Tower Tee has been a tradition in St. Louis golf for 50 years, and boasts the oldest and busiest golf range in the area. Roy Lotz, former head carpenter at Forest Park Hylands Amusement Park, built the range and miniature golf buildings in 1963 on a site that once functioned as a brick yard. The Tee has stayed in the family since then, with Roy’s son Dick taking over and finally Steve Lotz taking over in 2002.
From the early days, a 10,000 square foot putting green has graced the entrance to the facility, but the range has seen a change. In 2005, Tower Tee expanded its range distance from 275 yards to 390 yards up the middle. The original buildings have been remodeled, and the par 3 course, built in 1965, expanded to 18 holes in 1970. Some of St. Louis’ most prominent business people started as workers at Tower Tee. Wherever you go in St. Louis, you’ll meet someone who got their start in golf or business here. As a St. Louis landmark, famous figures stop by to practice their games. Visitors include: Bob Hope, Bob Costas, Joe Buck, Hale Irwin, Lee Elder, Mark Brooks, Trevor Dodds, John Goodman and Jim Holtgrieve. Tower Tee now hosts the annual Gateway PGA Tower Tee invitational on its splendid par 3 course in June.
