The Ozark Mountains of southern Missouri and northern Arkansas have quietly become a golf destination, with resort courses among wooded hills, lakes and limestone bluffs. Combine that with the big-city golf of St Louis and Kansas City, and Missouri offers plenty of variety in the heart of the country.
The main golf areas
Branson and the southwest Ozarks
Branson is known for entertainment shows and family attractions, and the surrounding hills have a cluster of resort and short courses with dramatic views.
Lake of the Ozarks
A large reservoir in central Missouri with resort golf, boating and lakeside accommodation.
St Louis
The St Louis area has many public and private courses, along with city attractions.
Kansas City
Kansas City, straddling Missouri and Kansas, has public and private golf, and is famous for barbecue and jazz.
Northern Arkansas
The Arkansas Ozarks add lakes, forests and quiet courses.
When to go
| Season | Conditions |
|---|---|
| Spring (April to May) | Mild and green |
| Summer (June to August) | Hot and humid; storms |
| Autumn (September to October) | Excellent, with autumn colour |
| Winter | Cold; limited golf |
Playing tips
- Hilly layouts: read how to play uneven lies.
- Tree-lined fairways: read golf course management.
- Summer storms: read golf course safety.
Costs and booking
- Resort packages are common in the Ozarks. Read stay-and-play packages explained.
- City public courses are good value.
- Book ahead for autumn weekends.
Family-friendly golf
Short courses, putting courses and lake activities make the Ozarks a good choice for families. Read family golf holidays.
Sample itineraries
| Trip | Length | Outline |
|---|---|---|
| Ozarks lake weekend | 3–4 days | Base at the Lake of the Ozarks, play two or three rounds and spend afternoons on the water |
| Branson golf and shows | 4–5 days | Mountain courses by day, live entertainment in the evenings |
| Missouri cities | 4 days | Golf around St. Louis and Kansas City, with barbecue, baseball and museums |
| Cross-state road trip | 7–8 days | Kansas City to the Ozarks and on to St. Louis, playing along the way |
Read golf road trips.
What the courses are like
The Ozarks are hilly, wooded and full of lakes and streams, and many courses use that terrain dramatically. Expect:
- Elevation changes, with downhill tee shots and uphill approaches. Read uneven lies in golf.
- Tree-lined fairways that reward accuracy off the tee.
- Water on many holes, especially at lakeside courses.
- Rock outcrops and ravines that make forced carries common. Read forced carries and island greens.
In the cities, courses are more traditional parkland layouts on gentler ground, with many good-value municipal options.
Playing hilly courses well
- Take more club uphill and less downhill. As a rough guide, adjust one club for every 10 yards or so of elevation change.
- Use a cart on the hilliest resort courses, where walking between holes can be long and steep.
- Aim for the fat side of greens on approaches over ravines or water.
- Play conservatively off sloping tees, where a ball that misses the fairway can bounce down a hillside.
Things to do off the course
- Lake activities: boating, swimming and fishing on the big reservoirs.
- Caves and springs: the region is full of caves to tour and clear springs to visit.
- Hiking: state parks and forest trails throughout the hills.
- Branson's entertainment: music shows and family attractions.
When to book
Summer weekends at the lakes are very busy, so book accommodation and tee times early. Spring and autumn give quieter courses, cooler temperatures and lower prices, and autumn colours in the hills are a highlight.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Ozarks area good for golf?
Yes. It has several resort courses among hills and lakes.
When is the best time for golf in Missouri?
Spring and autumn.
Is Branson good for a family golf trip?
Yes, with short courses and plenty of family attractions.
Are there golf courses in Kansas City and St Louis?
Yes, many public and private courses.
Is the Lake of the Ozarks good for a family golf trip?
Yes. Lake activities and family attractions make it easy to keep non-golfers busy. Read family golf holidays.
Are Ozarks courses hard to walk?
Many resort courses are very hilly and best played with a cart; municipal courses in the cities are usually easier to walk.
The bottom line
Missouri and the Ozarks offer resort golf among hills and lakes, plus good city golf. Visit in spring or autumn and bring the family. For more central US golf, read golf in the Great Plains.