Any St. Louis golfers here? (1 Viewer)

[Golden Gopher]

Looking for some input from any St. Louis locals, particularly those who like to play golf, and are familiar with the greater St. Louis area courses. I'm planning a 4-day roadtrip with my 3 brothers, from the Twin Cities to St. Louis, over Memorial day weekend. We plan to leave Minneapolis early Thursday morning, catch a Cards game that evening (I think the DBacks are in town), then golf all day Friday/Saturday, before returning to MN on Sunday.

I've been browsing courses online for a couple of days, and have come up with a relatively short list. But, I need to cut this list down to 4 courses that are "must play" courses, if there is such a thing. In other words, golf course websites can sometimes be deceiving, and I'd rather not overpay for courses that are nothing special, if that makes sense.

Here's my list:

Aberdeen (SW)

Annbriar (SE)

Emerald Greens (N)

Far Oaks GC (E)

Innisbrook (NW)

Landings at Spirit GC (W)

Lockhaven (NW)

Missouri Bluffs (NW)

Raintree (SW)

Spencer T. Olin

Stonewolf (E)

Stonebridge (NE)

Tupawingo (SW)

Pevely Farms (SW)

Links at Dardenne (NW)

Quarry at Crystal Springs (NW)

GC at Wentzville (NW)

Courses in bold are the ones that stood out to me. I don't have a specific budget, but I think we're hoping to keep the 4 rounds to around $200 per person. Looking at the rates for most of these courses (and assuming we'll be playing twilight at 2 of the 4), I think that's feasible. Granted, it's a holiday weekend, so we have to keep that in mind, but I've researched most of that (varying rates, etc.) already.

Just wondering if anybody has any thoughts, on which courses we should definitely play, or if there are any on my list that I should scratch off. Looking for value (nice course for the money) somewhat, but moreso looking for the courses that might be memorable to play (unique layout, great condition, scenic, etc.). I figured I might only go to St. Louis once in my life, specifically to play golf, so we might as well play the best courses we can. None of us are great golfers, but none of us are complete hacks, either. Not too worried about how tough the courses are... I've played many courses over the years, and the best courses are sometimes the hardest (yet most fun to play at the same time).

Originally, I was thinking we would hit the West/NW side one day (Friday?), then hit the East side (across the river) the other day (Saturday). Now, I'm wondering if we should just get a hotel on the West side, and play four courses there (since it seems like there are a bunch worth playing). The only thing that makes me question that is that Annbriar (Waterloo IL) looks like it's not only a nice course, but the on-course restaurant (Smokehouse?) looks pretty sweet as well. Granted, I'm not inclined to pick courses based on their food, but it's something I made note of.

Speaking of which.... What else might be a "must" while in St. Louis, in terms of food/hangouts? Not looking for 5-star restaurants, but rather what are good places for a group of 4 guys to go... sports bars, etc.

Any help/advice would be appreciated. We'll have a blast, regardless, but sometimes having some insider/local info might help make the trip that much better (or help avoid hitting the wrong spots, etc.).

 

[urbanhack]

might want to post that here as well: http://www.reddit.com/r/golf/

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Gophers or Golfers?

 

[Golden Gopher]

might want to post that here as well: http://www.reddit.com/r/golf/

Done. Thanks.

 

[Golden Gopher]

Gophers or Golfers?

A golfing gopher (or at least Gopher fan).

 

[St. Louis Bob]

I think I've played every one of those courses but it has been years for some of them. Funny enough, one of the places I haven't played. Links at Dardenne, is in my back yard now.

I would narrow it down to:

Annbriar

Missouri Bluffs

Stonewolf

Tapiwingo

Winghaven is also out by me now and I walk by it everyday. It's in really nice shape. None of these places are going to be like playing at really nice clubs in Florida, California, etc. though. FWIW

 

[Golden Gopher]

I think I've played every one of those courses but it has been years for some of them. Funny enough, one of the places I haven't played. Links at Dardenne, is in my back yard now.

I would narrow it down to:

Annbriar

Missouri Bluffs

Stonewolf

Tapiwingo

Winghaven is also out by me now and I walk by it everyday. It's in really nice shape. None of these places are going to be like playing at really nice clubs in Florida, California, etc. though. FWIW

That helps a lot. Thanks. I had Annbriar, Miss Bluffs, and Tapiwingo in my top five, so it sounds like I was on the right track. Just wanted to hear some other opinions.

