Meramec/Prairie at Tapawingo National Golf Club

I have been to Tap many times and this particular time really irked me to the max. I love the course; I love the layouts. It is challenging yet not overwhelming for a high handicapper like myself. The greens were recently punched (no one told us) but not a huge issue as I understand it was needed with all the rain. The starter didn't know we showed up even though we checked in with him, NO ONE helped us with our bags coming and when leaving. The kids working mentioned 'we' as in ladies, never tip... absolutely wrong. The cart persons made comments suggesting the weather horn should be blown so all of us idiots on the course can leave... It was so very insulting hearing their conversations. The bar and restaurant personnel was super nice and friendly, we tipped them very handsomely.

They’re working on watering and aerating and managing the torrential down pours in between. Course looks great. Love bringing out of town guests there as it’s nicely maintained and lots of wildlife to see.

Fairways and rough in decent shape. But ALL YEAR the greens have been slow and lumpy like putting on shag carpet. There are chunks of greens completely removed around the edges too, so the fridge is mud now. So greens worse as year goes on it seems. Zero consistency besides being slower than molasses in January. Greens DO NOT roll true.

Range is okay, but you don’t hit off fairway grass, completely different from course grass. Fluffy and sandy range.

Weekend Staff gotten less friendly lately, twice I’ve had them treat me like I’m a child or they assume you suck and haven’t played before. Usually they are nicer but a bunch of new employees there now.

Maintenance will literally work with machinery right next you while you are putting or swinging. They drive right out in fairways and water the greens while you are hitting on the them. Only course in STL I’ve played where maintenance is constantly making noise and doing their thing as if you aren’t even alive. Multiple groups were complaining about their poor etiquette.

Had starter drive all the way down to range to tell me that I was supposed to be on the first tee 14 minutes before tee time bc the group I was paired with was “already up there”.

I told them I would be up there are the assigned tee time, per the courses own terms. He couldn’t say much after that. But it was uncalled for and unprofessional. He just drove away and mumble some old man speak under his breath.

Hopeful it can return to what it used to be, but the buzz around the city golfing groups lately has been to avoid Tapawingo. I really like the layout and the 3 different 9s.

Also never played here in less than 4:15-4:30. So not a quick round place

I've always thought the Woodlands 9 holes is one of the most picturesque nines in the area. The Prairie is a much harder nine with the wind becoming more of a factor. However, with a weekend rate of nearly $81, there are much better choices to play. Especially, after I detail the issues with the conditions of Tapawingo.

You can play the the best course in the St. Louis metro area for $77 (Annbriar). You can play another outstanding course, Gateway National for $6 more. The conditions of Gateway National are so much better than Tapawingo. Other courses that have a better weekend price and better conditions are Stonewolf & Spencer T. Olin.

Place of play was horrendous. Close to a 5:15 hour round. Two groups on most tees. No ranger on the course to improve this.

Conditions of the course. Some of the tee boxes are awful. Woodlands 6 & 9 were the worst. There were others that weren't used during our round because they were even worse. Woodlands 3 & 7.

There were many bunkers with large rocks in the bunkers. Some with many weeds in them. Prairie holes 4, 7 & 9.

The greens were overwatered. Making huge ball marks. The greens actually looked a little fuzzy from all the footprints but putted fine.

Several fringes were in rough shape and many had crabgrass taking over.

Like I said, there are better conditioned courses to play at a better price.

Great golf course. Loved the different aspects of Woodlands and Meremac. Can’t wait to play Prairie next time.

Great layout of 27 holes. Good golf, good food, & good Staff. 👍

Tapawingo is a really fun and challenging course. You won’t be disappointed if you schedule a tee time there. They have great food as well. We even had my sons wedding reception there.