Prarie Highlands GC
Kansas City, KS
2001. Craig Schreiner
Black / Clark 7066, 74.3, 132, 72
Red / MacDuff 6481, 71.6, 127, 72
Directions: From Kansas City N, Travel 35 S to 435 W. Take the K-10 exit (Lawrence exit) and follow that to K-7 S (Olathe exit). Travel approximately 5 miles to Old 56 Hwy. Make a right onto Old 56 (W) for 2.2 miles. Make a right onto 151st St and the course is 3/4 mile on the right.
'04 Fees: $29-$49
#29, Golf Magazine's 2007 Thrifty 50 (Top 50 courses under $50)
T&L Golf Review: 4/5 stars. The best example of minimalist course design in K.C. Craig Schreiner routed through natural contours, leaving a flat, wide-open, and walkable links-style course. Not terribly difficult, but the perfect venue for practicing your low, running wind-cheaters.
Golfcourse.com Review: Set on the western edge of Olathe, KS, minutes from Kansas City, Prairie Highlands is designed to be walkable, this “prairie style” course has a “linksy” feel, and winds through 185 acres of natural prairie with rolling hills, mature trees and natural streams. The course features generous fairways, and medium sized, undulating greens that run fast. 4 sets of tees to accommodate all skill levels.
Where To Grub: My buddy Pat says the best steak he's ever had during his widespread sales travels was at Kansas City's pricey Plaza III. OR, Pierpont's @ Union Station (816-221-5111) makes many "Best Steakhouses" lists.
But BBQ rules in Kansas City. While Texas BBQ is beef, and pork is the staple in North Carolina, K.C. barbeque doesn't discriminate. Travel Channel likes the down home style and thinnish vinegary sauce at BBQ icon Arthur Bryant's, where Presidents have been regulars since 1930 (although I personally think their BBQ sauce is among the worst I've ever had). No-frills, order at the counter, and get succulent sliced beef and chewy burnt ends (a true K.C. BBQ staple). T&L Golf ranks Gates & Sons a close second to Bryant's. Other barbeque joints worth checking out: Fiorella's Jack Stack (recommended by former local Justin S. as KC's best) has the most extensive menu in town and actual table service; lesser-known stands such as LC's or Oklahoma Joe's(located inside a gas station) are the real treasures where meaty ribs and melt-in-your-mouth sliced pork are the respective kings. Guy Fieri of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives does competition BBQ in his spare time, so take note of the joints that Triple D hit in K.C.:
Smokin' Guns BBQ
1218 Swift Avenue
North Kansas City, MO
Tel: (816) 221-2535
Website: www.smokingunsbbq.com
RJ's Bob-Be-Que Shack
5835 Lamar
Mission, KS 66062
Tel : (913) 262-7300
Website: www.rjsbbq.com
Johnny's Bar-B-Q
5959 Broadmoor
Mission, KS 66201
Tel: (913) 432-0777
Website: www.johnnysbbqkc.com
Woodyard Bar-B-Que
3001 Merriam Ln
Kansas City, KS 66106
Tel: (913)236-6666
Website: www.woodyardbbq.com
Stray from the BBQ track at Matsu for fresh sushi in trendy Westport; down the street is Harry's Bar and Tables, where convivial bartenders sling more than 20 scotches and tasty bar food in a more dignified setting than some wilder neighbors; Sharaz serves eclectic Meditteranean with a diverse wine list; suburban 40 Sardines offers contemporary American cuisine with classic French touches, hectic for dinner so hit it for lunch instead (order the to-die-for short rib sandwich).
Where To Hang: T&L Golf says hit the Crossroads district (centered near 19th St & Southwest Blvd) for a resurgent arts community worth a couple hours; take in the European feel of the bridges and fountains that dominate Country Club Plaza; the Grand Emporium is one of the nation's best live music clubs; Phoenix Piano Bar & Grill is a dark and gritty downtown music venue; the Blue Room (in the 18th & Vine district) adjacent to the American Jazz Museum is worth a drink or two; Harling's Upstairs (Westport) hosts a booze-soaked afternoon Blues bash Saturdays; the Mutual Musician's Foundation Jazz Jams start around 1 AM Saturday nights and go until dawn; the Kemper Musuem of Art opened in 1994 and is quickly building a collection; and Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs, is legendary for some of the most passionate and festive fans with some of the most kick-ass tailgate spreads in pro football.
Where To Stay: T&L Golf likes Country Club Plaza's venerable Fairmont, considered K.C.'s best. The Raphael across the street is listed on Travel + Leisure's top 500 hotels. Originally designed as luxury apartments in 1927, The Raphael is serene, intimate, and distinctive with a European atmosphere among dark wood, deep tones, and cozy sitting areas. Art deco masterpiece Hotel Phillips circa 1931 recently underwent a $20 million renovation, giving the property sleekness while maintaining an old world charm. Check out the trendy 12 Baltimore Lounge downstairs.