Set in the Lake of the Ozarks hills, Old Kinderhook delivers a polished resort experience and creative, challenging holes from Tom Weiskopf. Always well-conditioned, the course rewards both tactical thinkers and bold attackers, and justifies its perennial top-10 Missouri public-course billing.
Course DNA
Difficulty
78
Scenery
82
Conditioning
87
Shot Variety
79
Walkability
60
Green Complexity
75
Wow Factor
73
Design Quality
74
At a glance
Quick facts
Course Architect
Tom Weiskopf
Fairways/Tees
Zoysia grass
Greens
Bentgrass
Setting
Lake of the Ozarks resort
Slope Rating
133 (Silver tees)
Annual Tournaments
Missouri GA Senior Series, charity events
Resort Amenities
On-site lodging, spa, boating, dining
The design
The architecture
Old Kinderhook is an archetypal Tom Weiskopf resort layout—beautifully routed through rolling Ozark terrain with a creative rhythm of long and short holes, dramatic elevation changes, and several tempting risk/reward moments. Wide zoysia fairways entice aggressive play, but the sloping, well-guarded bentgrass greens and strategic bunkering make accuracy a must. Multiple tee sets ensure playability for all, while the course’s parkland character remains consistent throughout its journey among hills, woods, and water.
Weiskopf’s philosophy is evident throughout—offering challenge for the bold, forgiveness for the cautious, and an ever-present invitation to embrace adventure.
Defining features
Generous zoysia fairways for optimal lies
Expansive, undulating bentgrass greens
Bold use of elevation change and Ozark vistas
Classic risk/reward short par 4s
Strong finish with a memorable closing hole
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 5
Hole 5
PAR
4
YARDAGE
446
A long par 4 that defines the front nine’s challenge, demanding a courageous, accurate drive and a bold long-iron approach. Any slip leaves a stressful recovery and exposes you to the hazards lining the hole.
Play it smart
Favor the right center of the fairway to open the approach, and respect any pin tucked behind a bunker.
Where it bites
Deep bunkers and flanking trees punish errant shots—bogey lurks for the careless.
Course management
Shots to think about
Opening tee shot on Hole 1
Favor control over power—hit the short grass and leave yourself a clear second. The first hole sets the mental tone.
Approach on Hole 5
Club up if needed and choose a safe landing spot; missing long is safer than leaving it short in fronting bunkers.
Tee shot on Hole 15, the drivable par 4
Check the pin and wind before deciding between layup and hero swing—the safer play often sets up a better birdie look.
Second shot on Hole 14, the long par 5
Lay up smartly to your favorite yardage, avoiding fairway bunkers and giving yourself a wedge for a scoring chance.
Approach to Hole 18
Don’t chase a risky pin—take the center and two-putt if possible; a par here is almost always a half in match play.
Windy long par 3 (Holes 3, 11, or 16)
Club for the center, trust your number, and ignore the pin if wind shifts are swirling around the green.
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Excellent—manicured zoysia tees and fairways with smooth, receptive bentgrass greens.
Pace
Can vary—expect slower rounds in peak resort season; mornings/midweek offer best pace.
Vibe
Friendly, polished resort golf with a social, inclusive atmosphere—relaxed but focused.
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Uphill and Sidehill Lies
Practice your uneven lies in advance—Ozark terrain means many shots are from uneven stances.
02
Short-Game Sharpness
Dial in your chipping and putting—large, undulating greens reward a deft touch.
03
Hydrate and Plan for Sun
Lake of the Ozarks summers are hot and humid; bring sun protection and plenty of water.
The lore
How it came to be
2002
Course opens as centerpiece of Old Kinderhook Resort
2003
Ranks top 10 in Golf Digest's Missouri Best in State
2019
Bunker upgrades reported
2024
Golfweek ranks Old Kinderhook No. 5 public course in Missouri
2026
Hosts Missouri Senior Series and Vlasic Classic
Stories & legends
What makes it special
architecture
Weiskopf’s Ozark Vision Comes Alive
Tom Weiskopf shaped Old Kinderhook to both test and entertain—a touchpoint for his approach of melding challenge with approachability. The layout’s mix of bold driving holes, clever short fours, and picturesque par 3s has helped define the course’s reputation for memorable resort golf in Missouri.
community
Where Missouri Golf Gathers
Charity events and amateur tournaments have made Old Kinderhook a frequent meeting ground for the state’s golf community. It’s where camaraderie and competition come together, with the annual Vlasic Classic and Senior Series drawing everyone from area pros to weekend warriors.
finishing
Closing Time—A Gauntlet to Remember
Old Kinderhook’s 18th may be its most thrilling test: over 500 yards, uphill, and a true brute to close out a round. Many a match and many a friendly wager have swung on this demanding finale, which never fails to prompt a memorable finish.
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
Course meanders through classic Ozark hills and valleys for a true regional flavor.
2
Old Kinderhook is less than a 15-minute drive from Lake of the Ozarks’ boating and nightlife scene.
3
Signature holes like 15 and 18 are among the state’s most talked-about clutch moments.
4
Offers a unique mix of golf, spa, and lake activities rarely matched by Midwest resorts.
Build the trip
If you’re making an Ozarks/Camdenton golf trip out of it
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
Lake Valley Golf Club
Public
Classic, friendly local option just minutes from Old Kinderhook—great for a two-round day
Osage National Golf Resort
Resort
Arnold Palmer design with 27 holes, often cited among the top public options in the Lake area
Bear Creek Valley Golf Club
Public
Underrated parkland course in Osage Beach—playable, affordable, and scenic
Stay at Old Kinderhook Resort for the full experience, or in Camdenton for maximum flexibility and access to both the course and local dining.
Course DNA
If You Like Old Kinderhook Resort Golf Club & Spa
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Community Sentiment
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