As for CA courses, I think they can be overrated sometimes, considering the fees to play. Don't get me wrong... I lived in the Bay for 7 years, played dozens of courses there (and attended the US Open at Pebble, the Pres Cup at Harding Park, etc.). Those places are amazing, as are many of the courses in SoCal. There are HUNDREDS of nice golf courses in California (and Florida too, for that matter). But, I'd say that, for the price, there are courses in other places that are just as nice. I've played golf in several states (MN, SD, ND, MT, IA, WI, HI, CA, FL, AZ, etc.), and some of the nicest courses I've ever played were in northern MN, WI, and the Dakotas.

Looking forward to adding MO to the list....

 

[mr roboto]

for when I visit St L next. I'm also moving up to the Twin Cities next year and will need some golfing gopher friends.

 

[BobbyLayne]

I think I've played every one of those courses but it has been years for some of them. Funny enough, one of the places I haven't played. Links at Dardenne, is in my back yard now.

I would narrow it down to:

Annbriar

Missouri Bluffs

Stonewolf

Tapiwingo

Winghaven is also out by me now and I walk by it everyday. It's in really nice shape. None of these places are going to be like playing at really nice clubs in Florida, California, etc. though. FWIW

That helps a lot. Thanks. I had Annbriar, Miss Bluffs, and Tapiwingo in my top five, so it sounds like I was on the right track. Just wanted to hear some other opinions. As for CA courses, I think they can be overrated sometimes, considering the fees to play. Don't get me wrong... I lived in the Bay for 7 years, played dozens of courses there (and attended the US Open at Pebble, the Pres Cup at Harding Park, etc.). Those places are amazing, as are many of the courses in SoCal. There are HUNDREDS of nice golf courses in California (and Florida too, for that matter). But, I'd say that, for the price, there are courses in other places that are just as nice. I've played golf in several states (MN, SD, ND, MT, IA, WI, HI, CA, FL, AZ, etc.), and some of the nicest courses I've ever played were in northern MN, WI, and the Dakotas.

Looking forward to adding MO to the list....

Bob's a pretty big deal around StL - you have a preference between Bellerive or St Louis CC?

 

[Golden Gopher]

Bellerive looks pretty awesome.

 

[gianmarco]

I think I've played every one of those courses but it has been years for some of them. Funny enough, one of the places I haven't played. Links at Dardenne, is in my back yard now.

I would narrow it down to:

Annbriar

Missouri Bluffs

Stonewolf

Tapiwingo

Winghaven is also out by me now and I walk by it everyday. It's in really nice shape. None of these places are going to be like playing at really nice clubs in Florida, California, etc. though. FWIW

I was going to pick 3 of those: Annbriar, Stonewolf, and Tapawingo. I haven't played Missouri Bluffs but have heard good things.

You can also get some good deals at Stonewolf if you check out GolfNow.

 

[TheWalkmen]

I'll recommend playing 27 holes at Forest Park golf course: Hawthorne, Dogwood, and Redbud. If you only play 18 of them do the latter 2. All holes are within the park and it will definitely be a memorable experience. You zig zag around the park, in front of the art museum (very scenic), history museum, etc. It's pretty cool.

Then the other day you can do a combo of Crescent Farms, Pevely Farms, or Aberdeen. They are all in close proximity; Crescent Farms is nice and a good value.. I believe around $50 for 18/cart. Aberdeen is a bit more. I've never played Pevely Farms, I actually thought it was private. The Forest Park courses are not expensive either. I think you could do Forest Park, Crescent Farms, and Aberdeen for $200 per person total.

ETA: I forgot Tapawingo also has 27 holes so you could make a day out of it as well. The course is super tough and a bit more pricey.

 

[walnutz]

I think I've played every one of those courses but it has been years for some of them. Funny enough, one of the places I haven't played. Links at Dardenne, is in my back yard now.

I would narrow it down to:

Annbriar

Missouri Bluffs

Stonewolf

Tapiwingo

Winghaven is also out by me now and I walk by it everyday. It's in really nice shape. None of these places are going to be like playing at really nice clubs in Florida, California, etc. though. FWIW

That helps a lot. Thanks. I had Annbriar, Miss Bluffs, and Tapiwingo in my top five, so it sounds like I was on the right track. Just wanted to hear some other opinions. As for CA courses, I think they can be overrated sometimes, considering the fees to play. Don't get me wrong... I lived in the Bay for 7 years, played dozens of courses there (and attended the US Open at Pebble, the Pres Cup at Harding Park, etc.). Those places are amazing, as are many of the courses in SoCal. There are HUNDREDS of nice golf courses in California (and Florida too, for that matter). But, I'd say that, for the price, there are courses in other places that are just as nice. I've played golf in several states (MN, SD, ND, MT, IA, WI, HI, CA, FL, AZ, etc.), and some of the nicest courses I've ever played were in northern MN, WI, and the Dakotas.

