This edition we are speaking with Blake Conklin (Hotel Manager) and Jason Woods (Golf Pro) from Old Kinderhook, billed as “One of America’s most spectacular golfing destinations.” The course was designed by the legendary Tom Weiskopf, opened in 1999 and is consistently ranked as the second best course in Missouri by GOLF magazine. While the course provides an inviting and friendly atmosphere for golfers of all skill levels, it can also provide a serious challenge for even the most seasoned of duffers, making it one of the finest courses in the entire Midwest.
Blake Conklin is the hotel manager and Director of Golf Group Sales and has been there since the course opened in 1999. “My family and I owned a small family resort just down the road at Tonka Villa. The highway department needed to build a new bridge and we had to close the resort. About that time is when Old Kinderhook was beginning to start up and I was originally hired as the assistant to the Director of Lodging.” The course was originally designed with the concept to become a private club, however that idea did not materialize and the course has always been open to the public.
The thing that sets Old Kinderhook apart from the other courses at the Lake is definitely the terrain. You will experience a variety of “valleys, cascading waterfalls, rolling hills, lush tree-lined fairways and strategically placed water hazards.” But the majesty of the course is without a doubt the lakefront setting, providing a scenic backdrop to many of the course’s holes. The natural beauty of the Ozark Hills and the constantly changing elevation give you a sense of adventure as you explore each hole.
Old Kinderhook features a par 71, 18-hole course played out over 6726 gorgeous yards of meticulously manicured zoysia tee’s and fairways along with the “generously sized bent grass greens.” The slope is rated at (133) 137 making it one of the more challenging courses here at the Lake of the Ozarks. A unique feature of the course was the church belfry that adorned the 14th hole. Over the years the old tower fell into disrepair and had to be removed but the spirit of the bell tower is carried on in the design of the pool house. The course, originally a 19th century cattle ranch, was also the site of Sunday mass for Camden County parishioners that lived west of the Niangua River. Once mass was finished the gathering would have a picnic, play games and go fishing.
The course features electric carts, a driving range and a putting green. While they do not offer league play, they do offer lessons for all ages. They also have two restaurants, “The Hook” for breakfast and lunch, serving a variety of options that will please everyone and for dinner there is the “Trophy Room” restaurant and bar featuring fine dining with a variety of steaks, seafood, sandwiches and pizza among other choices.
When searching for a name for his signature course, Weiskopf choose “Kinderhook” which was the original name for Camden County. You will find Old Kinderhook located at 58 Club Place off Lake Road 54-80 in Camdenton, Mo. Or you can visit their website at www.OldKinderhook.com. Plan your next golf outing at Old Kinderhook and enjoy an incredible day of golf, food and fun!
