Lake of the Ozarks golf scenery

Missouri Ozarks · MO

Lake of the Ozarks

MO • Missouri Ozarks

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Best season

Spring-Fall

May · Sep · Oct

Trip cost · per golfer

$1,140–$2,800

7-night trip

Nearest airport

STL

33 mi · STL

Difficulty

beginner-friendly

Handicap 10–20

Overview

Why play Lake of the Ozarks

Lake of the Ozarks offers a scenic golf retreat with a diverse selection of courses carved into the Ozark hills, providing a challenging and aesthetically pleasing experience for all skill levels.

Top courses

Best golf courses in Lake of the Ozarks

Editor-picked layouts ranked by prestige, conditioning and player experience.

#1

Old Kinderhook Golf Club

Design by Tom Weiskopf · Par 71

A challenging Tom Weiskopf design featuring elevation changes and scenic lake views. Play from the appropriate tees to manage the demanding elevation changes and blind shots effectively.

Moderate to DifficultTraditional, Ozark Mountain$90–160
#2

The Club at Porto Cima

Design by Jack Nicklaus · Par 72

An exclusive Jack Nicklaus signature course with stunning lakefront holes. Take advantage of the forecaddie service to navigate the complex greens and strategic bunkering.

DifficultLinks-style, Parkland$120–200
#3

Lake Valley Golf Club

Design by Jeffrey Myers · Par 72

A classic inland course known for its mature trees and friendly atmosphere. Often has great twilight rates, perfect for a casual round later in the day.

ModerateTraditional, Parkland$60–100
#4

Lick Branch Golf Course

Design by Terry Miller · Par 72

A more affordable option with a relaxed feel, offering enjoyable play for all skill levels. Their grill serves excellent burgers for a post-round meal.

Easy to ModerateParkland, Public Course$40–70

Stay & play

Where to stay in Lake of the Ozarks

Resort packages bundle lodging, rounds, range access, and on-site dining. Hotel-only options give you flexibility to course-hop.

The Lodge of Four Seasons

Resort

A luxurious resort offering golf, spa services, and multiple dining options.

Camden on the Lake Resort, Spa & Yacht Club

Resort

Modern resort with a lively atmosphere, infinity pool, and lake access.

Old Kinderhook Golf, Resort and Club

Hotel/Resort

Stay-and-play packages with comfortable accommodations directly on the golf course.

Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake of the Ozarks

Resort

Family-friendly resort with a waterpark, multiple dining venues, and marina.

Off the course

Things to do in Lake of the Ozarks

Non-golf experiences worth building into your trip — from local landmarks to nature, food, and culture.

Lake Sports and Water Activities

Outdoor Recreation

Rent jet skis, boats, or go parasailing on the expansive Lake of the Ozarks.

Ha Ha Tonka State Park

Nature/Hiking

Explore castle ruins, natural bridges, and scenic hiking trails.

Shopping at Osage Beach Premium Outlets

Shopping

Discover deals and designer brands at this popular outdoor outlet mall.

Bridal Cave

Sightseeing

Guided tours through a beautiful, active show cave with stunning formations.

Wine Trail Tours

Food & Drink

Visit local vineyards and wineries for tastings of Missouri-grown wines.

Itineraries

Sample itineraries

Choose your trip length. Each plan is built around the marquee courses, with rest, dining, and travel days dialed in.

  1. 1

    Day 1

    Arrive & warm up

    Land at STL, transfer to your hotel, hit the range, and grab a casual dinner at JB Hooks Bar & Grill.

  2. 2

    Day 2

    Round 1 — Old Kinderhook Golf Club

    Morning tee time at Old Kinderhook Golf Club. Lunch at the clubhouse, afternoon recovery, dinner at Salty Dog Bar & Grill.

  3. 3

    Day 3

    Final round & departure

    Early tee time at Lick Branch Golf Course, light lunch, then transfer back to STL.

Budget

Budget breakdown · per golfer

Realistic ranges sourced from current resort rates, public green fees, and group dining averages.

Lodging
7 nights · $163/nt
$1,141
Golf
6 rounds · $120 avg
$720
Food & drink
~$110/day
$770
Ground transport
Rideshare + cart fees
$420
Flights
Search Skyscanner for live fares
Variable
Estimated total · per golfer$3,051

Season

Best time of year to visit Lake of the Ozarks

humid subtropical

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Ideal Good Off-season

When to book: 3-6 months out

Dining

Where to eat in Lake of the Ozarks

From clubhouse classics to chef-driven dinners worth a reservation.

JB Hooks Bar & Grill

$$$

Seafood, American

Upscale dining with spectacular views of the lake, known for fresh seafood and steaks.

Baxter's Lakeside Grille

$$

American, Steakhouse

Casual fine dining with a varied menu and beautiful lakefront patio seating.

Salty Dog Bar & Grill

$$

American, Pub Fare

Popular spot for casual meals, live music, and a lively atmosphere right on the water.

Shawnee Bluff Winery & Vineyard

$$

American, Cafe

Offers wine tastings, light fare, and stunning panoramic views of the lake and bluffs.

Wobbly Boots Roadhouse

$$

BBQ, American

Famous for its slow-smoked BBQ, hearty portions, and a fun, rustic ambiance.

Dominic's Restaurant

$$

Italian

Authentic Italian dishes served in a cozy setting, perfect for a romantic dinner.

After dark

Nightlife in Lake of the Ozarks

Where the buddy trips end up after the 19th hole.

Shady Gators & Lazy Gators

Bar/Club

A large waterfront complex with multiple bars, live music, and a party atmosphere.

Franky & Louie's Beachfront Bar & Grill

Bar

Casual beachfront bar with sand volleyball, live music, and good drinks.

Dog Days Bar & Grill

Bar/Live Music

Lively bar with multiple stages for live music, overlooking the lake.

Tee times

Book tee times in Lake of the Ozarks

Live inventory from GolfNow plus flight comparison from Skyscanner. Prices update in real time.

FAQ

Lake of the Ozarks golf trip FAQs

What is the best time of year to golf in Lake of the Ozarks?

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Spring-Fall (May, Sep, Oct). humid subtropical

How much does a golf trip to Lake of the Ozarks cost?

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Plan on $1,140–$2,800 per golfer for a 7-night trip including lodging, rounds, food and ground transport. Flights are extra.

What airport should I fly into for Lake of the Ozarks?

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STL, about 33 miles from the resort area. Most national hubs offer non-stop service via STL.

How many days should I plan for a Lake of the Ozarks golf trip?

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7 nights is the sweet spot — enough for 6 full rounds plus a rest or sightseeing day.

Is Lake of the Ozarks good for buddy trips?

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Yes — popular with families, corporate, solo. Quieter evenings, ideal for golf-focused groups.

Ready to book

Book your Lake of the Ozarks golf trip

Lock in tee times on GolfNow, secure your stay on Booking.com, or let our AI planner build the entire itinerary for your group in under a minute.

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Trip snapshot

Destination
Lake of the Ozarks, MO
Best months
May, Sep, Oct
Length
7 nights
Per golfer
$1,140–$2,800
Fly into
STL

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