Renovations keep Kimbeland appeal fresh, competitive

Kimbeland Country Club, a semi-private golf course in Jackson, Mo., has gone through several renovations since opening in 1963.

PGA professional Jim Davey, the club professional for two years, said another is still to come.

"There will be no design changes, just improvement in the cosmetics of the course," he said. "But 18 holes will always be in play during the renovations."

Those improvements involve lowering fringes around the greens and providing better drainage in bunkers and throughout the course in general.

The par-71 course last saw changes in 1997 when five holes were redesigned and all greens were rebuilt.

Featuring varying terrain, tree-lined fairways, elevated greens and lakes in play on three holes, Kimbeland offers a stern, yet fair, test of skill.

The par-three 18th is an engaging hole, which affords both a scenic and challenging finish to a round of golf at Kimbeland. The 18th features an elevated tee overlooking a huge lake which skirts the entire front of the green. It plays about 190 yards from the back tees.

Kimbeland, with mixed zoysia and Bermuda fairways and bent grass greens, has four tee locations with a length of 6,657 yards from the championship tees. Other tee placements set the length at 6,061, 5,447 and 4,810 yards.

More offerings

A full-service pro shop with lessons offered, driving range, practice putting greens and chipping areas are available, in addition to, a full-service restaurant and bar, fishing lakes and an outdoor swimming pool.

Non-member guests who live within a 30-mile radius may play Kimbeland four times a year with a member invitation, while guests who reside outside the 30-mile area may play anytime. The laws, before a change in 2000, restricted guests to play only in October.

This season's lineup includes an open three-person scramble (April 20-21), the Bud Light two-man scramble (June 29-30) and the Jacks-n-Jennies mixed couples scramble (Aug. 17-18).