Courtesy of the club
Courtesy of Jon Cavalier
Courtesy of Jon Cavalier
Courtesy of the club
St. Louis Country Club
Saint Louis, MO • Private
St. Louis Country Club
400 Barnes Rd
Saint Louis, MO 63124-1699
United States
Overview
One gets the impression, playing St. Louis Country Club, that C.B. Macdonald was perplexed about how to route a course on such a tight piece of property. After all, his previous and concurrent design efforts at National Golf Links of America, Piping Rock and The Lido were comparatively spacious. But at St. Louis C.C., Macdonald must have felt squeezed, for he installed back-to-back par-3s at the second and third holes, placed his Redan par-3, the 16th, near the entrance road, then had players walk back to the 16th tee to play the 17th. Those quirks aside, St. Louis C.C. is a sublime, hilly museum of golf. It has so many enormous, unique landforms, it’s like playing golf through a dinosaur graveyard. The short par-4 18th is Macdonald’s version of the 17th at Prestwick, the Alps, and features a blind approach over a ridge into the green. If you miss a 30-incher on this punchbowl green, remember Sam Snead did, too, to lose the ’47 U.S. Open.
About
Awards
Ranking history:
Second 100 Greatest: Ranked since 2019.
Previous ranking: 128th.
2025-'26 ranking (highest): 121st.
Best in State: Ranked first, 2021-'26. Ranked second, 2019-'20. Ranked third, 2015-'18. Ranked fourth, 2013-'14. Ranked inside the top five, 1977-'85, 1999-2003. Ranked inside the top 10, 1997, 2005-'12.
Current ranking (and previous): 1st.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“The course at St. Louis CC -- designed by CB MacDonald and Raynor -- is a true gem. It is consistently strong across all scoring categories and deserves Top 100 consideration. Shot Options (7.54) -- The golfer is presented with varying options throughout the test of golf that is St. Louis CC. Although not long by today's standards, playing from the back tees I still was forced to play every club in my bag. MacDonald gives the golfer places to miss or lay up and still have an opportunity to make par with well executed recovery shots. Challenge (7.69) -- Again, although not long, the course is significantly challenging. The back to back long par 3's at 2 and 3 provide a stern test and the likelihood that the round can get away from a golfer early if he/she doesn't reset after those holes. The stern par 5 13th is the rare par 5 that is deserving of its #1 handicap hole status. Layout Variety (7.65) -- STLCC shines when it comes to layout variety. There are so many unique and memorable elements to the layout.......one of the few courses in the world with back-to-back par 3's (especially long 3's) at 2 and 3; the template holes are evident, memorable, and add to the variety (the Biarritz green at the second, the visually intimidating Cape hole at the 8th, etc.); the unique aspect of walking back to the 17th tee after playing the reverse redan 16th par 3. The layout provides a please to walk. The fact that MacDonald figured out how to route the layout in the unique, rolling, and land-locked property he had is a testament to his genius. Aesthetics (7.45) -- The parkland layout and undulating property is visually appealing. Minor negative marks here in my mind with the color of the sand in the bunkers. a Conditioning (7.52) -- Greens were very true. Fairways were firm and rolling. he course has benefitted from the recent renovation and regrassing -- greens were very true and fairways were rolling out appropriately, even for a relatively early Minnesota spring round. Character (7.72) -- The St. Louis CC course oozes character from the moment you drive on property. There are so many unique aspects to the layout -- it's truly a Top 100 when it comes to character. Fun (7.62) -- So much fun to try to tackle the unique layout and the old school templates, all on a roller coaster piece of property."
Read More2025
Review
“Historic and beautiful but shot quality is not on par with the top five in Missouri."
Read More2024
Review
“A terrific CB Macdonald course. Best in Missouri by far."
Read More2023
Review
“Classic C B Macdonald course on a rolling site"
Read More2023
Review
“Some great holes, slightly quirky routing and back to back par 3s. Greens quick and bunkers in great shape. Fairways pure and bouncy. Template holes are quality."
Read More2023
Review
“Has a lot of the CB Macdonald template holes: Cape, Redan, Eden, Biarritz, Short, Alps, Punchbowl, etc."
Read More2022
Review
“Great MacDonald/Raynor course with fun versions of the templates. Tough invite, but play if you get the chance!"
Read More2021
Review
“A 1914 Charles Blair Macdonald classic that will still test the modern player and equipment. The course requires strategic thinking and prioritizes precision over brawn. Beautiful property with plenty of undulations and in terrific condition. Jump at the chance to play it if invited."
Read More2021
Review
“Wonderful C.B Macdonald design laid out around the polo field. I was surprised at the rolling topography of the course and how the template holes were incorporated throughout."
Read More2020
Review
“The routing, design variety and green complexes are fantastic. Elevation changes throughout the course feels like a roller coaster on turf. Biarritz, redan and punchbowl greens. The only level lies are tee boxes. Historic area golf club with rich golf history. Rare to have MacDonald and Raynor collaborate on the layout."
Read More2020
