Hidden Valley Golf Links

Hidden Valley Golf Links is a very scenic course that feels a world away. It’s located 16 miles outside of Springfield, MO. The course itself is located in a river valley with a river running along the south end. It’s an 18 hole public course.

My biggest complaint about this course is that it’s really hard to find the first time. The access road to the course is actually a private road, so it doesn’t show up correctly on GPS. Make sure you call the course in advance for directions. You can also check their website for detailed directions.

The course itself is on the challenging side, but I think that a beginner could still manage. There are 3 different tees and there are tight parallel fairways in a T-shaped pattern. Most of the fairways run straight, but watch out for Holes #4 and #7, which dogleg to the left. The signature hole is #6 (par 5.) It doglegs to the right and it’s a blind shot. There’s a thick treeline all along the right side, so watch out if you tend to fade the ball (aim left off the tee.)

Pros:
The upside of this course being a bit more remote is that it really feels like a destination course. It’s a great way to spend a day. Prices are a bit high (weekday rate is $40 riding,) but you get a 5% discount if you pay cash. Fairways are well-maintained, although there is a problem with golfers replacing their divots. It’s a family run course and the staff are friendly.

Cons:
The amenities are a bit limited at this course. There’s no driving range, so you’ll have to warm up before you head out to the course. The carts and clubhouse are both showing their age. The menu is fairly limited - you can get snacks and alcohol in the Pro Shop. Kind of disappointing considering how far out of the way this course is. A restaurant in the clubhouse would be nice. Pack a picnic lunch and you should be fine.

For me, Hidden Valley is a great weekend course once in a while. I probably wouldn’t go to the trouble of driving out there more than once a month. With that being said, it’s a very scenic course that offers plenty of challenge. This would be a great course to bring friends from out of town to show them some of the natural beauty of this area.

A beautiful course that can be hard to find if you don't get good directions. The course is in fact in a valley of forested hills with a high bluff overlooking a river running the length of the course to the south.
On the course itself are several streams and ponds with well maintained fairways and greens. On July 4th, 2011 it cost me $25 to walk this course, it was well worth it.