ARCHITECTS
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Course Report
Ben Hogan won the 1948 PGA Championship at Norwood Hills West, one of only nine major championships ever played in Missouri.
About
Norwood Hills Country Club (West) is a classic private course in St. Louis designed by Wayne Stiles and opened in 1922. Renowned for hosting the 1948 PGA Championship won by Ben Hogan, it weaves through mature trees and rolling ground. The challenging layout features traditional parkland character, well-placed bunkering, and firm bentgrass greens in excellent condition.
Caddie Tip
Conservative tee shots are rewarded here—focus on keeping the ball in play due to mature tree lines and thick rough. Many greens slope back-to-front and are quick, so below-the-hole approaches and careful club selection on par 3s are vital to scoring well.
The Main Challenge
The West Course’s main challenge is its demanding green complexes: slick bentgrass surfaces with pronounced slopes punish misplaced approaches and short-sided misses. Mature trees and thick rough encroach on most holes, requiring both precision and discipline off the tee for a good score.
The Good
Golfers love the classic parkland layout, rich atmosphere, and top-notch conditioning that make every round feel special. The hospitality, storied history—including professional events and major championships—and the impressive, old-world clubhouse add to the club’s timeless charm.
The Not So Good
Members sometimes note the tight tree lines and penal rough can make play less enjoyable for higher handicaps. Pace of play may slow during club events or outings, and cart-path-only periods in wet weather can affect the player experience.
Signature Hole:
#
18
The 18th hole is a memorable par 4 that plays slightly uphill, finishing in front of the stately, historic clubhouse. With trees lining both sides and strategic bunkers near the green, it demands both accuracy and nerve, providing a fitting and picturesque end to a championship-caliber round.
Clubhouse
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The elegant, historic clubhouse offers full-service locker rooms, formal and casual dining, banquet rooms, event spaces, a well-stocked golf shop, and scenic patio overlooking the course. Members enjoy tennis, pool, fitness center, and a year-round calendar of social activities.
Practice Facilities
Practice amenities are excellent, including a full-length driving range, separate short game area, putting green, and instructional staff. Golfers can warm up or hone skills before or after play. Club also offers lessons, junior programs, and custom club fitting services.
Dress Code:
Standard
No dress code enforced. All attire is permitted.
Collared shirts not required. Clean, athletic or golf-appropriate casual wear is acceptable.
Collared shirts required. No denim, gym wear, or overly casual clothing.
Collared shirts must be tucked in; no cargo or athletic shorts. No hats indoors.
Elite club standards; jackets required indoors, no changing shoes in the parking lot, and specific attire rules based on the area of the facility.
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