Golfing In Missouri: Is It Allowed?

is golf allowed in missouri

Golf is a popular sport in Missouri, with many courses across the state catering to players of all skill levels. Missouri is home to some of the country's top golf resorts, including Big Cedar Lodge, which offers courses designed by legends of the game such as Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus. The Missouri Bluffs Golf Club in St. Louis is another highly-rated golf course in the state, offering breathtaking views and an amazing golf experience. The state also has a dedicated Missouri Golf Association, which has been working to advance the sport since 1905. While golf is allowed and encouraged in Missouri, there are specific laws and regulations in place, such as those governing the use of golf carts and the consumption of outside alcoholic beverages.

Characteristics Values
Golf courses in Missouri Big Cedar Lodge, Forest Park, Swope Memorial, Missouri Bluffs, Lodge of Four Seasons, and many more
Golf associations in Missouri Missouri Golf Association (MGA), Hieronymus Cup Teams
Golf cart laws in Missouri Golf carts are allowed on municipal streets and for crossing state highways, but not on federal highways or intersections with speed limits above 45 mph; golf carts must have adequate brakes and meet safety requirements
Golf-related attractions in Missouri Top golf resorts, such as Big Cedar Lodge, which offers golf lessons, caddie services, and practice facilities; golf carts and low-speed vehicles are also available for rent

shungolf

Golf courses in Missouri

Missouri is home to several top-ranked golf courses, including the Big Cedar Lodge, which has been named America's Best Golf Resort by USA TODAY readers. The sprawling property near Branson, Missouri, features golf courses designed by legends of the game, including Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus. Big Cedar Lodge offers multiple practice facilities, caddie services, and a variety of golf lessons and programs for players of all levels. Their courses include Payne's Valley, Ozarks National, Buffalo Ridge, Top of the Rock, and Mountain Top.

Another notable golf course in Missouri is the Branson Hills Country Club, located in the breathtaking Ozark Mountains. The course was designed by Chuck Smith and Bobby Clampett and pays homage to Missouri golfing history with a museum featuring photos and memorabilia from renowned golfers such as Tom Watson, John Daly, and Payne Stewart. The course is known for its secluded design, winding through dense woodlands and featuring steep elevation changes, natural creeks, rock outcroppings, and abundant wildlife.

The Country Club of St. Albans, located along the Missouri River, offers two 18-hole courses. The first course, named Lewis and Clark, was designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morris and features dramatic elevation changes highlighted by rock-lined creeks and streams. The second course, the Club at Porto Cima, was designed by Jack Nicklaus and features seven spectacular holes adjacent to the lake, oak tree-lined driving areas, and intense elevation changes.

The Fox Run Golf Club, designed by Gary Kern, is set among the dense deciduous forests outside of St. Louis. It offers a challenging course with tight driving areas protected by penal bunkering, rows of trees, and tricky greens.

Missouri also has a variety of other golf courses, including public courses such as the Branson Hills Golf Club, which has benefited from the increased popularity of golf in the state. Golfers in Missouri can also take advantage of the state's golf cart laws, which allow for the operation of golf carts on certain municipal streets, providing easy access to and from the courses.

shungolf

Golf cart laws in Missouri

Golf carts are a popular mode of transport in Missouri, but their use is subject to certain laws and restrictions. Here is an overview of the key golf cart laws in Missouri:

Definition of a Golf Cart

In Missouri, a "golf cart" is legally defined as a motor vehicle designed and manufactured for operation on a golf course for sporting or recreational purposes. By law, these vehicles must not be capable of exceeding speeds of 20 miles per hour.

Usage on Streets and Highways

Municipalities in Missouri may regulate the use of golf carts on streets and highways within their jurisdiction. Golf carts are generally prohibited from operating on state or federal highways, except when crossing them at intersections where the speed limit is 45 miles per hour or less.

Local Ordinances

Local ordinances may further restrict the use of golf carts on city streets. For example, some municipalities require golf cart owners to obtain a special permit to drive their carts on public roads. It is important to check with local authorities, such as the police or sheriff's department, to understand the specific regulations in your area.

Safety Requirements

Golf carts operated on city streets must be equipped with adequate brakes and meet any additional safety requirements imposed by the governing body. Missouri law also imposes a duty of care on golf cart drivers, requiring them to operate their vehicles with the highest degree of caution, complying with all state and local laws applicable to motorized vehicles.

Driver Age and Licensing

In Missouri, only licensed drivers aged 16 years or older are permitted to operate a golf cart on a public street.

Insurance

It is important to note that standard motor vehicle insurance policies may not cover the use of golf carts on public streets. Golf cart users should carefully review their insurance policies or consult their insurance providers to ensure they have the appropriate coverage.

shungolf

Golf clubs in Missouri

Golf is a popular sport in Missouri, with many renowned golf clubs and courses across the state. One of the top golf courses in the state is the Big Cedar Lodge, nestled in the Ozarks and offering a unique golfing experience. The property boasts golf courses designed by legends of the game, such as Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus, and features the dramatic par-3 course, Cliffhangers. Another highly-regarded golf club in Missouri is the Missouri Bluffs Golf Club, the only St. Louis area golf club designed by renowned architect Tom Fazio. The club offers stunning vistas, a challenging layout, and is ranked as one of the best public golf courses in the area.

