Fairways and greens
Golfing at The Lake

by Bob McEowen

With the long days of summer, many Missourians’ thoughts turn to golf. Where better to chase a little white ball around the links than the Lake of the Ozarks?

Long known for its resorts and boating, central Missouri’s lake region has increasingly become a favorite destination for golfers throughout the Midwest.

Fifteen golf courses in the lake region offer 261 holes for players of all levels. In fact, the Lake of the Ozarks Golf Council, which promotes the area’s golf clubs and resorts, boasts that the lake area offers more golf holes per square mile than any place in mid-America.

Some of the lake’s courses test even experienced golfers with vexing fairways, difficult approaches and lightning-fast greens. Other courses are more suited for the recreational golfer but still offer beautiful scenery and plenty of challenge.

While most of the lakes’ courses are located on the busy Highway 54 side of the lake, some, like Indian Rock Golf Club, shown at left and on our cover, cater to the less-crowded Highway 5 side. Named for the natural rock outcrop that backs up the 17th green, Indian Rock is located near Laurie.

Besides providing information about golf in the area, the Lake of the Ozarks Golf Council can arrange “golf-a-round” packages that include lodging and discounted greens fees at any number of 13 participating courses. To learn more, call 1-800-490-8474, or log onto www.golfingmissouri.com. For information about Indian Rock Golf Club, call (573) 372-3023.