The Inside Swing

Shadow Glen Golf Club

Olathe, Kansas

Public Course · 18 Holes · Par 72 · 7,047 yds · $45–$85 · 4.4

A Weiskopf-Morrish design in Olathe, Shadow Glen is consistently ranked the top public course in the Kansas City area. The rolling layout through native tallgrass prairie and mature hardwoods features strategic bunkering, challenging green complexes, and scenic views of the Kansas countryside.

History & Heritage

Shadow Glen was established in 1987 as a nonprofit equity club, designed by Tom Weiskopf, Jay Morrish, and Tom Watson (a Kansas City native who consulted). Golf Digest named it Best New Private Course in 1989, and it made Golf Digest\'s Top 100 Greatest Courses in America by 1995.

Membership is capped at 355 resident members with no reserved tee times, ensuring excellent pace of play. The 22,000-square-foot Howard Nearing-designed clubhouse overlooks a 65-acre lake. One of only a handful of courses where two major champions (Watson and Weiskopf) collaborated.

Signature Holes

13
Hole 13 Par 4 · 420 yards

Selected by Golf Digest as one of America\'s best 18 holes. A demanding par 4 through the rolling Kansas countryside that exemplifies the strategic design philosophy of the Weiskopf-Morrish-Watson collaboration.

14
Hole 14 Par 4 · 285 yards

"Wild Turkey" — a driveable par 4 named for the wild turkeys Watson encountered while staking out the hole. Risk-reward at its most tempting.

What to Expect

A premier private club with traditional, right-sized greens rewarding reading and touch over power putting. Rolling Kansas countryside through native tallgrass prairie and mature hardwoods. The 355-member cap and no-tee-time policy ensure uncrowded play.

Consistently ranked in Kansas\'s top 5 since opening. Former Golf Digest Top 100 course.

Playing Tips

The greens are traditional size — accurate iron play is rewarded over distance.

On the driveable 14th ("Wild Turkey"), wind changes the risk-reward calculation. Lay up with an iron if the wind is against you.

Elevation changes throughout affect club distances. Trust your rangefinder.

Highlights

  • Top-ranked public course in Kansas City area
  • Weiskopf-Morrish prairie design
  • Rolling Kansas countryside setting

Frequently Asked Questions

Was this in Golf Digest\'s Top 100?
Yes — made the Top 100 Greatest Courses in America by 1995. Named Best New Private Course in 1989.
Who designed it?
Tom Weiskopf, Jay Morrish, and Tom Watson (consulting). One of only a handful of courses where two major champions collaborated on design.

Explore This Destination

Stay in the Loop

Get weekly rankings updates, destination guides, and insider tips delivered to your inbox.