Photo courtesy Getaway Golf
Life
Where to Find Golf Courses in Southwest Missouri
With spring just around the corner, it’s time to tee up. We’ve rounded up some of the best public courses where you can sharpen your swing and grab something to eat, too..
by Katie Pollock Estes, Claire Porter
Sep 2023
BigShots Golf
1930 E. Kearney St., Springfield
The golf experience: At this huge indoor-outdoor facility, you can book one of 56 tee boxes with your friends for $29 to $53 per hour. Their Doppler radar–based tracking system covers the tee box and range, so you can keep track of your stats. While you’re there, huddle up around an outdoor fire pit or play one of the lawn games.
What to eat: Eat at the restaurant or order your food delivered to your tee box. We recommend the toppings-packed BFD Loaded Fries or a Bee Sting cocktail made with grapefruit and jalapeño.
Read reviews of BigShots Golf.
Top of the Rock Golf Course
150 Top of the Rock Road, Ridgedale
The golf experience: This 9-hole, par-3 Jack Nicklaus Signature course features incredible views of Table Rock Lake and the gorgeous Ozarks. It has that vacation vibe, with peaceful peeks at waterfalls, creeks, beautiful skies and more. The cost for tee times starts at $150.
What to eat: Grab a seat at Buffalo Bar to keep those pretty views coming, and order the baked brie appetizer with a refreshing Par 3 G&T cocktail.
Read reviews of Golf at Top of the Rock.
MetaGolf
1217 Branson Landing Blvd., Branson
The golf experience: Starting at $65 on weekends or $55 on weekdays, you can book a golf bay where you and your pals get to practice your swing in a fully simulated environment. If you need to brush up, you can book lessons with a pro.
What to eat: MetaGolf is located on Branson Landing, so you can pop over to one of the outdoor mall’s dining spots after you play.
Read reviews of MetaGolf.
Getaway Golf
3833 E. Sunshine St., Springfield
The golf experience: So maybe you’re more of a putter than a full-on golfer. You can have a leisurely game of mini-golf at this travel-themed attraction in Springfield where you’ll get to putt through mini versions the Gateway Arch and the Eiffel Tower.
What to eat: Munch on Barcelona Sticks (sweet churros with chocolate sauce) and an ice-cold margarita from the 19th Hole.
Read reviews of Getaway Golf.
Payne’s Valley Golf Course
1250 Golf Club Dr., Hollister
The golf experience: Get the full 18-hole experience at this Tiger Woods–designed golf course in Branson. Actually, you can play a special 19th hole as well, Big Rock, where the views are incredible. Public seasonal rates are $165 to $450.
What to eat: Nearby Mountain Top Grill overlooks Payne’s Valley Golf Course.
Read reviews of Payne's Valley Golf Course.
Public Golf Courses in Springfield
Rivercut Golf Course
2850 W. Farm Rd. 190, Springfield
Staying true to its name, Rivercut Golf Course meanders along the James River just south of Springfield. The 18-hole municipal course was designed by Ken Dye and hosts several qualifying rounds for tournaments such as the Governor’s Cup and the City Championship.
Read reviews of Rivercut Golf Course.
Ledgestone
1600 Ledgestone Way, Branson West
Ledgestone Golf Course is one of Branson’s best-kept secrets. The scenic course was designed by Tom Clark and is nestled into the Ozark Mountains. Rock outcroppings, creeks, ponds and stunning scenery weave through the 18-hole course, which was named one of the top five best courses in Missouri and one of the best resort courses by Golfweek magazine.
Read reviews of Ledgestone Golf Course.
Bill and Payne Stewart Golf Course
1825 E. Norton Rd., Springfield
Named for local golf legend Bill Stewart and his PGA Championship–winning son Payne, this Perry Maxwell–designed course opened in 1947 and is the oldest public course in Springfield. The available PGA Professionals love the unique character—or “flavor” as they call it—of the undulating greens, which force players to be dedicated and focused.
Read reviews of Bill and Payne Stewart Golf Course.
