The Ridge Golf Course
The Ridge Golf Course in Lake Ozark offers an 18-hole public layout carved into the rolling uplands of the Ozarks. With a natural landscape that challenges with elevation changes and narrow fairways, this course caters to golfers who appreciate rugged terrain and a test of shot precision.
Course Overview
The Ridge Golf Course in Lake Ozark, Missouri, presents an 18-hole layout that blends a rugged natural setting with the challenges inherent in a hill-and-valley terrain. This public course offers a distinctly regional experience, capturing the spirit of the Ozarks with every step. Stretching over varied elevations, the course demands strategic shotmaking through a mix of tree-lined fairways and subtle water features that catch errant shots. While the rolling terrain adds character, it also introduces uneven lies and blind shots that test the accuracy and creativity of players, particularly those comfortable navigating a course that veers away from flat, manicured surfaces.
The visual appeal of The Ridge stems from its sweeping views of the surrounding woodland and occasional glimpses of the Lake of the Ozarks. Though not a resort-style venue with extensive amenities, it does offer a modest clubhouse and basic services suited to players who prioritize the game itself. Walkers should prepare for steady elevation changes and uneven footing, so sturdy footwear makes for a more comfortable round.
Playability at The Ridge leans toward players seeking an authentic challenge rather than a purely forgiving layout. Golfers with mid to high handicaps may find the course uneven in condition and sometimes taxing, especially where fairways narrow and rough encroaches. The greens are receptive but can vary in smoothness, rewarding careful putting and course management. For those focused on shot variety and terrain navigation, The Ridge delivers a straightforward, unpretentious golf experience without the polish or luxury of higher-tier courses in the region.
Overall, The Ridge Golf Course represents a test of patience and perseverance framed by the natural contours of the Ozarks. Players visiting should come prepared to engage both their mental game and physical stamina. While course maintenance and pace of play may fluctuate, the layout itself provides an honest challenge reflective of its rugged local character. This is a place where golfers willing to accept its imperfections can enjoy a round grounded in outdoor adventure and familiar Midwestern golf tradition.
Course Highlights
The Ridge is defined by substantial elevation shifts and a layout that encourages strategic discretion with every shot. Narrow fairways bordered by mature trees and rough present consistent accuracy demands. Small water hazards add to the risk-reward factor without overwhelming the routing. While maintenance may fluctuate, the course’s natural topography and varied hole designs create an opportunity to test different shot types and course management skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Olin Wells
I recently played a round at Season Ridge, and unfortunately, it was a pretty disappointing experience. I wasn't expecting Augusta National, but the overall condition of the course was rough. The fairways were patchy, and the greens were slow and bumpy, which really impacted the quality of play. Beyond the course conditions, the staff I encountered weren't particularly welcoming or helpful. From the pro shop to the course marshals, interactions felt curt and uninterested, which didn’t make for a relaxing day out on the course. Overall, I’d suggest looking at other options if you're hoping for a well-maintained course with friendly service.
Jackson Hesseltine
Terrible service and lack of respect for customers
Brian Smith
Beautiful course. Lots of wildlife watching you as you play the perfectly landscaped holes. We had to stay on the cart path the whole way which made for a longer than average round due to all the rain they received the week before but it was still a great day of golfing with my buddies. The staff was friendly and helpful. I highly recommend this course if you are looking for a fun filled day.
Shane Weisell
Employee working the front desk was pushy and rude. The marshall followed my 3 some and my friends in the following 3 some, all playing best ball, for the entire front 9 to make sure we wouldn't group up. We waited on the 4 some in front of us almost the whole round, with our following 3 some on the tee box, but still weren't allowed to join us. I understand rules, but to be followed and bothered by the marshall the whole time killed the mood. Every bunker was dirt and rocks; clover, weeds on every fairway, greens were rough. Not worth the $97 for a saturday round, barely worth $40. Course is a cool layout, but no maintenance at all. Concession workers were very nice, but food was worse than military food. I recommend the Oaks at Margaritaville.
Itz Dom64
Fun course. That’s about it though. Poorly maintained. Sand traps were a mess. No rakes. Marshall was creeping around making us uncomfortable. He sat and watched groups, ruining the vibe and enjoyment. Contacted management and they minimized situation and had an attitude. This course could be great. A shame it is poorly managed.
Scott Hoch
This is my group's second time playing the Ridge and they've raised prices yet again. Here's why we won't be back: 1) many greens are in below average condition and bumpy as hell. Don't even bother with the practice green. 2) cart path often in disrepair 3) poor signage for several holes leaving you guessing where to go 4) playground-sand bunkers 5) most holes have a steep tee box or green that you feel like you are climbing a mountain. Put in some stairs at least, or level the cart path to the level it needs to be. The one set of stairs we saw were in such bad shape that none of us used them. If you have mobility issues at all, you will have a difficult day. 6) There just isn't a flat lie anywhere. You can hit the fairway and still roll off into the woods on most holes. 7) you cannot take your cart to your car to unload. They've got it blocked off. I believe this is to force you to tip the attendants even if you don't want them touching your clubs. At $100+ per round, we expect a lot better than this course provides.
Ron Munos
Played today and I have not seen a course is such bad shape! This course is not worth $30.00 a round and definitely not the $75.00 they are charging. Will not be back until I read where investments are being made! DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME OR MONEY’
cody friedhoff
For a $100 golf course, you would think they could find some tar and asphalt to fill in the potholes and crumbling cart paths. They were overbooked and still constantly followed us and watched us creeping behind making us uncomfortable and told us we were behind pace when we were waiting on groups in front of us. Maybe book less tee times and buy faster carts? Pay attention while on the cart paths because a 6 inch deep pothole can pop up out of nowhere, and often. Also, bring a back brace and pillow to sit on to avoid whiplash and a compressed spine.
Scott Heliker
For the price of $103 with tax I expected this to be in much better shape. The grass was not cut, bunkers had grass patches growing out of them and the cart paths were atrocious. Overall it didn’t look like this place was maintained. This would be about a $45 course in the St Louis area.
Olin Wells
I recently played a round at Season Ridge, and unfortunately, it was a pretty disappointing experience. I wasn't expecting Augusta National, but the overall condition of the course was rough. The fairways were patchy, and the greens were slow and bumpy, which really impacted the quality of play. Beyond the course conditions, the staff I encountered weren't particularly welcoming or helpful. From the pro shop to the course marshals, interactions felt curt and uninterested, which didn’t make for a relaxing day out on the course. Overall, I’d suggest looking at other options if you're hoping for a well-maintained course with friendly service.
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Course Details
Access & Location
170 Seasons Rdg Rd, Lake Ozark, MO 65049, USA
Modest clubhouse with basic amenities and pro shop
Walking allowed but course features significant elevation changes; wear sturdy golf shoes and plan for a physically demanding round
Open to daily fee players; advanced tee-time reservations encouraged on weekends
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