Local and traveling golfers love to research courses before playing them, whether it is to gain some local knowledge or to set an expectation before their upcoming round. Below is an interview with Paul Leahy who shares some valuable insight about the property, its most talked about holes and the signature dish/drink to consume at the 19th hole.
How Does Your Course Differ From The Others In The Area? Our courses are some of the oldest in the area and were constructed using the natural terrain of the area. Some of the newer courses in the area are built on flatter pieces of property that do not give you the full beauty of the Ozarks.
For someone who has not played the course in awhile, has there been any new changes/renovations to the course or property? Numerous trees have been removed for circulation and for play ability of the course. Many areas where the trees have been removed or trimmed have been sodded for better playing conditions. A new water feature was added to the 4th hole and construction of a bridge over the water feature on #9 for pictures has been added.
What is your course's answer to Amen Corner? (Describe your best/hardest 3 back/back/back holes) I would say our amen corner is 12,13,14. Twelve is a short downhill par 4. The best play is to hit something about 200 yards so it leaves you 120 to 100 yards so you can have a full shot to the narrow elevated green. Get it to close to the green and you can't see the flag and you are hitting a half shot. Thirteen is a tough, narrow par 4 where the green sits in front of the Lake of the Ozarks forming a spectacular back drop. A creek runs the entire right side and from the back tee you are forced to hit driver or 3 wood to reach the fairway. Fourteen is a long Par 3 with the lake of the Ozarks boarding the green on the left and the back. Keep the ball to the right as everything runs toward the water on the left. Enjoy the views on these 3 and take some scenic photos.
What is your course's claim to fame, or is there a little known fact that golfers should know about the property? The Oaks Golf Course was built on the site of the Tan-Tar-A Ski Slope, hence why the Golf Shop resembles a ski resort with its pitched roof line. The driving range, pond in front of hole #8 and beyond hole number 8 was the ski run until the course opened in 1980. The Hidden Lakes 9 Hole Golf Course opened in 1969 in preparation for the 1970 August National Governor's Conference. President Richard Nixon was an avid golfer and wanted to make sure golf was available for the attendees.
What tournaments/events have you (recently) hosted or will be hosting? Annual Norm Stewart Celebrity Golf Classic to raise funds for the Coaches vs Cancer Charity
Besides golf, what other amenities do you offer if a golfer wants to spend most of the day at your facility? The resort offers many recreational activities to enjoy from, a full service marina, bowling alley, indoor waterpark, spa, fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, miniature golf, tennis, basketball and more. Several dining options are also available at the resort and it is perfect for large and small meetings and conferences.
Contact Course Tan-Tar-A Resort Golf Club 1524 State Road KK Osage Beach, MO, 65065 573-348-8522
