Whether you’re an experienced golfer seeking a challenge or a beginner looking to ease into the game, the Kansas City region offers a wide variety of public courses suited to your level.
Kansas City’s introduction to golf dates back to 1894, when Scottish immigrants created Kenwood Golf Links. By 1896, increased demand forced management to find space that accommodated the influx of new members. Loose Park then served as the club’s home for the next 20 years, but due to the land being sold, the country club was forced to move again. Finally, with the help of prominent architect A.W. Tillinghast, a final location was decided in 1926 and the Kansas City Country Club was born.
While the Kansas City Country Club isn’t open to the public, golfers looking to scratch that historic itch can swing by Swope Memorial Golf Course. Kansas City’s first public course, it opened in 1919 and underwent a redesign from A.W. Tillinghast in 1934.
Along with Swope, here are some of the region’s top courses that will have you ready to hit the links like a pro.
Northland
Tiffany Greens
Kansas City, MO
A Robert Trent Jones II designed course, Tiffany Greens provides a challenging, yet forgiving, 18 holes nestled right off I-29 near the Kansas City International Airport. Once a stop on the Champions Tour, the zoysia fairways and elevated tee boxes, equipped with 5 sets of tees, invite those looking for a competitive outing as well as the beginners of the group.
Par 72
Yards 7,034
Rating 74.1
Slope 140
Shoal Creek
Kansas City, MO
A Championship course, Shoal Creek is consistently considered one of the top public courses in the region. With wide open zoysia fairways and bent grass greens, Shoal Creek tee times are known to go fast, so be sure to book yours quickly.
Par 71
Yards 7,011
Rating 74
Slope 135
Hodge Park
Kansas City, MO
If your ideal tee time at Shoal Creek is booked, no need to worry! Directly on the opposite side of Shoal Creek Pkwy. sits Hodge Park Golf Course. A shorter course than its neighbor, Hodge Park is full of doglegs, trees and wildlife, placing an emphasis on accuracy off the tee.
Par 70
Yards 6,050
Rating 69.5
Slope 120
South
Swope Memorial
Kansas City, MO
This A.W. Tillinghast-designed course is the only public course in Kansas City to host a PGA Tour Event (the 1949 Kansas City Open). Nestled in the sprawling Swope Park, and right next to the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, Swope offers an old-school feel that tailors itself to the modern game. Closed in 2025 for renovations, the newly upgraded course is slated to open in spring 2026.
Par 72
Yards 6,274*
Rating 70.9*
Slope 128*
*subject to change
Fred Arbanas
Kansas City, MO
Established in 1989, Fred Arbanas offers lakeside views, an 18-hole Championship Course and a challenging Executive Par 3 course. Complete with all the practice facilities one might need for a warm-up, this course is your go-to for a full weekend of golf.
Par 72
Yards 6,851
Rating 73.5
Slope 133
Creekmoor
Raymore, MO
If you’re looking for resort-style golf without the resort-associated costs, The Golf Club at Creekmoor is your choice. A breathtaking course located in the south KC area, Creekmoor offers lush fairways with firm and fast greens. The eight skill-based tee boxes allow anyone from scratch golfers to beginners the opportunity to experience this beautiful course.
Par 72
Yards 7,406
Rating 76.3
Slope 139
Kansas
Sykes/Lady Overland Park Golf
Overland Park, KS
Sykes/Lady is the ultimate destination for that budget-friendly golf trip. This track offers 27 holes across three unique courses, including a 9-hole Par 3 course and award winning restaurant, Club 27. Sykes/Lady can turn a weekend of golf into an unforgettable experience.
Par 70
Yards 6,415
Rating 70.2
Slope 130
*based on South course front 9, North course back 9
Tomahawk Hills
Shawnee, KS
One of the oldest courses in the region, Tomahawk Hills plays short, but don’t mistake that for easy. This tree-lined course is a true risk/reward, where playing aggressively could lead either to high scores or the round of a lifetime.
Par 70
Yards 6,003
Rating 69.1
Slope 117
Heritage Park Golf Course
Olathe, KS
A unique combination of links style mixed with tight, tree-lined fairways, Heritage Park is equally challenging as it is scenic. Insider tip: water comes into play on more than half the holes, so plan accordingly!
Par 71
Yards 6,876
Rating 73.6
Slope 129
