THE HIGHLANDS GOLF & TENNIS

The rolling Missouri terrain delivers genuine elevation changes that most Midwest tracks can only dream of, with the back nine's dramatic descents and climbs testing both club selection and nerve. Water hazards appear at precisely the moments when overconfidence creeps in, particularly the pond guarding the par-3 16th that has swallowed more perfectly struck 7-irons than members care to count. For St. Louis golfers seeking topography that actually matters, this public gem proves that memorable golf doesn't require a country club pedigree.