Gateway Region: Golf Rooted in Midwestern Heritage.
Bordering the Mississippi River and set beneath the iconic Gateway Arch, St. Louis offers golfers a region rich in scenic charm and historic parkland. Fairways framed by mature trees, strategic bunkering, and varied terrain create a satisfying and visually appealing test for all skill levels. Designed by accomplished architects, these courses deliver a distinctive Midwestern golf experience.
Featured Golf Courses
Gateway National Golf Links – Madison, IL
Architect: Keith Foster (1998)
Just across the river from St. Louis, Gateway National Golf Links showcases rolling fairways, wetlands, and a links-inspired layout uncommon in the Midwest. Native grasses, strategic bunkers, and wooden boardwalks guide golfers through a course that blends precision with creativity. The signature 10th, a short par-4 bending around a shimmering wetland, tests accuracy and decision-making, all framed by sweeping views of the Gateway Arch.
The Quarry at Crystal Springs – Maryland Heights, MO
Architect: Jack Litvay & Roger Null (1997)
Set among rolling hills and subtle rock outcroppings, The Quarry at Crystal Springs offers a distinct parkland experience. Tree-lined fairways, thoughtful bunkering, and elevated greens invite golfers to think strategically throughout the round. Varied hole designs and gentle elevation shifts create a layout that remains engaging from start to finish.
Spencer T. Olin Golf Course – Alton, IL
Architect: Arnold Palmer (1989)
Perched atop the Mississippi River bluffs, Spencer T. Olin blends strategic bunkering, gently undulating greens, and classic parkland routing, reflecting Arnold Palmer’s design philosophy. Sweeping river-valley views and tree-lined fairways create a memorable and scenic Midwestern round that rewards thoughtful shot-making.
Plan Your Next Trip the Right Way
See how the courses, hotels, and areas sit relative to each other in St. Louis Gateway.
Insider Notes:
Location: A standout just under an hour from St. Louis, Annbriar Golf Course offers a beautifully maintained parkland layout and is a great add-on for extended trips.
Courses Information: Courses like Spencer T. Olin are especially striking in early morning light, with mist rising off the Mississippi River and quiet fairways offering a smooth start to the day.
Golf Trip Combo: Pair your golf trip with regional favorites across St. Louis and Alton, from toasted ravioli and St. Louis-style pizza to small-batch craft beer flights.
Gateway National: Offer glimpses of the Gateway Arch, turning the round into a scenic and uniquely regional experience.
Airport Access:
St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL)
The Quarry at Crystal Springs: ~9 miles
Gateway National Golf Links: ~20 miles
Spencer T. Olin Golf Course: ~35 miles
Annbriar Golf Course: ~39 miles
Driving Times (from St. Louis):
Springfield, IL: ~1 hr 45 min
Columbia, MO: ~2 hrs
Indianapolis, IN: ~3 hr 45 min
Kansas City, MO: ~3 hr 45 min
Louisville, KY: ~4 hr 15 min
Chicago, IL: ~4 hr 30 min
Gateway National Golf Links – Madison, IL Reviews
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“Course was in amazing shape. You can tell that lots of rounds are played based upon the number of divots in the fairway . That speaks to the quality of course that you can actually get a divot here .”
-Brian
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"Fun course to play, challenging and fair. We would definitely come back and play. Course was in great condition"
-Alex
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"One of my favorite golf courses in St. Louis area. Challenging but fair. Keep it on the fairway and out of the rough.”
-George
The Quarry at Crystal Springs – Maryland Heights, MO Reviews
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"A place full of high-character staff and people with great integrity. I left a pair of $200 sunglasses in a golf cart and the cart maintenance crew turned them in without hesitation."
-Derrick
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"I love the Quarry even if it doesn't love me as my scores here continue to prove to me. Certainly a challenging course with some cool holes, a great driving range with grass tees and mats, a seperate chipping area, practice bunker and putting green."
-Tommy
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"Fun and challenging course. Lots of tall grass which is easy to lose your ball in if you suck like me lol. $54 which isn’t bad for a well maintained course.”
-Paul
Spencer T. Olin Golf Course – Alton, IL Reviews
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"Recently got back into golf this year, I was able to play this course multiple times this year at various times and days. The staff was excellent, friendly and very accommodating when a few minutes late to a tee time, although you should always be on time life happens."
-Andrew
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"This course is always in awesome shape! The greens are fast, the fairways are immaculate and the tee boxes plush! This course sets up for somebody that hits a fade on most holes and it drains better than any other course in the area after rain!"
-Dan
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"Course in great shape and doesn’t play absurdly hard. Tee boxes nice, bunkers soft, greens were extremely fast and challenging. Would definitely drive over 45 minutes here again to play!”
-Mike
