St. Louis is one of the most affordable large-metro golf markets in the Midwest — a city-county structure that produces both an exceptional municipal golf system within the city and a strong semi-private market in the Missouri and Illinois suburbs. The season runs April through October with peak conditions in May–June and September–October. St. Louis golfers benefit from below-average pricing and a climate that produces genuinely excellent spring and fall conditions.
St. Louis Green Fees (2026)
| Course | Weekday 18 | Weekend 18 | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Creve Coeur Golf Course | $16 | $16 | 4.4 ★ |
| Florissant Golf Club | $38 | $47 | 4.3 ★ |
| The Quarry at Crystal Springs | $58 | $74 | 4.2 ★ |
| Tapawingo National Golf Club | $72 | $82 | 4.3 ★ |
Verified from course websites · Showing 4 courses with published pricing · Verify before booking
Bellerive Country Club: The Historic Standard
Bellerive Country Clubin Town & Country hosted the 2018 PGA Championship — a private club and not publicly accessible. But its presence defines the quality ceiling for St. Louis golf conditioning. The public equivalent: Tapawingo National Golf Club and Normandie Golf Club(the oldest public golf course west of the Mississippi River, opened 1901) represent the best of the public market's historic tier. See current rates in the pricing table above.
The Best Value in St. Louis
Gateway National Golf Links in Madison, IL (across the river from St. Louis) delivers the best quality-to-price ratio in the broader metro — a championship layout that consistently outperforms its green fee. On the Missouri side, Crystal Highlands Golf Club and Pevely Farms Golf Clubare the consensus best-value semi-private options. See current rates in the pricing table above.
The City Courses: Subsidized Public Golf
St. Louis City and St. Louis County both operate public golf courses at some of the lowest rates in the metro. Normandie Golf Club (1901, one of the oldest public courses in the country), Forest Park Golf Course (9-hole, iconic setting in Forest Park), and Westborough Golf Club form the core of the city public system. All are walkable and available at resident and non-resident rates. See current rates above.
St. Louis Golf by Season
- April–May: Best spring conditions. Rates rising from winter. Popular window for league play and casual rounds.
- June–August: Peak season. Hot and humid — temperatures often 90°F+. Twilight rates and early morning play are the best strategies. Rates typically at peak.
- September–October: Best overall value window. Temperatures moderate, fall colors building, rates dropping from summer peak. The most enjoyable golf months in the metro.
- November–March: Off-season. Some courses stay open weather-permitting with significant rate reductions. Frost delays common November–March.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best public golf course in St. Louis?
Tapawingo National Golf Club (Missouri side) and Gateway National Golf Links (Illinois side) are the consensus best daily-fee courses in the metro. Pevely Farms Golf Club is the top semi-private pick. Normandie Golf Club (1901, oldest public course west of Mississippi) is the most historically significant.
Is St. Louis golf affordable?
Yes — St. Louis is consistently below the national average for public golf pricing. The city and county municipal systems offer some of the lowest rates in the Midwest, and the semi-private market is priced well below comparable markets in Chicago or Kansas City.
When is the best time to golf in St. Louis?
September and October offer the best combination of weather, conditions, and value — temperatures moderate, fall colors developing, and rates often below summer peak. Spring (April–May) is the second-best window. Summer is playable but hot; early morning or twilight play is the key strategy.
What are the cheapest golf courses in St. Louis?
St. Louis City public courses (Normandie, Forest Park) and St. Louis County parks courses are the most affordable options. Gateway National Golf Links in Madison, IL also offers competitive rates with high quality. See current verified rates in the pricing table above.