Dad has been looking for any and every excuse to play golf, but he's been pretty busy.
Today, though, he's got a big smile on his face. That's because the grass is mowed, the gutters are clean and the deck has a fresh coat of stain on it.
Yup, it's time to hit the links.
From par- 3 tracks that test the short game to championship courses that emphasize shot-making skills, there's a place for the special man in your life to have a fun golf outing in Missouri.
Here are just a few:
Pitch and putt
Midway Golf Complex, Columbia - Located just west of the city, this par-3 has several water features that make club selection key.
Ken Lanning Golf Center, Jefferson City - This unique nine-hole course north of Missouri's capital was designed for players with physical limitations or disabilities.
Top of the Rock, Ridgedale (Branson) - With Table Rock Lake as a backdrop, this course is part of the stunning Ozarks Heritage Preserve and one of the Show-Me State's premier golf experiences.
Resort Golf
The Oaks Course at Tan-Tar-A, Osage Beach - The resort's stay-and-play packages make it perfect for a weekend getaway and group outings, and the par-71 course is part of the Lake of the Ozarks Golf Trail.
Innsbrook Resort Golf Course, Innsbrook - Ample water features add to the fun at this course, which plays between 5,056 and 6,527 yards, depending on tee-box preferences.
Thousand Hills Golf Course at Thousand Hills Resort, Branson - Dad doesn't have to be a long hitter to enjoy Thousand Hills, which was rated a four-star course by Golf Digest. It has one par-5 hole, eight par-4s and nine par-3s.
Crown Pointe Golf Club, Farmington - The 7,000-yard, par-72 course is one of Missouri's hidden golf gems, while the on-site lodge offers a chance to unwind with a swim in the pool or soak in the hot tub after a round.
Golf in the City
Shoal Creek Golf Course, Kansas City - Ranked as the No. 2 public course in Missouri by Golf Week's America's Best, Shoal Creek plays at nearly 7,000 yards and par is 71.
Missouri Bluffs Golf Club, St. Charles - This 18-hole course starts and finishes with a par 5, so be ready to hit it long early and at the end of the round. It's the only Tom Fazio-designed course in the St. Louis area.
Norman K. Probstein Golf Course, St. Louis - Situated inside sprawling Forest Park, the Probstein Course is a local and regional favorite. The original nine holes were designed in 1912.
Stone Canyon Golf Club, Blue Springs - Oversize bunkers, creative landscaping and beautiful water features highlight this course, which was designed by golf great Greg Norman.