The Cardinal Creek track is about 30 minutes from the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, and serves up the best golfing experience for miles and miles around.

If you play from the tips, you're looking at around 6500 yards. I chose to play from the Whites since I'm a high handicapper and wasn't out for a beating that day. With four sets of tees, you can match your handicap or your mood. There are some tight spots, and course management is definitely called for when negotiating the creek on several holes. 

In addition to having the best conditions around, you get the added bonus of being right next to the runway. I always get goosebumps watching in awe of these magnificent machines and the Airmen that fly them and especially those that keep them going. Y'all ROCK!

I found Hole 6 to be my biggest challenge here. You're looking at a classic risk/reward decision. From the elevated teebox, do you have what it takes to carry the creek that crosses the fairway? The smart play for me is almost always to lay up. No way could I carry the creek. But, I sure can misjudge and let it roll into the creek! Splash One. Then the same creek takes a turn and runs down the left side of the fairway, tempting any spheres that are attracted to aquatic environments. Splash Two. You can call me Triple Bogey Bob on this one. It's still a great hole. You should try it (and the other 17). Remember the creek, you'll see it again, and again!

The course is well designed, I found some hope for my game on a couple relatively straightforward Par 3s. The pace of play was great, right around four hours. That's a win any day. It's especially awesome on a course this nice.

The Whole Golf Experience
James McCormick, manager of the golf course (and the bowling center!), took some time out of his busy day to extol the virtues of the facility and their services. "You know, it's a complete program, it's golf lessons, it's a driving range, it's a learning center, it's a cafe, it's meeting rooms, it's banquet space. It's the complete golf package that you would expect from a private setting here at a public facility."

Great Food, Awesome View
The grill serves up tasty food with an impressive view. Take a look at their menu. There's something for everybody. They've got the best breakfast burritos north of the Mason Dixon line, and a Texas Beer Brisket that could make a cowboy yearn for home.

Timing Is Everything
If you're planning a trip anywhere near here, you owe it to yourself to experience this fantastic place. Definitely check out their events listed online. I just missed being able to play in a tournament that included a Prime Rib dinner. Next time, I'll plan better.

Planning Your Visit
There's a plethora of things to do in the area. The Gateway Arch is a short drive away. Don't go up if you're claustrophobic. Check out all the offerings of the FSS Outdoor Recreation. If you're into camping, the Scott AFB Fam Camp is nearby to Cardinal Creek GC.

Facility Facts
• Length 6453  -  Slope 123  -  Rating 72.0

• Designer: Gary Kern, ASGCA

• Year Built: 1968

• Fairways: Zoysia Grass

• Greens: Bent Grass