Get In THE Game
Reisner says , “ The course will test your accuracy with our fairways , water hazards , and sand traps ; we have everything you need to challenge you and improve your game .”
Shamrock offers more than its share of challenges , including a four-hole stretch ( holes 9 through 12 ) that ’ s one of the best in the city . Playing 395 yards , the par-4 9th has evolved into Shamrock Hills signature hole . And if you don ’ t play the hole properly from tee to green , you won ’ t want to put your signature on your scorecard .
“ The 9th hole starts with a tee shot that must be strategically placed while trying to avoid out-of-bounds and a water hazard ,” Reisner said . “ The second shot is over water to one of the largest greens on the course , where , depending on pin placement , three-putts are very much in play . A front pin placement and the ball above the hole make for an almost impossible two-putt .”
The relatively short par-5 10th is no gimme , thanks to a testy green , well-guarded by two front traps . “ That can be a very slick putt , depending on the hole location ,” said Reisner . A long , uphill tee shot awaits on the par-3 11th , and the par-4 12th is , as Reisner puts it , a hole that ’ s “ as tough as it gets ” because it ’ s relatively long ( 400-plus from the back tees ) and forces you to a green “ the size of the hood of a Volkswagen .”
He said if you play this four-hole stretch well , you will have done better than most .
Much like family-owned golf courses , “ walkable ” golf courses are becoming harder to find . But again , Shamrock Hills is bucking that trend . “ We ’ re one of the few courses that encourage you to walk ,” Reisner explained . “ Golf can be a great way to get exercise from walking , and with the trends in new course construction — we [ the golf industry ] are gradually getting away from that . It ’ s a better game when walking ; try it !”
For grounds crews at Shamrock Hills in Lee ’ s Summit , MO , the day starts before sunrise as they prepare greens and fairways . Golfers reap the benefits of putting on quick , smooth greens , and perhaps a birdie , or two , or three ! ( Photo courtesy Shamrock staff )
Shamrock Hills caters to all skill levels , and as Reisner puts it , “ It ’ s relatively short by today ’ s standards , but not easily conquered . We see a wide range of golfers daily , and I don ’ t know any that feel it ’ s an easy test .”
You may not have to be a long hitter to score well here , but you do have to be a smart hitter . Three par-4s ( 1 , 8 , and 14 ) are under 300 yards from the white tees –– but resist the “ Long-Ball ” temptation ! Reisner calls it “ keeping the ball in front of you .” Unfortunately , for most , it ’ s not as easy as it sounds .
“ Keeping your ball in front of you means staying below the hole and not getting too aggressive ,” he said .
Shamrock Hills offers a wide variety of league play options during the week and is the home of the seven-time KC Cup Match Champions , who took home KC Cup Match Play trophies for 2002 , 08 , 09 , 11 , 15 , 16 , and 23 . The team was runner-up in 2006 , 07 , and 13 . No other club has even come close to that many KC Cup Match championships .
But whether you ’ re a champion golfer or a “ chump ” ian golfer like me , everyone ’ s welcome to play Shamrock Hills . Green fees are among the most affordable within the KC area — it ’ s fun and a nice walk !
With course improvements and upgrades continually in the works at Shamrock Hills , it remains steadfast in its commitment to providing a top-quality golfing experience for all who come to play . Reisner says , “ All in all , our goal is to provide you with a quality experience that includes exceptional service and a comfortable atmosphere .”
If Shamrock Hills has not been on your list of “ to play ” courses , you should definitely schedule a visit — we ’ ll see you there !
Shamrock Hills Golf Club is located south of Highway 50 in Lee ’ s Summit on the east side of Highway 291 at 3161 South 291 Hwy , Lee ’ s Summit , MO 64082 . For more information , directions , and tee times , call 816.537.6556 or visit www . ShamrockHills . com .
TeeTimesMagazine . com TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE September 2024 11