Just a few years after the Bagnell Dam was completed, the first golf course opened in Eldon, with a 9 hole course, and packed sand greens, which were easier to maintain, and has since been upgraded to the Eldon Golf Club, now with 18 holes and regulation grass greens. Soon after, in 1950, a second sand green, 9 hole course opened on Camdenton, and in 1955, a third was opened in Versailles, completing the era of sand greens in the Lake area.
Golfing around Lake of the Ozarks provides challenges for any skill level, and the regular elevation changes among the rolling hills, as well as tree lined fairways and spectacular views of the Lake, often means that much of the rough can become unplayable, inspiring players of every capacity to keep the ball on the right track. There are 11 courses in 7 cities around the Lake area, including Sunrise Beach and Lake Ozark,, with most courses featuring Bermuda fairways and bend grass greens, headlining designers such as Arnold Palmer, Robert Trent Jones, Sr., and Ken Kavanaugh, among others. Most incorporate the traditional driving ranges, pro shops and restaurants into their club house, and several showcase fine dining, swimming, tennis, and other activities, sometimes accessible by boat at courtesy docks or marinas.
Alternate golfing options include virtual golf at the LOZ Golf Lounge, with over 200 courses worldwide to choose from on their Indoor Trackman 4 system, Including minigames, and tournaments, all comfortably located inside Wicked Willie's Sports Bar and Grill, with food and drinks right at your fingertips. If miniature golf is your favorite way to swing a club, there are 5 course at 3 different locations along highway 54 on the East side of the Lake, with lush, shaded surroundings, and adventurous themes, providing golfing pastimes for any age or group size. Even without a golf club, you could spend the day on the Links at one of the 2 disc golf courses in the Lake region, Dragon Ridge in Camdenton, and Eldon Airpark in Eldon, exemplifying the diversity and variety of land based activities available to visitors and residents alike.
