The Cove Golf Course
The Cove Golf Course in Lake Ozark offers an 18-hole public layout blending parkland style with gentle elevations and strategic hazards. With true-running greens and a setting framed by mature trees, it presents a varied, accessible challenge for golfers across skill levels.
Course Overview
Situated along the gentle contours of Lake Ozark, Missouri, The Cove Golf Course presents an 18-hole challenge carved into a landscape that calls for thoughtful strategy and steady nerves. This public course blends elements of parkland design with subtle hints of rolling terrain, delivering a game that tests accuracy and distance control across varied elevation changes and well-placed hazards. The setting, defined by a combination of mature trees and open fairways, offers golfers an experience that balances natural beauty with competitive playability.
The course stretches over 6,700 yards from the back tees, playing to a par of 72. Golfers from various skill levels will find The Cove’s layout approachable yet rewarding. Fairways are forgiving in spots, giving higher handicappers chances to score, while strategically placed bunkers and water hazards will challenge more skilled players aiming to keep their scores low. The greens are known to run true with moderate undulations, requiring careful reads and deft putting.
Visitors often mention the quiet rhythm of play here, although course conditions have fluctuated, making a timely visit an important consideration. Walking The Cove offers a rewarding perspective on the course’s subtle changes in elevation and the way holes follow the natural lay of the land. Players are encouraged to wear sturdy golf shoes suited for occasional uneven ground and to prepare for a workout that engages both the body and mind.
Amenities include a modest clubhouse that welcomes players with friendly staff and convenient facilities. Cart rentals and a beverage service are typically available during regular hours, but visitors should confirm ahead given recent variations in service availability. Despite some operational growing pains reported by guests, the course’s scenery and layout remain its defining strengths.
The Cove Golf Course sits conveniently at 2733 Horseshoe Bend Parkway, offering a golf option for those visiting Lake Ozark and the surrounding central Missouri area. It is a course that demands focus and rewards persistence, delivering moments of both serene natural beauty and spirited competition.
Course Highlights
The course’s combination of thoughtfully positioned bunkers and water hazards demands precision without overwhelming the player. Its greens, known for consistency and smooth rolls, reward careful approach shots. The blend of open fairways and wooded sections creates a rhythm that tests shot variety. While not a heavily sculpted course, its natural undulations and lake-adjacent views provide moments of quiet visual interest amid the challenge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Sw1 Moco
Would have rated this better. But folks running it are very pushy, rude and not accommodating. Today 10/17. We had booked on golf now. Some reason our time for 4 folks out of 12 didn’t take but we were charged. Paid $55 a person on top of $28 we paid in first place on Golf Now Older gentleman at pro shop didn’t care even though later was shown we paid Golf Now, made us pay the $55 then kept asking when our 4th would arrive to pay as well. Wouldn’t budge on anything. Furthermore clubhouse closed up early each day, nowhere to use restroom, water, beer snacks notta. Told open till last golfer come in. Both day closed around 4pm. Folks pouring off course only dude cleaning golf carts was left. Lady in bar when it was open was an absolute saint though! Pretty course, unforgiving though! Quick greens this time
Justin Burns
The course was in good shape. The cart path needs work. It's a tough course for a high handicapper! Their staff was VERY friendly and they were working like a well oiled machine, keeping things moving and efficient. More courses should bring a cart right to the car, it saved us time and was a nice touch. There is a beer cart, and they even had coolers with them. Another time saver! I liked this course, and really like how efficient the staff was, but I'm going to need to up my game to play here again. Carrying 170 to be safe on a couple of par 3s didn't work out for me at all.
Jeff & Stephanie Foster
We had a 3some that played Sunday morning 6/8. There were no cart attendants to help with the bags. During the course of play they had scheduled a 4some two groups ahead of us, a 2some ahead of us and then our 3some. The 4some wouldn't let the 2some play through so it took about 3 1/2 hours to play 9 holes. The course had no course Marshall to address and rectify the situation. There was also no bev cart, no water stations and the fairways were in poor condition... all for $120.00 green fee. Ridiculous. I gave 1 star just because the greens were in good shape. The Cove used to be one of the signature courses here at the lake... unfortunately it's now not even close.
Christopher Ortbals
Called twice to get rates and book reservation. Just hoping to play a late day 9 holes. Was told twice on the phone it is ~$40 for 9 and ~$30 for rental clubs (here on vacation). Get there and rentals are $75 each and total was much higher overall. Refused to honor what two other people had quoted when called. Told me “these are brand new callaways” which clearly if I’m playing 9 holes at 4pm, is not my primary motivation. Ruined our afternoon plans. Thanks.
Christopher Ortbals
Called twice to get rates and book reservation. Just hoping to play a late day 9 holes. Was told twice on the phone it is ~$40 for 9 and ~$30 for rental clubs (here on vacation). Get there and rentals are $75 each and total was much higher overall. Refused to honor what two other people had quoted when called. Told me “these are brand new callaways” which clearly if I’m playing 9 holes at 4pm, is not my primary motivation. Ruined our afternoon plans. Thanks.
Brian Smith
Beautifully landscaped and challenging course. The staff was friendly and helpful. We had to stay on the cart paths only due to the excessive rain the week before so it made for a long day but it was worth the sacrifice. I highly recommend playing here.
Ben Carlow
Jeff & Stephanie Foster
We had a 3some that played Sunday morning 6/8. There were no cart attendants to help with the bags. During the course of play they had scheduled a 4some two groups ahead of us, a 2some ahead of us and then our 3some. The 4some wouldn't let the 2some play through so it took about 3 1/2 hours to play 9 holes. The course had no course Marshall to address and rectify the situation. There was also no bev cart, no water stations and the fairways were in poor condition... all for $120.00 green fee. Ridiculous. I gave 1 star just because the greens were in good shape. The Cove used to be one of the signature courses here at the lake... unfortunately it's now not even close.
Anthony Hare
Paid $70 to pay at 4:30 on a Wednesday and the clubhouse is closed at 6? I have never heard of that being a thing. Anyway if you wanna play free golf, come by the Cove after 6 during the week.
Matt Murray
Course was in horrible condition. Hit in the fairway and you are literally looking for grass to set your ball on. Sand bunkers have no sand! I get that the course is going through some changes but don’t charge normal rates when your course is below average.
Book Your Round
Experience one of golf's most legendary courses
Direct booking • No commissions
Course Details
Access & Location
2733 Horseshoe Bend Pkwy, Lake Ozark, MO 65049, USA
Modest clubhouse with pro shop and basic dining facilities
Walking allowed; terrain includes moderate elevation changes—recommend wearing supportive golf shoes.
Open to all players; reservations recommended, especially during peak season
Nearby Courses
