Spencer T. Olin Golf Course

One of the best courses in the area, but persistent management problems still plague course. Every time a play here the pace is horrible. Today my foursome was moving ok until we made the turn. At the turn a foursome who took an hour break decided to rejoin play in the middle of us and an already full course. People in front of us, and behind us complained to ranger, which did no good. The course caters to replay and people who have no respect for the course. Course in good shape, except greens have horrible divots due to golfer not repairing their ball marks. Would love to play more often, but management doesn't understand golf. Arnold Palmer would be disappointed to know one of his courses doesn't cater to golfers, but those who disrespect the game.

Spencer T Olin is a Championship Golf Course. The Championship tees plays nearly 6,941 yards. In 1994 and 1995, the Nike Tour qualifying was held. St. Louis Metropolitan Amateur Championship in 1995. The Women's Amateur Public Links Championship in 1997. US Open Local Qualifier in 1997. US Amateur Public Links Championship in 1999. The Championship Tee Box plays at 6,941yards, Men Tee Box Tee Box plays at 6,414 yards, Senior Tee Box plays at 5,847, and Women's Tee Box plays at 5,049 yards. This championship layout offer challenges to golfers of all skill levels. This layout has generous landing area for your tee shots. The premium is on your iron shots into the greens. Always try to keep the ball below the pin for scoring. The greens are contoured. Not too many straight putts. There are plenty of hazards on the course. Bunkers, Water, Trees, and out of bounds. The par three's are 180 and 222 yards on the front and on the back are at 163 and 149 yards with very sloped greens. On the Par 4's, 3, 4, and 7 are challenging on the front and 11, 13, and 17 will test your skills on the back. The par fives were made for scoring 2 at 540 yards, 9 at 503 yards on the front and 10 at 565 yards and 15 at 534 yards. The championship tees have a rating of 73.5 with a 135 slope rating. The scenery is beautiful. Take advantage of playing this championship golf course. Stop by the The Traditions Grill for a drink and sandwich at the turn. After your round of golf, you can go to Fast Eddie's Bon Air for a cold beer and great food. I would play this golf course again!!!

The course has changed management and we played it in April under old management team and it was in prime spring form. It has deteriorated under the new team. Some greens and some tee boxes in bad shape. Practice tee area looked like ropes had not been moved in a week (this should have tipped us off) This course used to be anything but your typical muni experience. But that is what it has become. Only will be back if drastically improved.

The course is in fantastic shape, greens run true and are consistent 1 thru 18. I played the white tees @ 6500 yds and this forces the longer hitters to reconsider hitting driver on several holes. Lots of doglegs that force you to hit a long iron or fairway metal off the tee. A mature course with lots of large trees, water, and elevation changes. This course has it all. Lots of fun to play. Next time I will play from the tips at 6900 yds.

The course plays like a manicured private country club at public course rates. Fairways are beautiful with not- too- tight lies. Rough is tough. Greens were big, receptive, fast and true breaking.

The hilly layout places a premium on getting off the tee well to uphill landing spots and corners of doglegs. Traps and water come frequently into play, especially if your swing is a little wobbly that day. After a "so-so" drive I found it better
to lay up on "water" holes than "reach" and risk the splash.

Course knowledge is decidedly helpful. I went back the following week. The more I "knew" and the better I played, the more I enjoyed "Spencer T".

Electric carts, grass tee driving range and chipping/ putting green right off the 1st tee - couldn't be more amenable to getting prepped for a solid round.

All in all, the best conditioned and my favorite course of the dozen or so public links I've played in the Saint Louis area.

holes that used to be roped off are free to take the carts on!!

Played Spencer T. for the first time on 6/18 and it was in great shape. Played as a two-some and kind of got held up for 4 that were a little slow to hit, but other than that it was a great day. The course certainly rivals any others in the area for the shape it is in. Not too difficult that you will be looking for balls all day but enough to make you play some good shots. Definitely worth the drive to Alton to try this great course.

We teed off directly behind a four man scramble tournament and 4 hours into the round we were teeing off hole 14. The course is in great condition but make sure you find out if they have any tournaments going off ahead of you. A 4.5 hour round should be expected without a tournament, the course always seem to take a long time to play due to how crowded it gets.

I've wanted to play this course for years, but never had the opportunity, as it's a considerable distance from my home. I did find the course extremely difficult, but also enjoyable. Water came into play more than I'm used to, so a box of Titleists went by the way. Aside from that, the course was in great shape, easy to follow, and I enjoyed the wonderfully designed back nine. This Arnold Palmer course is a beauty.

What can I say about Spencer T. but; "It continues to be one of the best public courses in the area". The Arnold Palmer designed course with its blind tee shots gives golfers challenges as to where to place the ball for a good second shot. Add the excellence in maintenance from tee-box, fairways, bunkers and greens playing this course is sheer pleasure. Recent elimination of curbs at several holes now allows easier cart access that can reduce time of play. Did I mention the friendly staff and management....and they (ladies) are pretty too. :}

Played with a friend and noticed the change in direction the course is going. Greens are faster and rolling smooth, tee boxes are nice and fairways are in great condition. Also love the fact that the curbs have been taken out on holes 6,14 and 18.And now let's golfers to take the carts onto on those fairways also helping pace of play. At the turn got a six pack of domestic beer for $14. Great price reduction. I would also recommend golfers to sign up for the email discounts from the course. I'm exited to play the course in the future knowing the commitment to make Spencer t Olin one of the best in the metro area.

I'd play this course regularly if I lived closer. One of the best combinations of quality layout, conditioning, and challenge in the metro St Louis area.

Excellent deal for the money. One of favorite public courses in the St. Louis area.

Nice course but very slow pace. Greens and fairways in good shape.

Great course, play up and have fun, play back and be miserable.

For spring conditions, the course is ready to go. Clean and manicured. Greens are smooth and very consistent. I have come to expect a well above average course when I play Spencer T, and they have never let me down. If you have never played this course and live in St Louis or the Metro east, it's worth the drive.

One of my favorite public course layouts in the area! It's challenging without being ridiculously hard.

Course is usually in pretty good shape and the greens have improved greatly from a couple years ago.

Course in great shape for the time of year. Sand traps in great shape.

Nice people, usually a descent pace-of- play, good deals always on golfnow.com and course has plenty of tees on each hole to test your game. Greens are full of po-annua. Makes for bumpy rolls, but when cut down, to roll fast , they are great! Food and beverage is average. It's good day for the dollar at Spencer T Olin.

First time at Spencer. Loved the subtle breaks on the greens. Course overall has a great layout and very challenging spots. Some risk/reward holes make it fun! Can't wait to return! Also very close to Fast Eddies makes for a great overall day!