Looking forward to adding MO to the list....

Bob's a pretty big deal around StL - you have a preference between Bellerive or St Louis CC?

I like Bellerive better than St. Louis CC personally.

 

[BobbyLayne]

I think I've played every one of those courses but it has been years for some of them. Funny enough, one of the places I haven't played. Links at Dardenne, is in my back yard now.

I would narrow it down to:

Annbriar

Missouri Bluffs

Stonewolf

Tapiwingo

Winghaven is also out by me now and I walk by it everyday. It's in really nice shape. None of these places are going to be like playing at really nice clubs in Florida, California, etc. though. FWIW

That helps a lot. Thanks. I had Annbriar, Miss Bluffs, and Tapiwingo in my top five, so it sounds like I was on the right track. Just wanted to hear some other opinions. As for CA courses, I think they can be overrated sometimes, considering the fees to play. Don't get me wrong... I lived in the Bay for 7 years, played dozens of courses there (and attended the US Open at Pebble, the Pres Cup at Harding Park, etc.). Those places are amazing, as are many of the courses in SoCal. There are HUNDREDS of nice golf courses in California (and Florida too, for that matter). But, I'd say that, for the price, there are courses in other places that are just as nice. I've played golf in several states (MN, SD, ND, MT, IA, WI, HI, CA, FL, AZ, etc.), and some of the nicest courses I've ever played were in northern MN, WI, and the Dakotas.

Looking forward to adding MO to the list....

Bob's a pretty big deal around StL - you have a preference between Bellerive or St Louis CC?

I like Bellerive better than St. Louis CC personally.

Those two and Old Warson are all great clubs. The Senior PGA was held at Bellervie last year and they'll also host the 2018 PGA Championship.

 

[Golden Gopher]

I'll recommend playing 27 holes at Forest Park golf course: Hawthorne, Dogwood, and Redbud. If you only play 18 of them do the latter 2. All holes are within the park and it will definitely be a memorable experience. You zig zag around the park, in front of the art museum (very scenic), history museum, etc. It's pretty cool.

Then the other day you can do a combo of Crescent Farms, Pevely Farms, or Aberdeen. They are all in close proximity; Crescent Farms is nice and a good value.. I believe around $50 for 18/cart. Aberdeen is a bit more. I've never played Pevely Farms, I actually thought it was private. The Forest Park courses are not expensive either. I think you could do Forest Park, Crescent Farms, and Aberdeen for $200 per person total.

ETA: I forgot Tapawingo also has 27 holes so you could make a day out of it as well. The course is super tough and a bit more pricey.

Interesting. So, you would recommend those instead of the aforementioned ones (Missouri Bluffs, Annbriar, etc.)? Any particular reason (price, quality of course, etc.)? I had put Pevely Farms and Aberdeen on my list (probably top 10), but must have missed Crescent Farms completely.

Man... Decisions, decisions. I wish I was going for a week to 10 days... LOL.

 

[TheWalkmen]

I'll recommend playing 27 holes at Forest Park golf course: Hawthorne, Dogwood, and Redbud. If you only play 18 of them do the latter 2. All holes are within the park and it will definitely be a memorable experience. You zig zag around the park, in front of the art museum (very scenic), history museum, etc. It's pretty cool.

Then the other day you can do a combo of Crescent Farms, Pevely Farms, or Aberdeen. They are all in close proximity; Crescent Farms is nice and a good value.. I believe around $50 for 18/cart. Aberdeen is a bit more. I've never played Pevely Farms, I actually thought it was private. The Forest Park courses are not expensive either. I think you could do Forest Park, Crescent Farms, and Aberdeen for $200 per person total.

ETA: I forgot Tapawingo also has 27 holes so you could make a day out of it as well. The course is super tough and a bit more pricey.

Interesting. So, you would recommend those instead of the aforementioned ones (Missouri Bluffs, Annbriar, etc.)? Any particular reason (price, quality of course, etc.)? I had put Pevely Farms and Aberdeen on my list (probably top 10), but must have missed Crescent Farms completely.

