The Best Golf Courses at the Lake of the Ozarks: A Local’s Guide to Golf & Lifestyle

by Lindsey Barrett

The Best Golf Courses at the Lake of the Ozarks: A Local’s Guide to Golf & Lifestyle

When people think about the Lake of the Ozarks, they usually picture boating and waterfront dining. But for those of us living here—or looking for the perfect second home—the "Lake Life" is just as much about the greens as it is the water.

The Lake of the Ozarks golf scene is a powerhouse in the Midwest. Whether you’re looking for a private club experience, a championship-level challenge, or a relaxed family round, you’ll find it here. As I’ve spent more time playing this year, I’ve realized that golf is the "secret sauce" to the area's lifestyle—it offers a pace of play that the busy main channel sometimes can't.

Here is a factual, local guide to the top courses in the area, updated for the 2026 season.

1. The Club at Porto Cima (Sunrise Beach, MO)

If you are looking for the premier private golf club at the Lake of the Ozarks, Porto Cima is the gold standard. This Jack Nicklaus Signature Design is the centerpiece of the Shawnee Bend peninsula.

The Vibe: Exclusive, Mediterranean-inspired luxury.
Course Facts: It is the first Nicklaus Signature course in Missouri. Several holes play directly along the lake, offering some of the most dramatic views in the Midwest.
Lifestyle: Membership includes access to a private yacht club and a stunning 17,000-square-foot clubhouse. It’s the top choice for luxury buyers in The Villages at Porto Cima.

2. Old Kinderhook Golf Course (Camdenton, MO)

Consistently ranked as one of the best in the state, Old Kinderhook is a Tom Weiskopf signature course that seamlessly blends into the Ozark hills.

The Vibe: Professional-grade golf in a high-end resort setting.
Course Facts: A Par 71, 6,726-yard layout known for its Zoysia tees and fairways and large Bentgrass greens. Expect valleys, waterfalls, and elevation changes of over 100 feet on holes like #8 and #11.
Lifestyle: Located just west of Camdenton, the community features the Driftwood Spa, The Trophy Room restaurant, and even an outdoor ice rink in the winter.

3. The Cove at The Lodge of Four Seasons (Lake Ozark, MO)

Designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones, Sr., The Cove is a classic "target" golf course that remains a staple of the Horseshoe Bend area.

The Vibe: Challenging, scenic, and legendary.
Course Facts: This Par 71 championship course features 72 bunkers and puts water into play on 9 of the 18 holes. It is widely known for its rolling hills and panoramic lake views.
Lifestyle: Perfect for those living in the Four Seasons POA, offering easy access to the Lodge’s full resort amenities.

4. The Oaks at Margaritaville (Osage Beach, MO)

Located at the famous Margaritaville Lake Resort, The Oaks offers a true test of Ozark golf through dense woodlands.

The Vibe: Tropical resort energy meets technical championship golf.
Course Facts: This 18-hole course is carved out of stately oaks, cedars, and dogwoods. It’s a narrow, tree-lined course that rewards precision over power.
Lifestyle: Ideally situated in Osage Beach, making it the perfect hub for those who want to pair golf with the area's best shopping and dining.

5. Bear Creek Valley Golf Club (Osage Beach, MO)

Frequently voted a local favorite, Bear Creek Valley meanders through 250 acres of meadows and Ozark forest.

The Vibe: Friendly, scenic, and high-value.
Course Facts: A Par 72, 6,796-yard layout that follows "Little Bear Creek." It features Zoysia fairways and L93 Bentgrass greens.
Local Tip: Don't skip the clubhouse restaurant; their "Eggs Benedict" is widely considered the best at the Lake!

6. Lake Valley Golf Club (Camdenton, MO)

If you want a unique layout that you won't find anywhere else, Lake Valley is the spot.

The Vibe: Relaxed, welcoming, and "pure golf."
Course Facts: Established in 1967, it features a unique 6-6-6 layout (six Par 3s, six Par 4s, and six Par 5s). This provides more opportunities for birdies and eagles than a traditional course.
Lifestyle: Known for a very friendly, "non-stuffy" atmosphere with affordable public access.

7. The Golf Club at Deer Chase (Linn Creek, MO)

Located right outside the Lake of the Ozarks State Park, Deer Chase offers a scenic, "off-the-beaten-path" experience.

The Vibe: Quiet, natural, and low-pressure.
Course Facts: An 18-hole executive-style course that features rolling terrain and a welcoming environment for all skill levels.
Lifestyle: Perfect for those who want to be close to nature and the state park’s hiking and boating access.

Real Estate & Golf: Why Location Matters

When you're buying a home at the Lake, choosing a golf community is about more than just the game. It’s about consistent property values, manicured neighborhoods, and a sense of community.