You know that feeling when you're driving down a winding road in the middle of Missouri and you suddenly wonder if your GPS actually knows where it's going? That's the vibe when you're heading out to Forest Green Golf Course in Hazelwood. It’s tucked away. It’s quiet. Honestly, if you aren't looking for it, you’d probably drive right past the entrance without a second thought. But for a lot of local sticks and weekend warriors in the St. Louis area, this place is basically a rite of passage.
It isn't Pebble Beach. It isn't even Bellerive. But there is something about the way the light hits those fairways on a Tuesday morning that makes you forget you're just a stone's throw from the airport.
What Forest Green Golf Course Actually Offers
Let's get real for a second. When people talk about "hidden gems," they usually mean a place that’s cheap but falling apart. Forest Green Golf Course handles that reputation a bit differently. It’s an 18-hole championship layout that doesn't try to be something it’s not. You won't find a marble-floored locker room or a caddie master waiting to take your bag. What you will find is a par-72 track that stretches out over some surprisingly hilly terrain.
The layout was originally designed by David Gill. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because he had his hands on a ton of mid-century Midwestern courses. He was known for making courses that were accessible but had these sneaky little teeth. At Forest Green, those teeth usually come in the form of mature trees. Lots of them. Oak, hickory, and maple line almost every hole. If you have a slice, you’re going to be punched out sideways more often than you’d like.
The yardage isn't overwhelming. From the back tees, you’re looking at around 6,500 yards. On paper, that sounds like a cakewalk for modern low handicappers. It isn't. The slope rating reflects a course that demands a bit of strategy. You can't just bomb and gouge here. The fairways are tight. The greens? They’re usually kept in better shape than the price point would suggest, though they can get a little "fuzzy" if the maintenance crew is having a busy week.
The Hazelwood Factor
Being located in Hazelwood matters. It’s part of the St. Louis County Parks system, which means it’s a municipal course at its heart. There is a specific kind of energy at a muni. You see guys playing in work boots. You see retired couples who have played the same 8:00 AM tee time for thirty years. It’s egalitarian. Nobody is looking down their nose at your off-brand driver.
However, being a county course means it deals with county budgets. Some years the bunkers are pristine; other years, they’re basically hard-pan dirt with a suggestion of sand. That’s just the reality of public golf in the Midwest. You take the good with the bad.
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Why the Layout Still Trips Up Low Handicappers
Golfers are arrogant. We see a 340-yard par 4 and think "easy birdie." Then we get to a hole like the ones at Forest Green Golf Course and realize the fairway is about as wide as a hallway.
The Elevation Changes.
Missouri isn't flat, despite what people from the coasts think. Forest Green uses the natural roll of the land. You’ll have several approach shots where you’re looking up at a green tucked behind a ridge. If you don't take an extra club, you're landing in the face of a hill and watching your ball trickle back forty yards. It’s frustrating. It’s also great design.Green Complexes.
The greens aren't massive "elephant-under-the-rug" style surfaces. They are relatively small targets. This places a premium on your short game. If you miss the green, you aren't usually dealing with deep Scottish bunkers; you're dealing with thick, sticky bluegrass rough that wants to eat your wedge.The "Forest" in the Name.
It isn't a marketing gimmick. The trees are the primary hazard. On holes like the par-5s, you have to be very specific about which side of the fairway you land on just to have a visual of the green for your next shot.
The Financial Reality of Playing Here
Let’s talk money because that’s why most of us play municipal golf anyway. As of the last few seasons, the rates at Forest Green remain some of the most competitive in the St. Louis metro area. You can usually walk on a weekday for under $30. Even with a cart on the weekend, you’re rarely breaking the $50 mark.
In a world where some "premium" public courses are starting to charge $90 or $120 for a Saturday morning round, Forest Green feels like a win for the working man.
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But there’s a trade-off.
