The Bear Creek Valley Golf Club, located in Osage Beach, is the next course in our installment of our “Spring into Golf” series. The course is located off Highway 42 on what used to be two old farms. I spoke with Spencer Duncan the general manager and asked him how the course was started and who designed the course.
Spencer laughed and said, “Well, my dad, Shirrel Duncan, had always wanted a golf course and a bunch of his friends talked him into building one.” Duncan noted that the course was designed by his dad and Bob Renken who had worked at a number of local golf courses. The course opened in 2001 but Spencer didn’t become the General Manager until 2012. “Our family business was in the construction industry and after the recession in 2007 and 2008 it took a while for the construction business to come back and I needed something to do,” he said.
The course sits on what used to be two old farms in the area. One of the farms was owned by an interesting gentleman by the name of Braxton Wallace, who was always one for great stories. Wallace owned a farm in the Kaiser area after serving his country during World War II and the Korean Conflict, earning 15 medals and decorations during his 20-year career. He also had the distinction, during the Truman administration, of being a part of the Color Guard at the “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier” at the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va.
Apart from the fact that the course sits on two parcels of land that were formerly farms, the course is also unique in that there are no houses on or along the course. Many of the courses at the Lake of the Ozarks feature golf course homes, right alongside the fairways. This is a fact that concerns both me and my son when we go golfing at some of the courses here at the Lake. Other than no houses the course is also known for its narrow fairways and hilly terrain.
Bear Creek Valley is a par 72 course with a slope of 130 and a rating of 71.5. Spencer said one of the most difficult holes would be number 13, a par 4. It’s a “dog leg” to the right, mostly up hill, ending with a sloping green. The easiest hole, for the average golfer, would be hole number 5, a par four that goes down-hill with a wide fairway.
“It is possible to make the green in two shots, allowing for a birdie if you make your put, “ he added.
While there is not a golf pro, nor do they offer lessons, Bear Creek does have league play including a league with cash prizes and you do not have to be a member to play in this league. It is $30 to play with $20 going for the golf and $10 to the prize fund. For more information on this or other leagues, contact the course at 573-302-1000.
You will enjoy gas carts, a putting green and a 190-yard driving range that is irons only. Another unique feature is their snack shack between the ninth and 10th holes. While most courses end up at or near the clubhouse after the ninth hole, Bear Creek does not, therefore they built a “Tea House” featuring hot dogs, brats, snacks and beverages. There is also a restaurant with indoor accommodations and outdoor seating (weather permitting) on the deck overlooking the first hole. The restaurant started as a “snack shack” and eventually grew into a full service restaurant serving breakfast and lunch. And this writer has enjoyed breakfast many times at the restaurant.
For the best deals and to book tee times, visit their website at www.bearcreekvalley.com. The course is located at 910 Highway 42 in Osage Beach. Visit Bear Creek and enjoy one of the finest courses at the Lake, with scenic views and great food.
