The Inside Swing

Algonquin Golf Club

Glendale, Missouri

Private Club · 18 Holes · Par 70 · 6,620 yds · Members Only · 4.4

One of the oldest clubs in Missouri, Algonquin features a Seth Raynor redesign from 1921 with classic template holes in a compact parkland setting. The intimate layout through mature St. Louis suburbs delivers Golden Age charm with Raynor's Redan, Punchbowl, and Short holes.

History & Heritage

Algonquin Golf Club was founded in 1899, making it one of Missouri\'s oldest golf institutions. Tom Bendelow designed the original nine in 1904 with Robert Foulis laying out the initial routing. Seth Raynor — the renowned protege of C.B. Macdonald — redesigned the course around 1921, incorporating his signature template holes inspired by classic British designs.

Raynor built fewer than 50 courses before his death in 1926, making his work highly prized. Algonquin\'s template par 3s (Redan, Biarritz, Short) are the holes most prized by architecture enthusiasts.

Signature Holes

4
Hole 4 Par 3 · 175 yards

One of Raynor\'s classic template par 3s — bold green complexes with distinct contours drawn from the great holes of Scotland and England. These Golden Age designs reward specific shot shapes and punish others.

What to Expect

A compact, strategic par-70 rewarding precision and shot-shaping over power. Raynor\'s template greens feature deep swales (Biarritz), angled surfaces (Redan), and punchbowl contours. The intimate pre-1930s design has Golden Age charm throughout.

Strictly private — one of Missouri\'s oldest clubs in the Glendale suburb of St. Louis.

Playing Tips

Study green complexes — Raynor\'s template greens reward specific shot shapes. Position off the tee matters more than distance on this compact layout.

Expect pin positions playing to the architecture\'s strategic intent.

Highlights

  • ✓ Seth Raynor 1921 template hole redesign
  • ✓ One of Missouri's oldest golf clubs
  • ✓ Compact Golden Age charm in Glendale

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Raynor template holes?
Seth Raynor recreated famous British holes — Redan, Biarritz, Short, Eden, Alps. Algonquin features several, making it architecturally significant for a compact suburban club.
How old is it?
Founded 1899 — one of Missouri\'s oldest golf institutions. Raynor redesigned it around 1921.

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