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Shamrock Hills
It ’ s All About Fun !
Editorial by Bill Cromwell
A lot has changed in Lee ’ s Summit in the past 63 years , especially in the area surrounding Missouri 291 and 150 highways . However , one thing remains the same : Shamrock Hills Golf Club opened in 1961 and remains a familyowned golf course today . Its ownership hasn ’ t changed much , and neither has its focus on its customers .
Shamrock Hills was established in 1961 by a group of four families from Harrisonville . Several family members still maintain ownership today . Built into 170 acres of scenic land , the course is located about three and a half miles south of Highway 50 in Lee ’ s Summit on the east side of Highway 291 .
However , Shamrock Hills has changed a lot since 1961 . The biggest change came in 2012 , when the course converted from Bluegrass to Zoysia .
Shamrock invested heavily in converting its fairways to Zoysia in 2012 . Now , 12 years later , since stripping in Zoysia , Reisner said , “ I ’ m proud to report that we are now wall-to-wall Zoysia on our fairways .” Yes , wall-to-wall indeed ! The fairways are plush and playing like your ball is on a tee . As the weather warms through the spring and
The par-4 9th hole plays 421 yards from the blue tees and 395 yards white . A pond about 15 yards from the front of the green will catch shots too long off the tee . If you ’ re a long blaster , think lay-up off the tee .
summer seasons , Zoysia flourishes ; it loves heat , and unlike Bluegrass , which goes dormant in heat , Zoysia continues to provide a carpet-like playing surface . The greens at Shamrock have always been extraordinary — fast and smooth .
This par-73 layout isn ’ t particularly long . Shamrock Hills measures 6,363 yards from the longest tees and 5,166 yards from the forward tees . It ’ s a perfect course for any golfer from beginner to low handicapper — a fun course to play !
“ Even after 63 years , the mission is the same — offer the most affordable and best golfing experience possible ,” said Eric Reisner , the general manager of Shamrock Hills for the past 26 years . Reisner is one of the handful of Kansas City area GMs who have been at the same golf course for over 20 years . This speaks volumes for his love and commitment to Shamrock Hills , its staff , and its patrons .
In today ’ s golf course business world , the idea of having the same owners for more than 50 years is extraordinary — especially in the golf business ! The same can be said for the golf pros and management staff who have remained at the same course for 20-plus years or more .
Shamrock ’ s par-3 6th hole plays 174 yards from the blue tees . This is a tough par 3 because of the green . It ’ s high-centered sloping towards the front . It ’ s a must to stay below the hole , or you will 3 , 4 , or 5 putt . Seriously ! A three here is a good score .
10 September 2024 TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE