Kansas City Golf

[Scott Tricker]

I would also recommend the Firekeeper just outside of Topeka if you have time....great new Brauer/Begay design that is a core golf course with no housing....has received a lot of great reviews.

Staley Farm just went into receivership and its status is unknown for this season....

Wolf Creek, Hallbrook, KCCC are all solid options IF you can get on. I would also suggest that you look at Sycamore Ridge. Drumm Farm is over in Independence as is a Hurdzan-Fry design worth checking out as well.

When it comes to BBQ, its a personal opinion, but having Tom Watson's full photo on the wall along with in my humble opinion the best sauce, I would recommend that you make the pilgrammage to Bryant's (aka "mecca") and enjoy.

[Derek Dirksen]

Jason,

Im a bit biased on the GC of Kansas as I was one of two shapers on the project.  Have never gone back to play it though.  It was a very cool site to work on.  We moved very little earth.  I have never heard much talk about it so I thought I would ask.  Thanks for your opinion. 

[Jeff_Brauer]

Scott,

Thanks for suggesting Firekeeper, saving me the effort of plugging my own course........However,  GW just ranked it top public in KS, so it should be worth the trip, and Topeka is not that far a drive from KC, not much more than an hour from Overland Park. 

[Wayne Wiggins, Jr.]

What about Mission Hills CC, which is right next door to KCCC?  It's a Tillinghast, isn't it, with some recent renovations/restorations?  How does it compare with its neighbor?  And, how about Indian Hills, which isn't too far away from these two... i'm not familiar with design?

[K. Krahenbuhl]

What about Mission Hills CC, which is right next door to KCCC?  It's a Tillinghast, isn't it, with some recent renovations/restorations?  How does it compare with its neighbor?  And, how about Indian Hills, which isn't too far away from these two... i'm not familiar with design?

I think Indian Hills is the Tillinghast - Mission Hills is a Bendelow maybe.  I haven't been to either one, but have heard they're very nice clubs.

[David Kelly]

And whatever you do, don't miss Arthur Bryant's on Brooklyn or Oklahoma Joe's on 47th and Mission... best BBQ in town.
I also would be happy to join you for a round if you need some company. Always looking for a good excuse to get out.

I definitely agree with you about Arthur Bryant's but I have been disappointed the two times I have been to Oklahoma Joe's. 

I also really like LC's and although I hate to admit it, Jack Stack's.

[Wayne Wiggins, Jr.]

And whatever you do, don't miss Arthur Bryant's on Brooklyn or Oklahoma Joe's on 47th and Mission... best BBQ in town.
I also would be happy to join you for a round if you need some company. Always looking for a good excuse to get out.

I definitely agree with you about Arthur Bryant's but I have been disappointed the two times I have been to Oklahoma Joe's. 

I also really like LC's and although I hate to admit it, Jack Stack's.

The best BBQ, IMHO, is Smoke Box... it's in a stripmall near the airport (Tiffany Springs exit) that has the best Burnt Ends; the best sausage, and some of the better ribs.  I also like Smokin' Guns and Gates

[David Kelly]

And whatever you do, don't miss Arthur Bryant's on Brooklyn or Oklahoma Joe's on 47th and Mission... best BBQ in town.
I also would be happy to join you for a round if you need some company. Always looking for a good excuse to get out.

I definitely agree with you about Arthur Bryant's but I have been disappointed the two times I have been to Oklahoma Joe's. 

I also really like LC's and although I hate to admit it, Jack Stack's.

I'll have to try it when I go to KC this summer for the MLB All-Star game because burnt ends and sausage are my two favorite items.

The best BBQ, IMHO, is Smoke Box... it's in a stripmall near the airport (Tiffany Springs exit) that has the best Burnt Ends; the best sausage, and some of the better ribs.  I also like Smokin' Guns and Gates

I'll have to try it when I'm in KC this summer for the MLB All-Star game.  Burnt ends and sausage are my go-to items at any BBQ place.

[Jason Hines]

Just checked back in on this thread, do we have enough people to have a GCA.com get together?
 
I am in Olathe, Brandon is in Lawrence, Ken is in Topeka….

I have always been a bit envious of some of the other groups that are able to get together for a round of golf or a round of their favorite beverage.  We could even try and find a guest speaker, but may be getting ahead of myself?

[Wayne Wiggins, Jr.]

Just checked back in on this thread, do we have enough people to have a GCA.com get together?
 
I am in Olathe, Brandon is in Lawrence, Ken is in Topeka….

I have always been a bit envious of some of the other groups that are able to get together for a round of golf or a round of their favorite beverage.  We could even try and find a guest speaker, but may be getting ahead of myself?

Jason -

I live in Calif. but travel to KC quite a bit (will be back in a couple weeks).  Would love it if my travels coincide with a get together... formal or otherwise.

[Daryn_Soldan]

Jason,

I'm just over in Manhattan and spend plenty of weekends in KC... this upcoming one included. Always up for golf if anyone wants to get together.