The pace of play can be... let’s call it "leisurely." On a beautiful Saturday in May, expect a five-hour round. It’s a popular spot for outings and local leagues. If you’re in a rush, don't go on the weekend. Go at 2:00 PM on a Wednesday. You’ll have the place to yourself, save for a few squirrels and the occasional deer.
The Clubhouse and "Vibe"
The clubhouse is functional. It’s a place to buy a sleeve of balls, a hot dog, and a cold beer. It’s not a wedding venue. The staff are generally local folks who have been there forever. They’ve seen it all. They don't care about your "Strokes Gained" stats. They just want you to keep up with the group in front of you and replace your divots.
Common Misconceptions About Forest Green
People love to complain. If you look at online reviews, you’ll see people bashing the drainage. Is it a problem? Yeah, sometimes. Because it’s located in a bit of a low-lying area near creeks, if St. Louis gets a massive rainstorm, Forest Green is going to stay wet longer than a course built on a sandy sub-base.
- "It’s always muddy." Not true. In the peak of summer, the ground gets as hard as a rock. You'll get forty yards of roll on your drives.
- "It’s too easy." Go play it from the tips when the wind is blowing. Your scorecard will tell a different story.
- "The bunkers are terrible." Sometimes they are. Again, it’s a muni. Bring a sense of humor and a sand wedge you don't mind scratching.
Comparing Forest Green to Other St. Louis Munis
If you're weighing your options, you're probably looking at Forest Green versus places like Eagle Springs or the courses at Forest Park.
Forest Park (The Highlands or Red/White/Blue) is much more expensive and way more crowded. It’s more "prestigious" because of the location, but you’re going to pay for that privilege. Eagle Springs has a similar vibe to Forest Green but feels a bit more open.
Forest Green wins on the "solitude" factor. Because it’s out in Hazelwood, away from the main drag of the city, it feels like a genuine escape. You don't hear sirens. You don't see skyscrapers. You just see trees.
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Actionable Advice for Your First Round
If you're planning to head out there this weekend, here is how you actually play the course without losing your mind.
First, leave the driver in the bag on the tight holes. I know, it’s boring. But a 4-iron in the fairway is infinitely better than a $5 golf ball lost in the woods. The course isn't long enough to justify the risk of hitting driver into a forest.
Second, check the weather from the previous 48 hours. If it poured rain yesterday, wear your waterproof shoes. The low spots on the back nine will be soft.
Third, pay attention to the grain on the greens. They aren't incredibly fast, but they can be tricky. They generally break toward the nearest water source or "away" from the higher ridges.
Finally, bring bug spray. This is Missouri. The "Forest" part of the name also means "Home to every mosquito in the county." You’ll thank me around the 14th hole when you're standing near the creek.
How to Book a Tee Time
Most people just use the online booking portal through the St. Louis County Parks website. It’s straightforward. If you’re a resident, make sure you have your card or ID ready to get the discounted rate. They do take walk-ins, but honestly, with the resurgence of golf lately, it's risky. Just book it.
Final Thoughts on the Experience
Forest Green Golf Course represents the soul of American public golf. It’s imperfect. It’s gritty. It’s affordable. It’s a place where you can learn the game without the pressure of a private club atmosphere. Whether you're trying to break 90 for the first time or you're just looking for a place to drink a beer and hit some balls with your dad, it hits the mark.
Don't expect a Master's-level experience. Expect a honest, challenging day in the woods. Sometimes, that's exactly what you need.
Next Steps for Golfers
- Call the pro shop before you head out to ask about recent aeration. Nothing ruins a round like "chocolate chip" greens.
- Download a GPS app like 18Birdies or Hole19. The yardage markers on the course can be a bit sparse, and having a digital map helps when you can't see the flag behind a hill.
- Pack an extra towel. If it’s been damp, you’ll be cleaning your ball on every green.
- Arrive 20 minutes early. The putting green is small, but it’s worth hitting a few putts to get a feel for the speed, which is usually slower than the private courses in the area.