Eric,
Jud is right, get to Hutchinson. That should be your top priority.
As for KC, the really good courses are all private. There are a couple of pretty good publics (no order):
1. Falcon Ridge
2. Sycamore Ridge
3. Tiffany Greens
4. Iron Horse
5. Prairie Highlands
6. Hidden Gem award - Shirkey Golf Course - Richmond, MO about 45 min from KC - cheap, fun, and always in incredible condition.
In order of how I would choose the KC privates if access isn't an issue:
1. Hallbrook - Really good - Tom Fazio, has been softened, I believe it was once the highest sloped course in the country. But it is still a lot of fun.
2. Kansas City CC - wear pants, I'm guessing you don't like knee highs with shorts
3. Shadow Glen
4. Milburn CC - a very popular course amongst the really good players in town
5. Staley Farms - blanking on his name, but architect used to work with/for Doak. It is a really fun course with some bold features around the greens. Always in beautiful condition
6. Wolf Creek
There are a bunch of other good privates, send me a PM and I can answer questions/thoughts about the others.