As for KC golf recommendations, I'm a big fan of the Keith Foster work at Mission Hills CC. I always thought it was a good course but not really at the level of KCCC next door. Now I'd put it up against anything in the area. One newer course that hasn't been mentioned but I really enjoy is Creekmoor in Raymore, MO (SE KC suburbs). The front nine is pretty well developed with homes but its good golf. The housing on the back nine hasn't been developed yet and its interesting terrain.

- Daryn

[Brandon Urban]

Just checked back in on this thread, do we have enough people to have a GCA.com get together?
 
I am in Olathe, Brandon is in Lawrence, Ken is in Topeka….

I have always been a bit envious of some of the other groups that are able to get together for a round of golf or a round of their favorite beverage.  We could even try and find a guest speaker, but may be getting ahead of myself?

Jason,

I would love to start a KC area GCA get-together. I think it would definitely be fun to hang out with some like minded guys. I love my golfing friends, but sometimes get a little tired of the blank stares they give me when I talk about architecture!

I have a good friend, not on GCA, who would love to participate as well.

Brandon

[Jason Hines]

Eric, sorry to semi - hijack your thread.

All,

It’s good to see we have some interest, I am sure there are a couple more people that will chime in going forward, there has to be a few more in NW Missouri, Southern Nebraska or Kansas that are out there.

How does this sound as an initial, small get together, should we try for a round somewhere and maybe a quick meeting afterwards to see if we could map out what the next potential steps would be?

Examples of next steps:

1.   Line up a couple of significant rounds while Eric or Wayne are in town?  IE  - One of the Tillinghast courses, etc.
2.   See if we could catch an architect in the area sometime in the near future and maybe   bribe them for a bit of their time? 
3.   I have also received a gracious PM to sponsor us at the #1 course in the state if we are up for it some day.

A little of my background, I have played golf all over but not much in my back yard of Kansas and was thinking over this brief winter that it would be good to have a day trip or two this year closer to home.  As most of you know, it can be hard to travel and work all through the week and then say good bye to the family for a long weekend.  I was also thinking it would be good to explore some of the lesser know places out and about.

When I lived in Omaha for 10 years, I found the rural golf to have several gems as well as having a front row seat to the sand hills explosion of Wild Horse, Dismal, Prairie Club, Sand Hills, etc. Is that same golf experience in Kansas and Western Missouri?  Chisholm Trail?  McPherson Country Club?  Some of brother Brauer’s new work in Topeka and Colbert Hills?

I belong to one of the aforementioned Privates on places to play while in KC and formerly Alvamar in Lawrence.  I have played most of the courses on the Kansas side from Leawood to Lawrence and also don’t have any problems meeting to the west of here if that works best for others.

Brandon, I have the same group of buddies that I wouldn’t trade for anything.  However, they look at my quirky spirit and interest in the architecture, history and business models of courses as some kind of mental disability versus the “cool” stuff.  Maybe we should create our own local asylum, even if it’s only ends up being once or multiple times per year?

Jason

[Matt Ingraham]

Eric, sorry to semi - hijack your thread.

All,

It’s good to see we have some interest, I am sure there are a couple more people that will chime in going forward, there has to be a few more in NW Missouri, Southern Nebraska or Kansas that are out there.

How does this sound as an initial, small get together, should we try for a round somewhere and maybe a quick meeting afterwards to see if we could map out what the next potential steps would be?

Examples of next steps:

1.   Line up a couple of significant rounds while Eric or Wayne are in town?  IE  - One of the Tillinghast courses, etc.
2.   See if we could catch an architect in the area sometime in the near future and maybe   bribe them for a bit of their time? 
3.   I have also received a gracious PM to sponsor us at the #1 course in the state if we are up for it some day.

A little of my background, I have played golf all over but not much in my back yard of Kansas and was thinking over this brief winter that it would be good to have a day trip or two this year closer to home.  As most of you know, it can be hard to travel and work all through the week and then say good bye to the family for a long weekend.  I was also thinking it would be good to explore some of the lesser know places out and about.

When I lived in Omaha for 10 years, I found the rural golf to have several gems as well as having a front row seat to the sand hills explosion of Wild Horse, Dismal, Prairie Club, Sand Hills, etc. Is that same golf experience in Kansas and Western Missouri?  Chisholm Trail?  McPherson Country Club?  Some of brother Brauer’s new work in Topeka and Colbert Hills?

I belong to one of the aforementioned Privates on places to play while in KC and formerly Alvamar in Lawrence.  I have played most of the courses on the Kansas side from Leawood to Lawrence and also don’t have any problems meeting to the west of here if that works best for others.

Brandon, I have the same group of buddies that I wouldn’t trade for anything.  However, they look at my quirky spirit and interest in the architecture, history and business models of courses as some kind of mental disability versus the “cool” stuff.  Maybe we should create our own local asylum, even if it’s only ends up being once or multiple times per year?

Jason

I am in Omaha but would be willing venture down to KC, Topeka, ect. for a little golf with my fellow GCAers.

[Eric Strulowitz]

Want to thank all for the great feedback.

