope Memorial Golf Course , which opened in 1909 , then you must have just moved to Kansas City or are a golfing “ newbie .” The Kansas City Parks and Recreation owns the course and commissioned A . W . Tillinghast to redesign the layout in 1934 . This historic golf facility is unlike any in Kansas City . Legends like Ben Hogan and Sam Snead played here in the 40s , along with many famous Hollywood movie stars from the 50s and 60s .
Swope Memorial ’ s 18-hole , par-72 course at 6,274 yards is short compared to today ’ s newer courses . However , by no means should you let that fool you ! Its classic golf course design with a deceptive 6,274 yards of hilly terrain , doglegs , and smallish but quick undulated greens will challenge the best of golfers . Huge 100-year-old trees line every fairway on the course , meaning if you don ’ t hit the fairway with your tee shot , then you will definitely be in trouble trying to punch shots from under trees back to your intended fairway . Good luck with that !
The 13th , par-3 , plays 235 yards from the back tees , and the par-4 , 14th , plays 416 yards –– both demand good tee shots and offer unique challenges . No . 13 plays long at 235 yards to its smallish green . No . 14 has a severe dogleg , and large trees envelop the back of the green , so don ’ t go long . The 17th could be considered a signature hole at Swope Memorial . It ’ s a par-5 , 566-yard hole with an uphill fairway , and once you reach the crest of the hill , you ’ ll see the Kansas City skyline . Par on this hole is something to brag about .
This classic golf course is one-of-a-kind in Kansas City and should be a “ Must Play ” for every golfer to play at least once every year . While you ’ re there , be sure to listen for the roars of the lions and other wild animal sounds from the Kansas City Zoo just next door . It ’ s crazy to hear the roars of the lions or elephants while putting . Where else can you get that experience while playing golf at a historic course ?
Greens fees at Swope Memorial are very affordable . Located at 6900 Swope Memorial Drive , Kansas City , MO . For more information , call 816.513.8910 or visit www . swopememorialgolfcourse . com .
30 June 2024 TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE