Trip to Tee

Barbecue & Birdies: A Kansas City Golf Trip

Five public courses across the Kansas City metro, all under $100.

Kansas City has one of the best public-golf values in America. Swope Memorial, Shoal Creek, Adams Pointe, Ironhorse and Sycamore Ridge span both sides of the state line, with weekday rounds from $57 to $95, plus barbecue and jazz in the evenings.

Kansas City's courses are municipally owned or competitively priced, so quality per dollar is high. The metro spans two states, which broadens your choices without long drives.

Swope Memorial, designed by Tillinghast, is the headliner. Ironhorse and Sycamore Ridge on the Kansas side add modern layouts.

Region
Midwest
Courses
5
Total driving
81 miles
Duration
3 days
Estimated green fees
~$363
Difficulty
Intermediate

Courses in this guide

  1. Shoal Creek Golf Course — Kansas City, Missouri
  2. Adams Pointe Golf Club — Blue Springs, Missouri
  3. Swope Memorial Golf Course — Kansas City, Missouri
  4. Ironhorse Golf Club — Leawood, Kansas
  5. Sycamore Ridge Golf Club — Spring Hill, Kansas

Suggested itineraries

  1. Day 1: Shoal Creek and Adams Pointe

    Play Shoal Creek in North Kansas City, then drive east to Blue Springs for a twilight round at Adams Pointe. Dinner downtown or in the Power & Light district.

  2. Day 2: Swope Memorial and Ironhorse

    Play Swope Memorial in the morning, then cross into Kansas for an afternoon round at Ironhorse in Leawood. Dinner at a Kansas City barbecue spot.

  3. Day 3: Sycamore Ridge

    Finish at Sycamore Ridge in Spring Hill, then head to the airport.

Where to stay

  • InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza: Upscale, near restaurants.
  • Best Western Premier KC Sports Complex: Value near the stadiums.
  • Courtyard Kansas City East/Blue Springs: Near Adams Pointe.
  • Aloft Leawood - Overland Park: Near Ironhorse.
  • Hampton Inn Gardner: Cheap base near Sycamore Ridge.

Where to eat

  • American Slang Modern Brasserie: Reliable Kansas City dinner.
  • Sinclair's Restaurant: Blue Springs.
  • Talk of the Town Grill & Bar: Leawood.
  • Firebirds Wood Fired Grill: Leawood.
  • Gambino's Pizza: Spring Hill.

Getting around

Plan on a car. The five courses are within about 50 miles of each other, with total driving around 81 miles. Kansas City's highway network is easy, but avoid I-35 at rush hour.

Best time to visit

May through October is best. Spring and fall are ideal; summer is hot and humid. Winter rounds are possible on mild days at lower rates.

Budget tips

  • Adams Pointe and Swope are among the cheapest rounds on the list.
  • Weekday rates run $10 to $20 below weekends.
  • Kansas-side courses often run cheaper twilight specials.
  • Barbecue lunch often costs less than a clubhouse meal.

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