Man... Decisions, decisions. I wish I was going for a week to 10 days... LOL.

The reason I mention the Forest Park course is because you mentioned playing courses that are memorable in addition to a good value, etc. Don't get me wrong, the course is in fine shape and a nice course; others on the list might be a bit nicer, but for memorability, price, and convenience I think Forest Park is a great choice. Forest Park courses are a bit short, so if that would be an issue you might want to look into it more. I wouldn't recommend it to hardcore golfers looking for a challenging course to play.

If it were my choice, and I wanted to play a decent amount of golf, I would just play 27 at Forest Park and 27 at Tapawingo. Tapawingo is much more challenging than Forest Park, so keep that in mind. Forest Park is more of a fun choice in my view, while Tapawingo is more of a serious golf type of choice.

 

[Golden Gopher]

I'll recommend playing 27 holes at Forest Park golf course: Hawthorne, Dogwood, and Redbud. If you only play 18 of them do the latter 2. All holes are within the park and it will definitely be a memorable experience. You zig zag around the park, in front of the art museum (very scenic), history museum, etc. It's pretty cool.

Then the other day you can do a combo of Crescent Farms, Pevely Farms, or Aberdeen. They are all in close proximity; Crescent Farms is nice and a good value.. I believe around $50 for 18/cart. Aberdeen is a bit more. I've never played Pevely Farms, I actually thought it was private. The Forest Park courses are not expensive either. I think you could do Forest Park, Crescent Farms, and Aberdeen for $200 per person total.

ETA: I forgot Tapawingo also has 27 holes so you could make a day out of it as well. The course is super tough and a bit more pricey.

Interesting. So, you would recommend those instead of the aforementioned ones (Missouri Bluffs, Annbriar, etc.)? Any particular reason (price, quality of course, etc.)? I had put Pevely Farms and Aberdeen on my list (probably top 10), but must have missed Crescent Farms completely.

Man... Decisions, decisions. I wish I was going for a week to 10 days... LOL.

The reason I mention the Forest Park course is because you mentioned playing courses that are memorable in addition to a good value, etc. Don't get me wrong, the course is in fine shape and a nice course; others on the list might be a bit nicer, but for memorability, price, and convenience I think Forest Park is a great choice. Forest Park courses are a bit short, so if that would be an issue you might want to look into it more. I wouldn't recommend it to hardcore golfers looking for a challenging course to play.

If it were my choice, and I wanted to play a decent amount of golf, I would just play 27 at Forest Park and 27 at Tapawingo. Tapawingo is much more challenging than Forest Park, so keep that in mind. Forest Park is more of a fun choice in my view, while Tapawingo is more of a serious golf type of choice.

Got it. Thanks again. Still haven't decided on which courses, but the feedback I've gotten will certainly help.

Two other questions:

- Where to stay? I think the East side is not so good, correct? Not really interested in staying downtown, either. I think we're more inclined to stay somewhere further out, maybe near courses we play (seems logical, right). Is near the airport (just south, for example) not good? What about 5-10 minutes west of the airport (just west of the 70/270 interchange... between MD Heights and ST. Charles)?

- What are some good places to eat (could be downtown or otherwise) that would work for 4 guys, just looking for decent food, and possibly to catch a game. In other words, I'm not looking for 5-star restaurants (or even 4 for that matter)... Just a sportsbar or two that have decent/good food, etc. Doesn't have to be a sports bar, though... Could just be something that has good food, for a relatively reasonable price (no particular type of cuisine in mind, either).

 

[gianmarco]

I'll recommend playing 27 holes at Forest Park golf course: Hawthorne, Dogwood, and Redbud. If you only play 18 of them do the latter 2. All holes are within the park and it will definitely be a memorable experience. You zig zag around the park, in front of the art museum (very scenic), history museum, etc. It's pretty cool.

Then the other day you can do a combo of Crescent Farms, Pevely Farms, or Aberdeen. They are all in close proximity; Crescent Farms is nice and a good value.. I believe around $50 for 18/cart. Aberdeen is a bit more. I've never played Pevely Farms, I actually thought it was private. The Forest Park courses are not expensive either. I think you could do Forest Park, Crescent Farms, and Aberdeen for $200 per person total.

ETA: I forgot Tapawingo also has 27 holes so you could make a day out of it as well. The course is super tough and a bit more pricey.

Interesting. So, you would recommend those instead of the aforementioned ones (Missouri Bluffs, Annbriar, etc.)? Any particular reason (price, quality of course, etc.)? I had put Pevely Farms and Aberdeen on my list (probably top 10), but must have missed Crescent Farms completely.

Man... Decisions, decisions. I wish I was going for a week to 10 days... LOL.

The reason I mention the Forest Park course is because you mentioned playing courses that are memorable in addition to a good value, etc. Don't get me wrong, the course is in fine shape and a nice course; others on the list might be a bit nicer, but for memorability, price, and convenience I think Forest Park is a great choice. Forest Park courses are a bit short, so if that would be an issue you might want to look into it more. I wouldn't recommend it to hardcore golfers looking for a challenging course to play.

If it were my choice, and I wanted to play a decent amount of golf, I would just play 27 at Forest Park and 27 at Tapawingo. Tapawingo is much more challenging than Forest Park, so keep that in mind. Forest Park is more of a fun choice in my view, while Tapawingo is more of a serious golf type of choice.

Got it. Thanks again. Still haven't decided on which courses, but the feedback I've gotten will certainly help.

Two other questions:

- Where to stay? I think the East side is not so good, correct? Not really interested in staying downtown, either. I think we're more inclined to stay somewhere further out, maybe near courses we play (seems logical, right). Is near the airport (just south, for example) not good? What about 5-10 minutes west of the airport (just west of the 70/270 interchange... between MD Heights and ST. Charles)?

- What are some good places to eat (could be downtown or otherwise) that would work for 4 guys, just looking for decent food, and possibly to catch a game. In other words, I'm not looking for 5-star restaurants (or even 4 for that matter)... Just a sportsbar or two that have decent/good food, etc. Doesn't have to be a sports bar, though... Could just be something that has good food, for a relatively reasonable price (no particular type of cuisine in mind, either).

I live right by Forest Park and play there often. It is relatively cheap and overall a decent course but it's a very short and relatively easy course and there are certainly better courses in the area. I'm not saying it's a definite no, but if I'm visiting an area to go golfing, I typically would want to play on a nicer course and FP isn't quite at that level. For an extra $20-30 per person, go play at Stonewolf or Annbriar.

Do NOT stay in East St. Louis (Illinois) and I would avoid staying by the airport too. Downtown is really going to be your best option. Some of these other guys on FBG from StL may know better accommodations than me as I haven't had to look into it much before, but you might want to consider the Crowne Plaza in Clayton or the Hilton in Frontenac. Or maybe staying in one of the hotels by the casinos if that might interest you.

As for places to eat and catching a game, you should definitely check out the new Ballpark Village. Otherwise, it depends on which area you're in and where you're staying. If you want some good BBQ near downtown, I'd recommend Bogart's. (I like it much better than Pappy's which is more "famous). There's a great breakfast place near downtown as well called Rooster. And there's plenty of other places all over the city, just depends on where you are. Once you figure out where you're staying and where you end up playing, it'll be easier to give food recs.

 

[gianmarco]

Finally Bogart's getting its due. #3 in the USA for BBQ

I just went there for lunch today. That ranking is accurate and well deserved.

 

[TheWalkmen]

There's a Drury Inn at 44/Hampton Ave that is nice and in a convenient location. There's not really anything walkable though if you stay there. Address below. There's a Hampton Inn near 40/64/Hampton Ave that is in a convenient location, but again, there's not a whole lot within walking distance. Clayton would also be a good place to stay. For food I would recommend hitting a couple of places on "the hill". Anthonino's is a top-notch bar for food. Adriana's has a great lunch and so does Gioia's deli. Most of the hill will be closed Sunday and Monday though so hit those Friday or Saturday.

Ted Drewes (6726 Chippewa St) is a frozen custard place in my neighborhood that is one of the most famous places to go in St. Louis - definitely give it a go. If staying in Clayton there are a ton of places to eat and drink within walking distance. Another decent area is the "Central West End" where there are plenty of drinking and eating establishments. It's a bit more trendy, but there's a bar called Bar Louie that is pretty decent among some of the others.

ETA: I would highly recommend going to either Schlafly beer brewpub location, there's one downtown and one in Maplewood.

Drury Inn & Suites Near Forest Park St. Louis

2111 Sulphur Ave
St Louis, MO 63139


Hampton Inn & Suites St. Louis at Forest Park5650 Oakland Ave
St Louis, MO 63110