TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE Magazine November 2024 | Page 26

KC Fall Golf Options ►
� Continued from page 20
Shoal Creek Golf Course
One of KC ’ s Greatest Courses !
Sunflower Hills Golf Course
One of KC ’ s Longest
Heritage Park Golf Course
Lakes and Creeks Meander Through It
KANSAS CITY , MO — Since its opening in 2001 , Shoal Creek Golf Course continues to maintain its reputation as of one of “ The Greatest Courses in Kansas City .”
The course features immaculate Zoysia fairways , tees , and approaches . Shoal Creek ’ s rolling terrain and tree-lined fairways lead to large undulating Penn G-2 Bentgrass greens . The roughs are a Bluegrass / rye mix framed by strategically placed native prairie grasses and wild flowers . A superbly designed layout , the course is a 6,950-yard par 71 and offers amazing features , elevation changes , and liberal landing areas .
Shoal Creek offers Global Positioning System ( GPS ) in carts , which gives golfers the exact yardage to the flagstick as well as the contour of the green . Begin your round by warming up on the spacious driving range , which includes a 12,000-square-foot Zoysia grass teeing area , and a 6,000-square-foot practice putting green .
Shoal Creek says , “ We are dedicated to being the best golf facility in our class by offering outstanding service and a friendly atmosphere that we trust will inspire you to return time and again .”
Perhaps one of the most memorable golf holes in all of Kansas City is the 17th at Shoal Creek . The 17th is a 198-yard ( from the tips ) par 3 . From an elevated teeing ground , your downhill tee shot must carry over a deep ravine and rock wall in front of the green . A truly great signature hole . Fun to play !
For more about Shoal Creek Golf Course , call 816.407.7242 . Located at 8905 N Shoal Creek Pkwy ., Kansas City , MO , or visit www . ShoalCreekGolf . com .
BONNER SPRINGS , KS — Sunflower Hills 18-hole championship golf course plays at 7,001 from the back tees and has earned a reputation as one of the foremost and longest golf courses in the Kansas City area . It opened in May 1977 and is owned by Wyandotte County .
Though it ’ s in Kansas , it ’ s hilly , tree-lined Zoysia fairways make control and accuracy important . It offers five sets of tees ( with the forward tees at 5,081 yards ), large rolling greens , Zoysia fairways , numerous bunkers and water hazards making it very enjoyable for all golfers .
Other course amenities include a 30-station driving range with accurate targets and measurements . It boasts one of the largest putting greens in the entire Midwest , providing the ability for the golfer to practice putts for all degrees of difficulty . There are also chipping and pitching greens and a practice bunker . Amenities include a full service pro-shop , bar and grill , and PGA professionals providing lessons and clubfitting .
Sunflower Hills also offers one of the best junior golf facilities in the Kansas City area . The Junior golf course features six holes with three sets of tees .
This is a scenic course and is extremely popular among Kansas City area golfers . The course is located adjacent to the Kansas Speedway , Village West , and is just minutes from downtown Kansas City , MO . It offers very affordable walking or riding green fees . Truly one of those great courses most golfers don ’ t think about playing often enough — but should !
Sunflower Hill Golf Course , 913.573.8570 . Located at 12200 Riverview Road , Bonner Springs , KS 66012 . www . SunFlowerHillsGolfCourse . com .
OLATHE , KS — Designed by Don Sechrest , Heritage Park Golf Course opened in 1980 . “ Over the years , we ’ ve tried to change or update a little something now and then , while keeping the character of a links course ,” said Manager of Golf Operations Rob Wilkin . The biggest improvement came about 15 years ago when Rye grass fairways were replaced by Zoysia , and now the fairways are perfect .
About ten years ago , the par-4 8th hole was restored to its original design . “ It was built with a split fairway right and left , but with a creek and a lot of trees , the higher level was not able to be maintained well , so it was leveled off and now it ’ s just a tremendous hole ,” says Wilkin .
A deep swale running through the middle of the green drastically reduces the availability of pin placements on the par-3 16th hole and adds to the difficulty of the hole played 132 to 215 yards over a lake . One day , Wilkin would like this hole to have an island green .
Heritage Park ’ s demanding par 5s include the 599-yard 15th hole and the 539-yard 18th hole that requires a big drive and a well-placed second shot to clear a creek that fronts the green .
One of Kansas City ’ s most beautiful courses , its layout offers an exceptional combination of traditional tree-lined and links-type holes . Three lakes and Coffee Creek meanders through the course bringing water into play on 11 of the 18 holes . The course plays 6,876 yards from the tips and is a par 71 . It ’ s an easy walking course for those so inclined .
Located at 16445 Lackman Road in Olathe , KS , green fee rates range from about $ 28 to walk depending on the time of day and day of the week . Carts are an additional $ 18 to ride for 18 holes . More information is available by calling 913.829.4653 or online at www . heritageparkgc . com .
26 Nov . / Dec . 2024 TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE
( Rates mentioned on these pages are subject to change .)