For those seeking a historical golfing experience, the Saint Louis Country Club, opened in 1914, offers a classic golfing experience in the suburb of Ladue. The Old Warson Country Club, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., is another esteemed golf club in Missouri, featuring an undulating, tree-lined layout. The Bellerive Country Club, which hosted the 2018 PGA Championship, is also a notable golfing destination, known for its winding creek that features on nine holes.

Missouri is also home to several other remarkable golf clubs, each with its own distinct character. The Gary Kern-designed Fox Run Golf Club, located outside of St. Louis, offers a challenging course set among dense deciduous forests. The Boone Valley Golf Club, west of St. Louis, is another notable club, having hosted the Boone Valley Classic event on the PGA Senior Tour from 1996 to 2000. The Club at Porto Cima, situated on the Lake of the Ozarks, presents an Italian Riviera-style resort and a championship-style golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus.

The Dalhousie Golf Club, located just south of St. Louis, showcases a Gary Nicklaus-designed course with elevation changes and a mix of Allister MacKenzie-style fairway bunkering. Branson Hills Country Club, set in the breathtaking Ozark Mountains, offers a secluded course that roams through dense woodlands and features steep elevation changes. With its rich golfing history, Missouri is a golfer's paradise, offering a diverse range of golf clubs and courses to suit all levels of players.

Golf in Italy: A Rising Sport?

You may want to see also

shungolf

Golf tournaments in Missouri

Golf is allowed in Missouri, and the state boasts several top golf courses, including Big Cedar Lodge, which has been named America's Best Golf Resort by USA TODAY readers. Big Cedar Lodge offers golf lessons and programs for players of all skill levels, as well as caddie services. The sprawling property features golf courses designed by legends of the game, such as Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus.

When it comes to golf tournaments in Missouri, there are various options to consider, including disc golf tournaments. Here is a list of some notable golf tournaments held in Missouri:

  • Missouri Amateur Championship: This tournament is presented by Discmania and is a PDGA B-tier event. It was held on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at Mineral Area College in Park Hills, Missouri.
  • Midwest Showdown: A PDGA B-tier tournament held over the weekend of July 26-27, 2025, at Quail Ridge in Wentzville, Missouri.
  • Knight's Flight Freedom Fest & Weenie Roast: A disc golf tournament hosted by Knight's Flight Disc Golf Club in De Soto, Missouri, on Saturday, July 5, 2025.
  • Nevada Open: Sponsored by Prodigy Discs, this tournament is an PDGA A-tier event taking place on November 1-2, 2025, at Frank E. Peters Golf Course in Nevada, Missouri.
  • Beat the Heat: A disc golf tournament to be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Indian Camp Creek Park in Foristell, Missouri.
  • PDGA Amateur World Championships: This major championship, presented by Discraft, will take place from Tuesday, August 19, to Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Harmony Bends DGC in Columbia, Missouri.

These are just a few examples of the many golf tournaments that take place throughout Missouri. The state has an active disc golf scene, with tournaments happening regularly and offering a range of competition tiers. Be sure to check local listings and disc golf organizations for the most up-to-date information on upcoming tournaments and their specific dates and locations.

shungolf

Golf restrictions in Missouri

Golf is allowed in Missouri, and there are many golf courses in the state. However, there are some restrictions in place for golfers and golf courses in Missouri.

Golf Cart Restrictions

Golf carts are allowed on city streets in Missouri, but they cannot be operated on state or federal highways. Golf carts may cross portions of the state highway system that intersect with municipal streets, but they cannot cross highways with posted speed limits of more than 45 miles per hour. Golf carts operated on city streets must have adequate brakes and meet other safety requirements imposed by the governing body.

Alcohol Restrictions

Outside alcoholic beverages are prohibited on golf courses in Missouri, but beverages can be purchased at the pro shop or clubhouse.

Pace of Play Restrictions

At the Missouri Bluffs Golf Club, the expected pace of play is 4 hours and 20 minutes. Golfers who cannot maintain this pace are encouraged to book late afternoon tee times. If a group falls too far behind, they may be asked to skip a hole to catch up.

Rider Restrictions

Non-golfing riders are allowed at some golf courses in Missouri, such as Big Cedar Lodge, for a fee. However, at the Missouri Bluffs Golf Club, non-golfing riders are not permitted on the course, and there is a fee for riders who accompany golfers on carts.

Seed Restrictions

Sunflower seeds are prohibited on the golf course at the Missouri Bluffs Golf Club.

Group Size Restrictions

At Big Cedar Lodge, a maximum of four players are allowed per group. Groups of five players may be split into groups of three and two.

Age Restrictions

Children under the age of 10 are not allowed on the golf course at the Missouri Bluffs Golf Club.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, golf is allowed in Missouri. There are many golf courses in the state, including the Missouri Bluffs Golf Club and Big Cedar Lodge Golf Course.

Some popular golf courses in Missouri include the Missouri Bluffs Golf Club, Big Cedar Lodge Golf Course, and Swope Memorial Golf Course.

Yes, the Missouri Golf Association (MGA) is dedicated to advancing the game of golf throughout the state. They conduct statewide championships and offer various services to member players and clubs.

Golf carts are generally not allowed on state or federal highways. However, local municipalities may allow their use on city streets and for crossing state highways. Golf carts must be equipped with adequate brakes and meet safety requirements.

Most golf courses in Missouri do not allow outside alcoholic beverages. Some courses may also prohibit personal coolers and certain types of food, such as sunflower seeds, on the course. It is best to check with the specific golf course for their policies.

Written by
Reviewed by

Explore related products

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment