The “Mother Road” is calling and I must answer. Baxter Springs Golf Course is located on that short stretch of Route 66 that skirts the borders of Missouri, Oklahoma, and Kansas. The “Club on the Hill” says it’s one of the most beautiful courses on Route 66. We’ll let the pictures tell their story and you can judge for yourself. On this cool and cloudy Midwest morning I was able to pay my $17 and walk right on. As I viewed the darkening clouds, the friendly staff person assured me it never rains in Baxter Springs. We’ll see!
Playing from the white tees, the first hole plays to 321 yards with an open landing area; however, there are dense trees to the left. It’s quiet out here and I think I am the only one on the course at 9am. Hole #2 is a straight-forward par 4 with houses and trees located to the left. So far the fairways are a little sparse in spots, but the greens are well-kept. The third hole bends to the left with large mature trees discouraging you from trying to cut too much off this dogleg.
As Yogi would say, It’s deja vu all over again!” The opening three holes are very similar to a few other courses I have played along Route 66. The first three are very “ho-hum”, then BOOM, the courses start to show some imagination and character. Baxter Springs wakes up at Hole #4. It’s not long, but angles to the left and is all uphill. If your tee shot is not situated correctly in the fairway, a large tree plus a big front bunker may impede your approach to the green.
Hole #5 is a par of 330 yards with a dogleg right. From this tee box there is a great view of all the lush trees that will create problems for wayward shots as you make your way around this track. Any slice on this hole will result in a big headache. I had a senior moment as I walked off the fifth green. I could not locate the tee box for Hole #6! Luckily, a foursome of local golfers came out of nowhere and rescued me. I let them play through and they vanished as quickly as they had appeared. It wasn’t that difficult to find, but the tee box was squeezed between the fifth and second holes. The only par 5 hole is a dogleg left and has a green that sits on top of a hill. If your second shot does not travel far enough down the fairway, a couple of large trees block a clear approach to the putting surface. It’s hard to believe this is the sixth handicap hole. It sure played difficult for me today!
Hole #7 is a straight par 4 with a pond to the left that should not come into play unless you are very, very wild. There is a small ditch that crosses the fairway that was waterless today. Hole #8 is the only par 3 on the course. There are seven par 4s; one par 5; and one par 3. Hole #9 is the number one handicap hole . Really? How about #6? At #9, you start with a blind tee shot and any ball wild to the left will probably be lost in the dense line of trees.
Rating – Par (38 out of 60): If you are looking for a quick stop off Route 66 – it’s a golf course. The greens were in good shape, but the fairways were pretty bad. The staff was friendly, but you won’t find much in the way of amenities. The pace of play was fast and after the first three holes, I liked the routing and design of the course.
Your drive down the “Mother Road” through Baxter Springs is not complete unless you visit Bricks & Brews Grill and Pub for a beer and pizza.
501 Hale Irwin Drive, Baxter Springs, KS 66713; 620-856-3538; www.baxterspringsgolfc.wixsite.com
