When you combine stunning courses designed by some of the biggest names in golf with a beautiful lakeside resort setting, you have the makings for one of the best golf destinations in the Midwest. And, that’s just what golfers will find at Central Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks Golf Trail.
The Golf Trail’s 13 superb courses, set amid lushly forested hills, impressive rock bluffs and lakeside views of the shimmering waters of the Lake, appeal to golfers of all skill levels. The well-manicured courses are carved from the rolling Ozark hills and feature tree-lined, undulating fairways and impressive elevation changes with some beautiful vistas. And, each course offers its own unique setting and set of challenges that bring visitors from across the country to Central Missouri.
Recognized as the “Best Golf Weekend Getaway” by AAA’s Best of the Midwest magazine, the Lake of the Ozarks has a well-earned reputation for providing top-notch golf and accommodations year-around. “We’ve heard time and time again from visiting golfers from all over the U.S. that they had considered going to Florida, California, Arizona or Alabama, but when they looked at the travel time and expense, the Lake of the Ozarks made the most sense. For many, it’s the perfect fit,” says Leahy.
The most sought-after courses at the Lake were planned by some of the best to design courses or play the game: Arnold Palmer (Osage National Golf Resort, Lake Ozark), Tom Weiskopf (Old Kinderhook Golf Resort, Camdenton), Robert Trent Jones, Sr. (The Cove at The Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark), Ken Kavanaugh (The Ridge at The Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark), Floyd Farley (Lake Valley Golf Club, Camdenton), Jim Lewis (The Nine Hole Course at Margaritaville Lake Resort, Osage Beach) and Bruce Devlin and Robert Von Hagge (The Oaks at Margaritaville Lake Resort, Osage Beach).
The marquee courses may oftentimes steal the spotlight, but the Golf Trail’s remaining courses have stolen the hearts of many golfers over the years. Bear Creek Valley Golf Club in Osage Beach is known for its dramatic elevation changes and spectacular breakfasts. The sweeping views a golfer gets when pulling into the Golf Club at Deer Chase in Linn Creek have many grabbing for their cameras before they even get to the clubhouse. Eldon Golf Club in Eldon offers a fun and forgiving layout as well as a high-tech indoor learning center. Indian Rock Golf Club in Gravois Mills is known for its majestic rock formations guarding the club’s signature 17th hole. Redfield Golf Course in Eugene boasts a traditional links-style layout in pastoral surroundings. And, the course at Rolling Hills Country Club in Versailles has a park-like setting that is perfect for golfers that would like to walk the course.
All of the courses are interspersed throughout the Lake area, yet conveniently located within a 5- to 30-minute drive from one another. This ease of layout makes it easy to play two different courses in a day, or all 13 over an enjoyable extended stay.
“Many golfers that book packages do so in a way that allows them to sample the variety of play available at the Lake,” says Steve Walker, executive director of the Lake of the Ozarks Golf Council. “They’ll pick a couple of the marquee courses and a couple of our ‘hidden jewels’ and they really appreciate the diversity and they enjoy the different golfing experience you get at each course.”
For a golf getaway of any length, the Lake of the Ozarks Golf Trail makes it simple for those visiting the area to combine golf and lodging for one affordable rate. The Golf Trail’s lodging members, as well as many additional lodging facilities at the Lake of the Ozarks, specialize in booking money-saving Golf Getaway Packages, where all a golfer has to do is make one phone call to the facility of his or her choice to have their lodging and tee times booked for them, all for a price that’s lower than booking golf and lodging separately.
And, when the round is over, there is plenty of fun and entertainment to be had at what readers of USA Today voted the “Best Recreation Lake” in the Nation. With over 200 restaurants and bars, there is no shortage of options when it comes to dining and nightlife. Most of the Lake’s attractions are open year-around and the Lake’s entertainment calendar is packed full of fun events and festivities that the entire family can enjoy.
For more information on the courses and accommodations along the Lake of the Ozarks Golf Trail, visit www.GolfingAtLakeOfTheOzarks.com.
