KC Courses to Play in 2023 ►
Stone Canyon Golf Club
Continues to Thrive as a Missouri ’ s Best !
Editorial and Photography by Bill Cromwell
Stone Canyon ’ s scenic signature hole , the 381-yard , par-4 3rd .
Stone Canyon Golf Club is an 18-hole championship layout that provides truly memorable golf challenges with Greg Norman ’ s signature design traits that include velvet Bentgrass from tees to closely mown greens , creative bunkering , and landscape accents that pay homage to some of the world ’ s greatest courses . Stone Canyon ’ s dramatic layout and elevated tees traverse rolling and rugged terrain with several spectacular stone outcroppings integrated into the layout — hence the name Stone Canyon .
Stone Canyon was purchased in 2015 by Kevin Stallings , the President of D & D Building , Inc ., dba Dreams & Design Building . Stallings , a residential builder in various communities , including the surrounding Stone Canyon subdivision , has extensive construction knowledge that helps the course with its construction and maintenance needs . “ Our long-term plans take the course and surrounding residential developments well into 2036 ,” said Stallings .
Stone Canyon Golf Club is the only Greg Norman Signature Design Course in the Midwest . The course opened in 2009 and immediately received national recognition as one of the “ Best New Courses .” The course layout provides truly impressive golf challenges , including large greens with quick speeds , creative bunkering , and stone landscapes ( hence the name ) throughout the course . Its rolling topography with many elevated tee complexes to valley fairways enhance its private setting with dramatic views .
Known as a signature hole , the 381-yard par-4 3rd hole ( photo above ) begins from an elevated tee complex , and over a ravine to a valley fairway with theatrical views of stone walls and outcroppings lining the left side of the fairway . The green is surrounded by sand bunkers and an amphitheater of rock walls . A memorable and fun hole to play .
Now in its eight year ( 2022 ) under Stallings ’ ownership , he says “ We have a comprehensive plan to continually develop the course as an Elite KC destination golf course .” While improvements are ongoing under the new leadership , the course is indeed an Elite KC golf destination .
Since purchasing the course , Stallings has implemented over half million-dollars in upgrades , including a new state-of-the art short game practice area that includes 5,000 square feet of hitting / chipping areas to a second 5,000-square-foot green completed in
Stone Canyon ’ s scenic par-5 15th .
2016 . There are two sand bunkers for players to practice sand shots as well . A new cart storage building was completed in Spring of 2018 , and new carts purchased every other year . There are continual yearly improvements . In 2018 , the course achieved an Audubon Sanctuary certification .
Another benefit to playing the course during winter months — it allows carts on its lush green Bentgrass fairways throughout the winter , making rounds faster and more enjoyable .
Before your round , there ’ s a large driving range and practice-putting clock . After your round , the Shark ’ s Cove Bar and Grill is the perfect place to tally the skins game , enjoy a cool brewsky , and reflect on your day at Stone Canyon Golf Club . Plan now to play Stone Canyon during 2023 — you might like what you see !
Located in Independence ( with a Blue Springs address ) just off I-70 and Woods Chapel Road at 22415 East 39th St S , Blue Springs , MO . For rates , course information , and tee times , call 816.228.3333 or visit
www . StoneCanyonGolfClub . com .
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22 March 2023 TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE