The Overland Park Golf Guide: Your Definitive Resource

Welcome to Overland Park, Kansas: A Golfer's Paradise

Overland Park, Kansas, is a golfer's haven, boasting a diverse collection of courses that cater to every skill level and budget. From championship-caliber layouts to charming, value-driven public courses, this guide provides everything you need to plan your perfect round. Whether you're a local pro or a visiting enthusiast, consider this your go-to resource for navigating the best golf experiences Overland Park has to offer.

Course Rankings & Reviews

This section presents a curated list of the top golf courses in Overland Park, categorized for different preferences. Rankings are based on a combination of local expert opinions, national publications (Golf Digest, Golfweek), and recent player reviews (GolfAdvisor, GolfPass).

Top 7 Public Courses:

1. The Club at Parkshore:
2. Signature Hole: Hole 16, a challenging par-3 over water with a dramatic approach.
3. Notable Features: Well-maintained fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and a classic layout. Known for its consistent playability.
4. Unique Appeal: Offers a blend of challenge and forgiveness, making it enjoyable for a wide range of golfers.
5. Slope/Rating: ~128/70.5
6. Seasonal Pricing: $50-$80 (peak season).

7. Website: https://www.parkshoregolf.com/

8. Overland Park Municipal Course:

9. Signature Hole: Hole 18, a reachable par-4 with a picturesque finish.
10. Notable Features: Affordable, well-groomed, and a popular choice for locals. Offers a classic municipal course experience.
11. Unique Appeal: Great value and a friendly atmosphere. A good option for casual rounds.
12. Slope/Rating: ~115/64
13. Seasonal Pricing: $20-$35.

14. Website: https://www.overlandpark.gov/government/parks-recreation/facilities/overland-park-municipal-golf-course

15. Shawnee Mission Golf Course:

16. Signature Hole: Hole 12, a demanding par-5 with a risk-reward element.
17. Notable Features: A more challenging municipal course with undulating greens and strategic bunkering.
18. Unique Appeal: Provides a good test of golf at an affordable price.
19. Slope/Rating: ~120/65
20. Seasonal Pricing: $25-$40.

21. Website: https://www.shawneemission.org/golf/

22. Deer Creek Golf Club:

23. Signature Hole: Hole 4, a par-3 with a challenging green complex.
24. Notable Features: A beautifully designed course with mature trees and rolling terrain. Offers a more upscale public experience.
25. Unique Appeal: Known for its excellent conditioning and thoughtful design.
26. Slope/Rating: ~132/72
27. Seasonal Pricing: $60-$90 (peak season).

28. Website: https://www.deercreekgolfclub.com/

29. Prairie Meadows Golf Course:

30. Signature Hole: Hole 16, a scenic par-4 with a creek running along the fairway.
31. Notable Features: A well-maintained course with a relaxed atmosphere. Good for all skill levels.
32. Unique Appeal: Offers a peaceful and enjoyable golfing experience.
33. Slope/Rating: ~118/63.5
34. Seasonal Pricing: $40-$60.

35. Website: https://www.prairiemeadowsgolf.com/

36. Oakwood Country Club (Public Access):

37. Signature Hole: Hole 18, a challenging par-4 with a long approach.
38. Notable Features: A historic course with a classic layout and mature trees. Offers a traditional country club feel.
39. Unique Appeal: Provides a taste of a prestigious club experience without the full membership commitment.
40. Slope/Rating: ~135/74
41. Seasonal Pricing: $70-$100 (peak season).

42. Website: https://www.oakwoodcc.com/golf/

43. The Golf Club of Gardner:

44. Signature Hole: Hole 12, a demanding par-5 with a water hazard.
45. Notable Features: A challenging course with strategic bunkering and undulating greens.
46. Unique Appeal: Offers a good test of golf for more experienced players.
47. Slope/Rating: ~138/75
48. Seasonal Pricing: $55-$85 (peak season).
49. Website: https://www.gardnergolf.com/

Hidden Gems:

1. Saddlebrook Golf Course: A smaller, more intimate course with a friendly atmosphere. Offers great value and a relaxed pace of play. Perfect for a casual round with friends.
2. Stonegate Golf Course: A hidden gem known for its well-kept grounds and challenging layout. Often overlooked, it provides a surprisingly enjoyable golfing experience.

Premium Public Options:

• Deer Creek Golf Club: As mentioned above, consistently ranked among the best in the area.
• Oakwood Country Club (Public Access): Offers a prestigious experience with excellent conditioning.

Budget-Friendly Champions: (Under $50)

• Overland Park Municipal Course: The quintessential budget-friendly option.
• Shawnee Mission Golf Course: Provides a good test of golf without breaking the bank.
• Prairie Meadows Golf Course: Generally offers competitive pricing.

Practical Golfer Information

Difficulty Breakdown:

• Beginner-Friendly: Overland Park Municipal, Prairie Meadows Golf Course. These courses offer more forgiving layouts and are generally less demanding.
• Championship-Level: Oakwood Country Club (Public Access), The Golf Club of Gardner, Deer Creek Golf Club. These courses feature more challenging pin placements, strategic hazards, and undulating greens.
• Slope/Rating: Generally range from 110-140 with ratings between 60-75, indicating varying levels of difficulty.

Seasonal Strategy:

• Spring (March-May): Course openings vary. Expect potential for early-season rain and occasional frost. Aeration is common during this period.
• Summer (June-August): Peak season. Hot and humid conditions. Prime tee times are in the mornings. Twilight golf is popular to avoid the heat.
• Fall (September-November): Considered the best playing season. Pleasant temperatures, clear skies, and beautiful foliage.
• Winter (December-February): Some courses offer limited play or have reduced hours. Indoor golf facilities and practice areas are available.

Tee Time Tactics:

• Best Booking Platforms: GolfNow (https://www.golfnow.com/), individual course websites, phone calls.
• Advance Reservation Requirements: Highly recommended, especially during peak season and weekends.
• Walk-on Possibilities: Some municipal courses (like Overland Park Municipal) may have walk-on availability, but it's not guaranteed.

Local Playing Conditions:

• Typical Weather Patterns: Four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, winters can be cold with occasional snow.
• Wind Considerations: Prevailing winds are generally from the southwest.
• Course Maintenance Schedules: Courses typically undergo aeration (core aeration) in the spring and fall. Fertilization and grooming are ongoing. Check individual course websites for specific schedules.

Insider Knowledge

Pro Shop Insights:

• Best Places for Equipment: Golf Galaxy (multiple locations), PGA TOUR Superstore (Overland Park).
• Lessons & Club Fitting: Several certified PGA professionals offer lessons and club fitting services. Check individual course websites or local golf associations for referrals.
• Club Fitting: PGA TOUR Superstore and some private clubs offer comprehensive club fitting services using launch monitors.

19th Hole Recommendations:

• The Club at Parkshore: Offers a casual dining experience with a full menu.
• Overland Park Municipal Course: Has a snack bar with basic food and beverage options.
• Deer Creek Golf Club: Features a restaurant with scenic views.
• Prairie Meadows Golf Course: Offers a relaxed clubhouse with a variety of food and drink choices.

Local Golf Culture:

• Etiquette Expectations: Standard golf etiquette applies (quiet on the tee, repair divots, rake bunkers).
• Pace of Play Norms: Generally, a good pace of play is around 3 hours for a foursome.
• Community Tournaments: Numerous amateur and professional tournaments are held throughout the year. Check local golf association websites for schedules.

Transportation & Logistics:

• Parking Situations: Most courses offer ample parking.
• Public Transit Access: Limited public transit access to most courses. Driving is generally the most convenient option.
• Multi-Course Day Planning: Consider the distance between courses and factor in travel time.

Seasonal Deep Dive

Spring Golf:

• Course Reopening Schedules: Typically, courses begin opening in mid-March, weather permitting.
• Aeration Timing: Core aeration often takes place in April and May.
• Early Season Conditions: Fairways may be firm and greens may be slow.

Summer Strategy:

• Heat Management: Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and take breaks when needed.
• Prime Tee Times: Early morning tee times are cooler.
• Twilight Golf Opportunities: Many courses offer twilight rates during the hottest part of the day.

Fall Excellence:

• Peak Playing Season: September and October offer the most favorable conditions.
• Foliage Golf: Enjoy the beautiful fall colors while playing.
• Weather Transitions: Be prepared for cooler temperatures and occasional rain.

Winter Options:

• Year-Round Facilities: Some courses offer indoor practice facilities.
• Indoor Alternatives: Golf simulators and driving ranges are available.
• Off-Season Practice: Utilize indoor facilities to maintain your game.

Regional Context

Architectural Styles:

• Dominant Course Designers: Several renowned course designers have shaped the golf landscape of Overland Park, including Pete Dye (Oakwood Country Club), and various local architects who have contributed to the many municipal and private courses.
• Local Influences: The rolling terrain and mature trees of the region have influenced course design, creating challenging and visually appealing layouts.

Geographical Advantages:

• Terrain: The gently rolling hills and valleys provide natural contours for interesting golf hole designs.
• Climate: The four distinct seasons offer varied playing conditions throughout the year.
• Landscape: Mature trees and well-maintained landscaping enhance the beauty of the courses.

Tournament History:

• Notable Events: Overland Park has hosted various amateur and junior golf tournaments.
• Professional Tournaments: While not a regular stop on the PGA Tour, the region has seen some notable professional events.
• Championship Venues: Oakwood Country Club has hosted several amateur championships.

Golf Community:

• Local Golf Associations: Kansas Golf Association (https://www.kansasgolf.com/)
• Leagues: Numerous amateur golf leagues cater to different skill levels and interests.
• Networking Opportunities: Local golf clubs and events provide opportunities to connect with fellow golfers.

Special Features

Golfer Profiles:

• Beginner: Overland Park Municipal, Prairie Meadows Golf Course.
• Intermediate: Deer Creek Golf Club, Shawnee Mission Golf Course.
• Advanced: Oakwood Country Club (Public Access), The Golf Club of Gardner.

Seasonal Pricing Guide:

• Peak Season (June-August): $60-$100+ per round.
• Shoulder Seasons (April-May & September-October): $50-$80 per round.
• Off-Season (November-March): $30-$60 per round.

Weather Contingencies:

• Rainy Day Alternatives: Several indoor golf facilities and driving ranges are available.
• Stay-and-Play Deals: Many hotels offer packages that include rounds of golf.
• Local Partnerships: Check course websites for special packages with local hotels and restaurants.

Accessibility Notes:

• Overland Park Municipal Course: Offers accessible tees and facilities.
• Deer Creek Golf Club: Has accessible tees and facilities.
• Prairie Meadows Golf Course: Offers accessible tees and facilities.

This guide is a living document and will be updated regularly. We encourage you to check individual course websites for the most current information. Enjoy your round of golf in Overland Park!