Year founded: 1896
Architect: A. W. Tillinghast
Best nearby courses: St. Louis Country Club, Norwood Hills, Old Warson
Best nearby hotels: The Fontaine, Crossroads Hotel,21c Hotel Kansas City
Best nearby restaurants: Farina, Joe’s Kansas City BBQ, The Antler room
The Kansas City Country Club was founded on May 1, 1896, making it one of the oldest country clubs west of the Mississippi River. With a proud 127 founding members, the Club was originally located at the site of Loose Park in Missouri, a place of great historical importance from the Civil War. After 30 years there, the Club moved in 1926 to its current Mission Hills, Kansas location, where renowned golf architect A.W. Tillinghast helped design a new course.
Over the decades, The Kansas City Country Club has hosted many top regional and national golf tournaments, including the first Trans-Mississippi Amateur. A number of renowned players have called it their home course, most notably British Open champion Tom Watson, who won eight major titles after honing his game under long-time club pro Stan Thirsk.
Polo was once a popular activity at the Club but lost favor in the 1940s. The abandoned polo grounds were incorporated into the golf course in the 1990s to allow for an excellent new practice facility. With its rich history and famous golf alumni, The Kansas City Country Club continues its proud traditions today.
