The Inside Swing

Best Public Golf Courses in Missouri

The top 5 public and daily-fee golf courses in Missouri, ranked by our editorial team for 2026.

1

St. Louis, Missouri · Gary Kern (2002) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,136 yards

Consistently rated the top public course in the St. Louis metro area, Tapawingo National features a rolling layout through wooded terrain with dramatic elevation changes. The championship design delivers a premium golf experience at public pricing with excellent conditioning and scenic Missouri views.

Top-rated public course in St. Louis metroDramatic elevation changes through woodsPremium championship experience at public pricing
Green Fee: $50–$95 Rating: 4.3/5
2

Raymore, Missouri · Tom Watson Design (2002) · 18 holes · Par 71 · 6,806 yards

Co-designed by Kansas City native and World Golf Hall of Famer Tom Watson, Creekmoor in Raymore features links-style elements with fescue-lined fairways and strategic bunkering on rolling terrain south of KC. Watson's design philosophy emphasizes ground-game options and firm playing conditions.

Co-designed by Hall of Famer Tom WatsonLinks-style elements with fescue roughFirm-and-fast playing conditions
Green Fee: $40–$75 Rating: 4.2/5
3

Raymore, Missouri · Jim Colbert (1998) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,032 yards

A Jim Colbert design south of Kansas City, Creekmoor offers championship-caliber public golf through rolling Missouri terrain with creeks, lakes, and mature hardwoods. The affordable layout provides solid golf value with well-maintained conditions throughout the season.

Jim Colbert championship designAffordable public golf south of KCRolling Missouri terrain with water features
Green Fee: $30–$55 Rating: 4.1/5
4

Kansas City, Missouri · Rick Robbins (2001) · 18 holes · Par 71 · 6,828 yards

A Rick Robbins design on the former Staley Farms property in north Kansas City, this public course features rolling terrain, native grasses, and scenic views. The affordable layout consistently ranks among the best public golf values in the Kansas City metro area.

Built on historic Staley Farms propertyTop public golf value in KC metroRolling terrain with native grasses
Green Fee: $30–$60 Rating: 4.1/5
5

Kansas City, Missouri · Steve Wolfard (2001) · 18 holes · Par 71 · 6,878 yards

A Steve Wolfard design on the eastern edge of Kansas City, Shoal Creek winds through native Midwestern terrain with creeks, wetlands, and mature oak corridors. The accessible public layout provides a solid golf experience with interesting elevation changes and excellent drainage that keeps the course playable year-round.

Native Midwestern terrain with creek corridorsExcellent drainage for year-round playAccessible public pricing in east KC
Green Fee: $35–$65 Rating: 4.1/5

More Missouri Golf

Frequently Asked Questions

How many public and daily-fee golf courses are in Missouri?
We've identified 5 top-rated public and daily-fee courses in Missouri. The state has many more total courses, but these represent the best options for visiting golfers.
What is the best public and daily-fee course in Missouri?
Tapawingo National Golf Club (Gary Kern, 2002) is our top-ranked public and daily-fee course in Missouri with a 4.3 rating.
What is the best value public and daily-fee course in Missouri?
Creekmoor Golf Club at $30–$55 offers excellent value. It's an Jim Colbert design built in 1998.

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