LAKE Golf Destinations
LAKE Golf Destinations
BEAR CREEK VALLEY GOLF CLUB
A Must-Play While at The Lake !
Looking For a Fun Course To Play at The Lake of the Ozarks ?
Editorial & Photography by Bill Cromwell
I
’ ll admit that describing a “ really good ” course is challenging — what words can you use to grab the reader ’ s attention and elevate the profiled course to a high level without spouting lame subtitles like , “ Jewel , Treasure , Hidden Gem ,” and so on .
How about this tagline , “ Bear Creek Valley Golf Club is perhaps one of Missouri ’ s ’ best golf courses that you may have never played ,” — that ’ s a bit lengthy . However , I will attest to this truth — Bear Creek Valley used to be one of the most underrated courses around the Lake of the Ozarks . Today , that ’ s far from true . It ’ s one of the best in Missouri and certainly a must-play while at the Lake .
Hopefully , that description has captured your interest and I can get on with introducing you to this wonderful course .
Bear Creek Valley is one of the more enjoyable tracks I ’ ve played in Missouri , and I look forward to playing it every trip to the Lake . However , it does reside in a most unexpected place , so don ’ t let your first impression fool you . As you drive up to the course , it appears to be a small strip mall . In fact , if you didn ’ t notice all the golf carts out front , you might think you ’ re at the wrong place . Not to worry , there is a great golf course waiting for you .
I try to book a morning round , arriving early for what I ’ ve personally voted “ The Best Breakfast at the Lake .” Bear Creek Valley has a great restaurant and lounge with a staff of servers who are among the friendliest at the Lake , which is important — if you want to get your day on the course off to a good start . Views from the restaurant windows overlook the lake in front of the first tee and the number one fairway , tempting you to eat fast and go play golf — but don ’ t hurry ! Remember , you ’ re having the best breakfast at the Lake . My favorite is their Eggs Benedict — it ’ s also an overwhelming favorite with local golfers . If lunch is your game , they offer a wide array of equally mouthwatering selections .
After “ The Best Breakfast at the Lake ,” step out of the restaurant door , and with a few steps , you ’ re on the first tee . The first hole plays 389-yards with a forced-carry tee shot of 174-yards over a pond to a saddle-back fairway and trees on the right with OB left . If that ’ s not enough pressure for you , then the onlookers from the restaurant ’ s patio might encourage you with cheers or razzing if you dump it in the pond .
Bear Creek Valley Golf Club is 6,796 yards from the tips and plays to a par 72 . The course design is simply supreme and won ’ t overwhelm you — but will “ Wow ” you ! Ultimately , the course offers more fun , and memorable holes dollar-for-dollar as any track at the Lake .
The entire course is artfully carved through 250 acres of dense Ozark forest . And yes , you are in the Ozarks , so there are plenty of hills and valleys with elevated tee boxes dropping to scenic valley meadows .
The “ Little Bear Creek ” winds through the course , and small ponds are sprinkled throughout the course . Most of the ponds don ’ t come into play — but the creeks can certainly cost you some strokes . The course has lush Zoysia fairways , subtle breaks in superb Bentgrass greens ( I mean Superb greens ), and multiple tee boxes , guaranteeing a challenging and enjoyable round of golf for every skill level .
The Final Verdict : Bear Creek Valley Golf Club celebrates its 24th anniversary this year . It is typically in excellent shape , and nearly every hole could be considered a signature hole . I have a tough time deciding the best hole . Maybe you can . Additionally , it offers some of the most affordable rates for a resort-style course — perhaps it ’ s one of the least expensive courses in the area .
The course is downright memorable and fun — play it this year . Bear Creek Valley offers one of the best golf experiences at Lake of the Ozarks . For more information or to make tee times , call 573.302.1000 or visit www . BearCreekValley . com . �
Featuring 12 of Missouri ’ s Top Rated Golf Courses
Twelve of the nation ’ s top-ranked championship courses are ready and waiting to welcome you to the Lake of the Ozarks Golf Trail . Golf Trail Getaway Packages allow you to combine play on any of the area ’ s best courses and lodging in the Lake ’ s finest accommodations , all at a discounted price you will only get when booking lodging and golf together .
You can find more information about Lake of the Ozarks Golf Trail golf courses , lodging partners , and reserve your Golf Trail stay-andplay packages by visiting www . GolfingAtLakeOfTheOzarks . net .
26 May 2024 TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE