Layout: Gateway National bills itself as a links course, but it really is more links-style, and not even really that. Although Gateway has its share of tall grass and does not use large trees as obstacles, it is pure target golf and not links-style. Links courses are designed to play hard and fast, and with a very soft bentgrass playing surface, Gateway plays anything but hard and fast. So, like most American attempts at links golf, Gateway is target golf that sort of looks like links golf. Regardless, I have come to enjoy the layout at Gateway. It's long and very difficult, but has a nice variety of holes. In my opinion, the best holes are #7 (long par 3 over large hazard that runs along train tracks), #10 (great risk reward par 4 that is driveable but risky), and #18 (reachable par 5 with pond protecting most of the green). While I would not rate any of these holes as exceptional, there are no holes that are poorly designed or unfair. Solid all around golf course.
Conditioning: Gateway is usually in very good shape. One issue I have is that because the fairways are soft, very deep divots can be found. For example, on hole 18, I layed up in front of the water that protects the green, and found my ball literally below the surface of the ground in a divot. It was unplayable and I had to take a drop. There were several other divots that were that deep in this general location.
Difficulty: Gateway is a difficult golf course, evidenced by its selection to host US Open qualifiers. It's major protection is its length, with several exceptionally long holes. Despite its significant challenge, it does not have many forced carries off the tee, so beginners could probably get around despite being overmatched on several of the very long holes.
Value: Their regular rates are on the high side, as the same money can get you a round at Annbriar, but then again Annbriar is much farther from downtown St. Louis. There are often very good deals on greens fees for gateway that can be had on golfnow.com. Their twilight rates are also pretty good.
Walkability: Not many walk it, but Gateway is walkable. There are a few holes that have some distance between them, but overall its doable.
Scenery: Gateway has a nice view of the arch and St. Louis skyline, which is a plus. The immediate surroundings are something of a wasteland, but you don't really see them. When Gateway International Raceway was open, weekend rounds were often bereft with the sounds of race cars buzzing around a track - very loud and not exactly what I am looking for in a round of golf. Now that GIR is not open full time, that type of distraction is rare. Overall ok.
Practice Facility: Okay range, two putting greens. Overall decent.
Gateway National is one of the better public golf courses in St. Louis, and combines a challenging layout with above average conditioning. It's location close to downtown St. Louis is also a major plus, making it easy to get to for a round after work. I think it would be a much better course without the soft bentgrass fairways, as it could play hard and fast - truer to its links-style setup. In a head to head comparison between Gateway and the other links layout in the area, Aberdeen, I give a slight edge to the latter, but its very close. Gateway scores a solid 7 on my 10 pt scale. read more