If you are an avid golfer looking for an unforgettable golfing experience, The Ridge Golf Course at Lake of the Ozarks is a destination you cannot miss. Situated in the heart of one of the most beautiful regions in Missouri, this course is renowned for its stunning vistas, challenging layout, and exceptional amenities.
Whether you are a seasoned professional or a beginner, The Ridge Golf Course offers a golfing experience that caters to your level of play. Designed by the renowned golf architect Ken Kavanaugh, the course is challenging yet playable, featuring a blend of long and short holes, water hazards, and strategic bunkering.
So, if you’re planning a golfing trip to Lake of the Ozarks, this article will provide you with everything you need to know about The Ridge Golf Course, including its history, course design and layout, golfing experience, reviews, accolades, events, and future plans.
A Brief History of The Ridge Golf Course
The Ridge Golf Course was established in 1989 by the McLaughlin family, who were passionate about golf and wanted to provide a first-class golfing experience to residents and visitors to Lake of the Ozarks. The course was designed by Ken Kavanaugh, a renowned golf architect known for his exceptional work on courses such as The Club at Porto Cima, also located in Lake of the Ozarks.
Over the years, The Ridge Golf Course has undergone several changes and improvements to enhance its playability and aesthetics. In 2018, the course was acquired by Troon, a leading golf course management company, and underwent a major renovation to improve its greens, tees, and bunkers, and to add new amenities. Today, The Ridge Golf Course stands as one of the top golfing destinations in the Midwest, attracting golfers from all over the country.
Course Design and Layout
The Ridge Golf Course boasts a challenging yet playable layout that is designed to provide golfers with an unforgettable golfing experience. The course is set on 120 acres of rolling terrain, featuring dramatic elevation changes, tree-lined fairways, and panoramic views of the lake and surrounding countryside.
The course comprises 18 holes, measuring 6,400 yards from the back tees, and has a par of 72. It features a variety of holes, ranging from long, open fairways to narrow, tree-lined doglegs. Water comes into play on several holes, with the signature hole being the par-3 6th hole, which requires a precise tee shot over a large water hazard.
The Ridge Golf Course is known for its exceptional maintenance standards, with perfectly manicured fairways, greens, and tees. The course is also home to a state-of-the-art practice facility, where golfers can hone their skills before hitting the course.
Golfing Experience at The Ridge Golf Course
The Ridge Golf Course offers a golfing experience that caters to golfers of all levels of play. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a beginner, you will find the course challenging yet enjoyable. The course is also equipped with exceptional amenities, including a fully stocked pro shop, a clubhouse, and a restaurant.
The pro shop at The Ridge Golf Course offers a wide range of golfing equipment and accessories, including golf clubs, balls, bags, shoes, and apparel. The shop is staffed with knowledgeable and friendly personnel who are always ready to assist golfers with their needs.
The clubhouse at The Ridge Golf Course is a perfect place to relax and unwind after a round of golf. It features a spacious lounge area, a bar, and a restaurant that serves a variety of delicious meals and beverages. The restaurant overlooks the course and provides a breathtaking view of the lake and surrounding countryside.
The Ridge Golf Course also offers a range of services to golfers, including golf lessons, club rentals, and golf cart rentals. Golf lessons are provided by a team of experienced and PGA-certified instructors, who use the latest technology and teaching techniques to help golfers improve their skills. Club rentals and golf cart rentals are available for golfers who prefer not to bring their own equipment to the course.
Reviews and Accolades
The Ridge Golf Course has received numerous positive reviews from golfers and critics alike. Golf Digest has ranked the course as one of the “Best Places to Play” in Missouri, while Golfweek has recognized it as one of the “Best Resort Courses” in the Midwest. The course has also received accolades from various golfing associations and organizations, including the Missouri Golf Association and the PGA.
Golfers who have played The Ridge Golf Course rave about its stunning vistas, challenging layout, and exceptional amenities. They particularly enjoy the variety of holes, ranging from short par-3s to long par-5s, and the scenic views of the lake and surrounding countryside. They also appreciate the friendly and professional staff, who go above and beyond to ensure that golfers have an enjoyable experience.
Events and Tournaments
The Ridge Golf Course has hosted numerous events and tournaments over the years, attracting golfers from all over the country. The course is a popular destination for corporate outings, charity events, and weddings, as well as for competitive tournaments.
One of the major events hosted at The Ridge Golf Course is the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout Golf Tournament, which takes place annually in August. The tournament is a charity event that raises funds for local organizations, and features a shotgun start, scramble format, and a variety of prizes and giveaways.
The Ridge Golf Course is also a popular venue for weddings and other special events. The course offers a beautiful and scenic backdrop for outdoor ceremonies and receptions, and the clubhouse provides a perfect setting for indoor events.
In addition, The Ridge Golf Course hosts various clinics, camps, and workshops throughout the year, aimed at helping golfers improve their skills and knowledge of the game. These events are led by experienced and PGA-certified instructors and are tailored to golfers of all levels of play.
Future Plans and Developments
The Ridge Golf Course is committed to providing golfers with an exceptional golfing experience, and as such, has several future plans and developments in the pipeline. One of the major projects currently underway is the construction of a new clubhouse. The new clubhouse will feature state-of-the-art facilities, including a spacious lounge area, a bar, and a restaurant, as well as upgraded locker rooms and pro shop.
In addition, The Ridge Golf Course is exploring the possibility of expanding the course to include a new 9-hole executive course. The new course will be designed to provide a shorter and more accessible golfing experience for beginners and casual golfers, while still maintaining the high standards of playability and aesthetics that The Ridge Golf Course is known for.
Conclusion
The Ridge Golf Course at Lake of the Ozarks is a golfer’s paradise that offers a challenging yet enjoyable golfing experience. From its stunning vistas and challenging layout to its exceptional amenities and friendly staff, The Ridge Golf Course has everything you need to make your golfing trip to Lake of the Ozarks a memorable one.
Whether you are a seasoned professional or a beginner, you will find the course accommodating to your level of play. The course is also home to a range of events and tournaments, as well as various clinics and workshops aimed at helping golfers improve their skills and knowledge of the game.
With its future plans and developments, The Ridge Golf Course is poised to become an even more attractive destination for golfers from all over the country. So, if you are looking for an unforgettable golfing experience, make sure to add The Ridge Golf Course to your list of must-visit golfing destinations.
