Where I Played My First-Ever Round of Golf
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Minor Park
Where I Played My First-Ever Round of Golf
by John Baccala , Golf Writer
For me , strolling along the pristine Zoysia fairways of Minor Park Golf Course was like a walk down “ nostalgia lane ,” or should I say , “ nostalgia fairway .” Stop me if you ’ ve heard a story like this before , but I played my first-ever round of golf at Minor Park with my dad — more than 47 years ago . I ’ m sure many of our readers played their first round at Minor Park as well , primarily because 47 years ago , there were far fewer golf courses in the Kansas City area . In those days , it was a treat to tee it up at Minor Park , and honestly , it still is today !
The staff at Minor Park hears similar nostalgic stories dozens of times from patrons who played the course when they were children or in high school like I did .
Playing just 5,624 yards from the blue tees ( the tips ) and just 5,299 from the white tees , Minor Park might be the last truly walkable golf course in the city and certainly one of the shortest . But don ’ t confuse “ short ” with “ easy .” Minor Park is a “ shot makers ” golf course .
However , short definitely doesn ’ t mean “ easy ” at Minor Park . The greens are the key to giving this course its “ protection .” Green
speeds can get up there , and there are some fairly severe slopes in spots . And a lot of the greens are sneaky — meaning they don ’ t look that difficult from a distance , but when you ’ re on them , you better be careful . Approach shots must be in the right spots to avoid three putts .
Located at the intersection of Red Bridge Road and Holmes in south Kansas City , golfers flock here every day of the week .
One reason Minor Park is so popular is that it ’ s very “ player-friendly ,” and I believe it is one of the key reasons for its longevity . So many modern golf courses are just too long and tough for many golfers , and although I enjoy many of those courses , it ’ s great to have a facility everyone , from beginner to advanced players , can enjoy . Any handicap golfer can have a great day at Minor Park , and the fact that you can return to a course you played in your youth and find it still open is a sentimental bonus ! Unfortunately , many of the fun old-style courses with moderate-sized back-and-forth fairways and smallish pushup greens of the 70s and 80s eras have closed .
With very little elevation changes , its a walk in the park at Minor Park Golf Course and often a family affair . Under four-hour rounds are the norm — even for walkers .
10 Nov . / Dec . 2024 TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE