Fore Good Times and Great Golf Make the Trek to the Lake of the Ozarks

At Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks, golfers will find 13 incredible courses at one unforgettable destination, conveniently located in the heart of America's Heartland.

According to Paul Leahy, president of the Lake of the Ozarks Golf Council and director of golf at Margaritaville Lake Resort, the Lake has seen a surge in new golfers and new visitors coming to play at the Lake's celebrated courses over the last few years. That's due to the fact that the Lake of the Ozarks rivals any golf destination in the country. "When you consider that we have 13 outstanding courses crafted by some legendary golfers and designers, all within 30 miles from one another, and at some of the most affordable rates you'll find, it's hard to beat what the Lake area has to offer for golfers and their families," Leahy says. "It's the quality, convenience and affordability that make the Lake of the Ozarks the go-to place for golf."

The Lake of the Ozarks' 13 championship courses are laid out amid lushly forested hills and imposing rock bluffs with views of the shimmering waters of the Lake. The well-manicured courses are carved from the rolling Ozark hills and feature tree-lined, undulating fairways and impressive elevation changes with some beautiful vistas.

These highly sought-after courses were designed by some of the biggest names in the game - Arnold Palmer, Robert Trent Jones, Sr., Tom Weiskopf, Ken Kavanaugh, Jack Nicklaus and more. Each course has its own unique personality and intriguing challenges that entice visitors from across the country.

Twelve of the 13 Lake-area courses make up the Lake of the Ozarks Golf Trail, which was voted the "Best Golf Trail" and the "Best Weekend Golf Getaway" by AAA Midwest Traveler Magazine.

In addition to the Golf Trail's 12 outstanding courses, the "baker's dozen" of Lake of the Ozarks golf courses is rounded out with the only waterfront Jack Nicklaus-Signature course in Missouri - The Club at Porto Cima. This course has repeatedly been named by Golf Digest as one of the best private courses in the U.S.

Golf is Great Any Time of Year at the Lake of the Ozarks

Any time of year is a great time to be playing golf at the Lake of the Ozarks. Sure, in winter it slows down, but you'll still have golfers out on the courses on the milder days when the mercury climbs into the mid-50s or low-60s taking advantage of the fantastic offseason rates and less-crowded fairways. Summer is the prime golfing season, but spring is a favorite of many... and so is fall. Early spring and late fall boast easy-to-get tee times and fresh-blooming flowers or colorful foliage, along with lower fees and comfortable temperatures. No matter the season, golf at the Lake of the Ozarks is always a hit.
Grab the Clubs, Your Buds and Come Our Way

The Lake of the Ozarks has a well-earned reputation for providing top-notch golf and accommodations year-around. For a golf getaway of any length, the Lake of the Ozarks Golf Trail makes it simple for those visiting the area to combine golf and lodging for one affordable "Stay and Play" rate. The Golf Trail's lodging members, as well as many additional lodging facilities at the Lake of the Ozarks, specialize in booking money-saving Golf Trail Getaway Packages. With a convenient Golf Package, all a golfer has to do is make one phone call to the lodging facility of his or her choice to have their lodging and tee times booked for them, all for a price that's lower than booking golf and lodging separately.

Accommodations available range from full-service luxury resorts to smaller family-owned resorts; condominiums and rental vacation homes to charming bed and breakfasts; and friendly hotels or motels to convenient cabins, campgrounds and RV parks. With a Golf Trail Getaway Package, visitors can customize their golf outing to fit them (and their golf buddies) to a tee. To learn more about the Golf Trail's courses, accommodations and simple booking instructions, call 1-800-490-8474.

And, after the rounds are over, there is plenty of fun and entertainment to be had at the "Best Recreational Lake in the Nation." Want to get out on the water? The area's numerous marinas offer a variety of watercraft rentals for a day or a week of fun on the water. Or, take a scenic narrated cruise on one of the Lake's three cruise boats. With over 200 restaurants and bars, there is no shortage of options when it comes to dining and nightlife. Most of the Lake's attractions are open year around and the Lake's entertainment calendar is packed full of fun events and festivities that the entire family can enjoy.

The "Best Recreational Lake in the Nation" brings in golfers, families, friends, fishermen, business and meeting travelers and everyone in between for year around activities and fun. To learn more more about all the events, attractions, activities, and available dining and lodging options, visit www.FunLake.com. Or, call the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau at 1-800-FUN-LAKE (386-5253).