Looks like there is no shortage of good places to play in the KC area.  Did some investigating on my own, that Colbert Hills course seems like a must play, how far a drive from KC?

Anyway, tentative  plans are for an August trip and several days of golf, would certainly enjoy meeting a few GCA'ers if we make it out.  Hope you all do get together for  a local GCA outing, seems like there is plenty of interest and some great venues to choose from.  And having been to KC area a few times, no shortage of great places to eat or go out for entertainment. 

[Jeff_Brauer]

Eric,

Firekeeper is an hour from Overland Park, maybe an hour ten min.  Colbert Hills is another hour beyond that.  Ranked 1 and 2 public courses in KS, and perhaps both playable on a very long day from KC, or with one hotel night if so inclined.

[David Whitmer]

I have an uncle who now lives in Overland Park, but 15 or so years ago he lived in Belton, MO at a private club called Loch Lloyd. I played it back then and remember it as being very nice, though at that time I was not into golf course architecture so I can't really comment on its architectural merits. I just remember it as being nice, with two different nines (open and rolling on the front nine, while the back nine was hillier and more tree-lined). Perhaps a KC local could comment on Loch Lloyd.

I was out there three years ago, and we played Sycamore Ridge and Winterstone. Nothing overtly special, but nice tracks and a good way to spend 4 hours.

[Jeff_Brauer]

I like both Sycamore Ridge (Ken Dye) and Winterstone (Craig Shriner) with SR being a lot closer to Overland Park.  Another decent public choice is Hurdzan's Iron Horse in Leawood.  If you have his design book its the one he features kind of start to finish, so that might add interest.

Loch Lloyd is originally one of Don Secrhests better courses, and totally redone recently by Tom Watson.  Whatever Fazio's course nearby is, it has the reputation as one of his toughest.

[Brandon Urban]

Jason,

I love the idea of a round of golf and  few beverages afterwards as an initial get together.
I'm a member at Lawrence Country Club and would be happy to host a gathering if there is any interest.

A buddy and I make quite a few daytrips. Colbert is a great one where you can always squeeze in at least 36.
Chisholm Trail is a fun, quirky course through some small rolling dunes.
Sand Creek Station is only 2 hours south, as well.

I really like the term "local asylum". My wife would completely agree.

Brandon

[Steve Strasheim]

We were just in Kansas City last weekend after spending 3 days playing at Emporia Municipal. Picked up a Tee Times Golf Guide at one of the hotel racks and was surprised at the number of courses (49 listed) and the discount pricing available at various clubs. Many I've never even heard of. They have an online version of the magazine here:

http://teetimesgg.com/kcgolfcourses.html

Just an FYI on public KC courses to add to the thread.

[Jason Hines]

Would agree with the Sycamore Ridge recommendation, I believe they now belong to the city of Spring Hill?

Several years ago, they used to have bermuda fairways for which I always thought we were a little too far north for bermuda fairways.  They always seemed dead, played fine but the winter I think killed them.  They have since moved to bent, so has LCC, which I always thought we would be too far south for bent.  I guess some hate zoysia here in the transition zone?


Brandon, everyone, I think that is a great idea if that helps get people a little farther from the west and north to potentially join us.  I personally like the changes they have made at LCC in recent years.  Would be interesting exploring some history of the club that goes back to the early 1900’s which is fairly old for west of the Mississippi.  If LCC does not work, I am a member at Shadow Glen and can try and work something out there as well.

What do you guys think for potential timing?  April and May are already pretty much shot for me except for 4/28 and 5/12?  Would probably have to be late in the afternoon as to not interfere with member play.  Just my suggestions, other please chime in, this is not just for Kansas, should include western Missiouri and Nebraska as well.

Jason

[Brandon Urban]

4/28 works fo me, but 5/12 wouldn't.

We have only been at LCC for about a year, but I had played there when I was younger. The changes have definitely been for the better and I think it's a pretty interesting course (plus they took out a bunch of trees). One that has been there since 1914. It has taken a while for me to get used to the bent fairways, especially since I am more of a picker of the golf ball and enjoy the sponginess of zoysia.

I am open to any golf course. I just threw LCC out there as an option and would be happy to set something up. Hopefully we can generate some interest from the other locals.

[Jason Hines]

Does 4/28 in Lawrence on a Saturday afternoon work for anyone else?  Brandon, is there anything on the LCC calendar that day? Daryn, don’t tell any of your friends that you were going to Lawrence.  Matt, Steve you guys are more than welcome to come down from Nebraska.

It’s a nice golf club and would be interesting to learn something about the history and their recent revamp if possible.

http://www.lawrencecountryclub.com/

Let us know either way or if you have any other suggestions.

Jason

[Steve Strasheim]

Thanks for the invite.

I'm a paired player, though. If any of you guys ever put together a cga parent-child event, my son and I would be all over that.

[Jason Hines]

Thanks for the invite.

I'm a paired player, though. If any of you guys ever put together a cga parent-child event, my son and I would be all over that.

That is actually a great idea Steve.