Missouri Golf Courses - Recent Reviews
Hidden Valley
Location: Clever, MO
Address: 4455 Hidden Valley Rd, Clever, MO 65631
Phone: (417) 743-2860
Type: Public
Rating (1 to 5):
For more information on this course: click here
Comments: Don’t let the drive fool (or deter) you!!!!
Hidden Valley Golf Links in Clever, MO is miles deep in the middle of farm country. As I was driving down the narrow 2-lane gravel road towards the course, I assumed that the course would be in ill repair and in need of a lot of TLC. I did not believe that a small rural population could support and sustain a quality 9-hole, much less an 18-hole, course. Boy, was I wrong! Hidden Valley Golf Links is like a mirage in a valley surrounded by huge Ozark hills. The course is beautifully maintained and groomed. There are many opportunities to find trouble in one of the many bunkers, water hazards, OB, etc. The greens are in great condition and the tee boxes are outstanding. One of the owners, Rob Alberty, could not have been more hospitable and welcoming. To promote faster play the course did something I have never seen, all of the tees markers are black. This encourages players to play from the tees appropriate to their skill level without the stigma of playing from the red or green tees. If you are ever 20 miles southwest of Springfield, MO I would recommend that you play Hidden Valley Links. Nice course, nicer people.
Windmill Ridge
Location: Monett, MO
Address: 727 US-60, Monett, MO 65708
Phone: (417) 235-6076
Type: Public
Rating (1 to 5):
For more information on this course: click here
Comments: The two nines can not be any more different.
Windmill Ridge Golf Course in Monett, MO is one of the nicer municipal courses in the state and is very playable. The front nine, separated by Lincoln Ave. (but is connected by a tunnel under the road), is typical of an old school rural Missouri private country club. The back nine is more of a links-style course.
Overall, while not perfect (particularly for a rural muni course), it is a pretty darned nice course. I would be more than content playing here every day. If you live in SW MO, get down to Monett and play Windmill Ridge Golf Course.
Go to our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/mogolftour
Schifferdecker
Location: Joplin, MO
Address: 506 S. Schifferdecker Ave., Joplin, MO 64801
Phone: (417) 624-3533
Type: Public
Rating (1 to 5):
For more information on this course: click here
Comments: Schifferdecker Golf Course in Joplin, MO is a good example of how you build and manage a municipal golf course. Built in 1922, many golfing legends have played on the course over the years including Horton Smith (winner of the first and third Master’s) and Hale Irwin.
For a muni, the course is in excellent condition, providing a great golfing experience and value to golfers of all skill levels. The greens are soft, roll well and are pretty quick for a municipal course. There are a few bunkers throughout the course and they are weed free, which you do not see often on a muni course. There are some water hazards (a huge friggin’ lake on the right side of the first fairway – be careful slicers), doglegs and plenty of trees. Both the fairways and tee boxes are fairly consistent.
History lesson (because I was curious): Charles Schifferdecker, a German who immigrated to this country at age 18, would amass a fortune after he arrived in Joplin in 1875. Everything he touched, from brewing to mining, would enhance his wealth and his ability to give back to the community. He helped build schools, a church, St. John’s Hospital and the Scottish Rite Cathedral. He helped establish the First National Bank of Joplin. You’re welcome.
All in all, I enjoyed playing Schifferdecker Golf Course and would enjoy playing it again and again.