Swope Memorial 6900 Swope Memorial Dr. 816-513-8910
Though "signature" golf courses proliferate as lures for suburban home buyers, Swope Memorial Golf Course remains the Kansas City area's best public course, possessing the finest pedigree of any layout in the region. After nearly a century of use -- and 67 years since A.W. Tillinghast's design work -- the par-72 course remains a challenging thrill. The hills (put in play by Tillie's diabolical genius) and monster oak trees see to that. The back nine is an expedition, ranging far from the clubhouse and civilization into the forests of Swope Park. Hole 13 is a picturesque and lengthy par-three inspiring awe and fear. The par-five 17th hole demands a strategy: clear the fairway bunker on the drive, aim for the radio tower on the blind second shot over the hill, then enjoy the downtown skyline while pitching down to the green. Next year, Tillie's Black Course at New York's Bethpage State Park will host the prestigious U.S. Open. The old man made his courses to last.
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