Missouri is home to a mix of historic and modern golf courses, offering exceptional experiences for players of all skill levels.
The top five courses include St. Louis Country Club, Bellerive Country Club, Ozarks National, Old Warson Country Club, and Payne’s Valley—each known for unique designs and standout features.
Keep reading to learn more about what makes these courses the best in the state.
St. Louis Country Club (Ladue, Missouri)
St. Louis Country Club, located in Ladue, Missouri, is one of the most prestigious private golf courses in the state.
Its combination of rich history, timeless design, and challenging terrain has earned it a special place in the hearts of golf purists.
History and Design
Designed in 1914 by C.B. Macdonald, often referred to as the “father of American golf architecture,” St. Louis Country Club showcases his signature “ideal holes.”
These are carefully crafted replicas of famous holes from iconic courses in the UK and Europe, adapted to the Missouri landscape.
The course is a prime example of early 20th-century golf design, emphasizing strategic play over sheer length.
Macdonald’s approach ensured that every hole offers a unique challenge, requiring players to think about shot placement and angles.
This design philosophy has stood the test of time, making St. Louis Country Club a favorite among those who appreciate classic golf course architecture.
The course is not just about playing golf; it's about engaging with a piece of history that reflects the golden age of course design.
Unique Course Features
The course’s hilly terrain and unique landforms create a visually stunning and physically demanding playing experience.
Rolling fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and natural contours make each hole distinctive.
The elevation changes not only add complexity but also provide breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Additionally, the greens are small and well-guarded, challenging golfers to bring their best short-game skills.
The layout rewards precision and strategic thinking, making it a course that favors experience and finesse over power.
Historical Highlights
St. Louis Country Club is steeped in golfing history, having hosted the 1947 U.S. Open.
This tournament became legendary due to Sam Snead’s dramatic playoff loss, highlighted by his missed short putt on the 18th hole during regulation play.
Moments like these add to the lore of the course, attracting players and historians who appreciate the game's rich past.
The club has also been a venue for numerous regional and amateur tournaments, cementing its reputation as one of the premier golfing destinations in the Midwest.
Who Can Play
St. Louis Country Club is a private course, accessible only to members and their invited guests.
This exclusivity ensures the course remains in pristine condition and provides a quiet, undisturbed environment for its players.
Membership is highly sought after, and the club is known for maintaining a low profile while offering world-class facilities.
If you're fortunate enough to receive an invitation to play, you’ll not only enjoy a challenging round of golf but also gain insight into the history and traditions of one of America’s most iconic golf courses.
Bellerive Country Club (Town and Country, Missouri)
Bellerive Country Club is one of Missouri’s most celebrated golf courses, known for its modern design, challenging layout, and legacy of hosting prestigious tournaments.
Situated in Town and Country, this private course continues to set the standard for excellence in golf.
History and Renovations
Originally designed by Robert Trent Jones in 1960, Bellerive was crafted to challenge even the best players while providing a rewarding experience for members.
Its layout emphasized strategic play with fairways that required precision and greens designed to test putting skills.
However, as the game evolved, the course underwent a major renovation led by Rees Jones in 2005-06, bringing it up to modern championship standards.
The updates included extending the course’s length to 7,547 yards, reshaping bunkers, and reworking the greens to introduce more undulation and complexity.
These changes elevated Bellerive into a true championship course, capable of testing professional golfers while still retaining its charm for members.
Key Features
Bellerive’s design seamlessly blends beauty and challenge.
The course features six par-fours over 450 yards, demanding precise tee shots and well-placed approaches.
Water hazards are in play on 11 holes, creating risk-reward scenarios that can drastically impact a round.
The greens are a defining feature, with large, undulating surfaces that require careful reads and precise putting.
Their size offers a variety of pin positions, ensuring no two rounds at Bellerive feel the same.
The course's well-maintained fairways and lush surroundings add to the overall experience, making it a joy to play for members and professionals alike.
Tournament Legacy
Bellerive has a storied history of hosting major golf events.
It gained prominence after the 1965 U.S. Open, where Gary Player became the third golfer to complete the career Grand Slam.
In 1992, it hosted the PGA Championship, won by Nick Price, and in 2018, it welcomed the PGA Championship again, where Brooks Koepka emerged victorious.
Looking to the future, Bellerive is set to host the 2030 Presidents Cup, further solidifying its place as one of golf's most prestigious venues.
These high-profile events have showcased the course’s ability to challenge the world’s best players while highlighting its immaculate conditions and thoughtful design.
Membership Details
Bellerive Country Club is a private club, accessible only to its members and their guests.
Membership not only provides access to the course but also includes top-tier amenities, such as a luxurious clubhouse, dining options, and practice facilities.
The exclusivity enhances the experience, ensuring that members enjoy a serene and meticulously maintained environment.
Playing at Bellerive is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the traditions of a course that has defined excellence in golf for decades.
Whether you're drawn by its tournament history or its challenging layout, Bellerive remains a symbol of the sport's enduring appeal.
Ozarks National at Big Cedar Lodge (Hollister, Missouri)

Ozarks National, nestled within Big Cedar Lodge in Hollister, Missouri, is a modern masterpiece celebrated for its breathtaking scenery and challenging yet enjoyable design.
This public course has quickly gained a reputation as one of the finest golfing destinations in the Midwest.
Course Overview
Ozarks National was unveiled in 2018 and is the brainchild of the legendary design duo Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw.
Known for their minimalist approach, Coore and Crenshaw emphasized the natural beauty of the Ozark Mountains, creating a course that feels as if it has always been part of the landscape.
Each hole is thoughtfully crafted to balance playability with challenge, ensuring an engaging experience for golfers of all levels.
The course stretches over 7,000 yards, and its layout prioritizes strategy and precision over brute force.
With wide fairways that reward accuracy and greens designed for nuanced putting, every round is as much a mental test as a physical one.
Standout Features
What truly sets Ozarks National apart are the spectacular views of the surrounding Ozark Mountains.
The elevated tee boxes and dynamic elevation changes provide golfers with a mix of awe-inspiring scenery and tricky shot-making decisions.
Every hole offers its own visual and strategic appeal, ensuring no two feel alike.
The course’s bunkering is both artistic and functional, strategically placed to challenge players without being overly punitive.
Its layout blends long par-fours, reachable par-fives, and par-threes that demand precise club selection, making each round diverse and exciting.
Recognition and Tournaments
Although Ozarks National hasn’t hosted major tournaments, its design and playability have earned widespread acclaim from players and critics alike.
Golf publications frequently rank it among the top public courses in the country, and it has received accolades for seamlessly integrating natural beauty with challenging gameplay.
This acclaim has cemented Ozarks National as a must-play destination for golf enthusiasts looking for a world-class experience without the exclusivity of private courses.
Public Access
One of the most appealing aspects of Ozarks National is its public accessibility.
Golfers can easily book tee times through Big Cedar Lodge, making it an excellent option for both locals and visitors.
The course also offers various packages that include access to other Big Cedar Lodge golf facilities, such as Payne’s Valley, providing an unmatched golfing getaway.
Whether you’re a seasoned golfer seeking a new challenge or a casual player looking to soak in the beauty of the Ozarks, Ozarks National delivers a memorable experience that combines natural wonder with expert design.
Old Warson Country Club (Ladue, Missouri)
Old Warson Country Club, located in Ladue, Missouri, is a timeless example of classic golf course design.
With its rich history, challenging layout, and prestigious tournament legacy, it remains one of the state’s most esteemed private courses.
Course History
Old Warson was designed by the renowned architect Robert Trent Jones and opened in 1954.
Known for his philosophy of “hard par, easy bogey,” Jones crafted a layout that challenges low-handicap players while remaining approachable for recreational golfers.
The course features a traditional aesthetic, with a focus on natural integration and a straightforward yet strategically demanding design.
The club’s roots reflect an era when golf courses were designed to emphasize the beauty of the land and the thoughtfulness of play.
Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to maintain these traditions while keeping the course in immaculate condition.
Notable Features
Stretching 6,946 yards with a par of 71, Old Warson offers a balanced mix of holes that test a golfer’s full range of skills.
The tree-lined fairways create a sense of intimacy and require precise shot-making off the tee.
Strategically placed bunkers add complexity to approaches, demanding careful planning on nearly every hole.
The greens are subtly contoured, rewarding those with a deft putting touch.
The course’s layout encourages players to consider risk-reward decisions, offering a mental challenge that complements the physical demands of the game.
Its serene setting and well-manicured landscape further enhance the experience, making every round a pleasure.
Tournament Pedigree
Old Warson boasts a prestigious tournament history, having hosted significant events such as the 1971 Ryder Cup.
This event, which saw the U.S. team triumph under the captaincy of Jay Hebert, remains a highlight in the club’s history.
The course also hosted the 2009 U.S. Women’s Amateur, showcasing its versatility and ability to challenge players of all skill levels.
These events have solidified Old Warson’s reputation as a championship-caliber venue, recognized nationally and internationally.
Membership Access
As a private club, Old Warson Country Club is accessible only to its members and their guests.
Membership offers more than just access to the course—it provides entry into an exclusive community that values the traditions of the game and the camaraderie it fosters.
Playing at Old Warson is a privilege, offering an opportunity to experience a course that blends history, strategy, and beauty into an unforgettable round of golf.
For those who appreciate the game’s traditions, this course is an enduring gem.
Payne’s Valley at Big Cedar Lodge (Hollister, Missouri)
Payne’s Valley, located in Hollister, Missouri, is a groundbreaking public-access course designed by Tiger Woods and his TGR Design team.
Opened in 2020, this course has quickly become a must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts, blending playability, innovation, and natural beauty.
Background and Design
Payne’s Valley holds the distinction of being the first public course designed by Tiger Woods.
Named in honor of legendary golfer Payne Stewart, who hailed from Missouri, the course is a tribute to his legacy and the spirit of the game.
Opened in 2020, it reflects Woods’ vision of creating a layout that is challenging yet accessible to golfers of all skill levels.
The course features a welcoming design philosophy, with wide fairways and open landing areas, encouraging golfers to enjoy their rounds without feeling overly penalized.
At the same time, it offers plenty of strategic elements, ensuring that experienced players are also tested.
Signature Elements
What sets Payne’s Valley apart is its blend of innovative features and breathtaking natural surroundings.
The course is carved into the rolling hills of the Ozarks, offering panoramic views and dramatic elevation changes.
Wide fairways promote enjoyable play, while the large, undulating greens provide subtle challenges that require a thoughtful approach.
The crown jewel of Payne’s Valley is the unique 19th hole, known as “Big Rock at Payne’s Valley.”
This bonus hole, a par-three set against a backdrop of stunning waterfalls and cliffs, serves as an additional experience where golfers can settle bets or simply enjoy the scenery.
This feature alone has become a talking point among visitors and a highlight of the course.
Event Highlights
Shortly after opening, Payne’s Valley hosted the Payne’s Valley Cup in 2020, a high-profile exhibition match featuring Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, and Justin Rose.
This event brought global attention to the course, showcasing its design and playability on an international stage.
The success of the Payne’s Valley Cup cemented the course’s reputation as a world-class venue.
Accessibility
One of Payne’s Valley’s most appealing aspects is its accessibility.
Unlike many high-profile courses, it is open to the public, with tee times readily available through Big Cedar Lodge.
Golfers can also take advantage of packages that include rounds at other Big Cedar Lodge courses, such as Ozarks National, for a comprehensive golfing getaway.
Whether you’re drawn by the chance to play on a Tiger Woods-designed course or to experience the stunning landscapes of the Ozarks, Payne’s Valley delivers an unforgettable round of golf.
Its innovative design, public accessibility, and unique features make it a standout choice for any golfer visiting Missouri.
Conclusion
Missouri’s top golf courses offer a mix of history, innovation, and stunning landscapes, catering to golfers of all skill levels.
Whether you prefer the exclusivity of private clubs like St. Louis Country Club and Bellerive or the public accessibility of Payne’s Valley and Ozarks National, there’s something for everyone.
Plan your next round to experience the best the state has to offer.