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Nestled amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Ozark Mountains, Big Cedar Golf isn't just another golf resort – it's a golfer's dream destination. Named one of the 10 Best Golf Resorts in The U.S. by Forbes, Big Cedar boasts five championship courses designed by the top names in golf. Courses by Tiger Woods, Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, and Tom Fazio each offer a unique challenge and stunning natural scenery. Whether you crave a strategic layout that tests your skills, a course that seamlessly blends into the scenic landscape, or want to experience Tiger's first public course, Big Cedar has one that will leave you awestruck.
Bass Pro Shops founder and noted conservationist Johnny Morris set out to create one of the most extraordinary golf experiences in the country at Big Cedar Lodge. Located in southwest Missouri near Branson, the sprawling property features five incredible golf courses offering magnificent views, large fairways, generous greens, and a spectacular 19th hole. The world-class golfing destination includes Top of the Rock, the first-ever Par-3 course included in a PGA TOUR-sanctioned event. The 9-hole Jack Nicklaus course offers an unrivaled golf experience with unparalleled panoramic views. Matching the beauty of Top of the Rock is the Tom Fazio and Johnny Morris-designed Buffalo Ridge Springs, rated the #1 Public Course in Missouri by Golf Magazine.
Insider Tip
Make sure to grab a complimentary Bison Dog (Cedar Lodge's version of the hot dog) at the Payne's Valley, Ozarks National, and Buffalo Ridge Springs turn stations.
At Mountain Top, World Golf Hall of Famer Gary Player and Johnny Morris teamed up to create a 13-hole course designed to bring a more accessible experience to families, juniors, and golfers who are learning the game. Ozarks National by Coore and Crenshaw is a striking display for the senses and a fitting tribute to the Ozarks region. The must-play Payne's Valley, a partnership between Morris, Woods' TGR Design, and the Stewart family, showcases the region's natural beauty.
A spectacular finish to a memorable round
At Payne’s Valley, the big finish comes after the 18th hole. The par 3 bet-settling 19th is both challenging and a breathtaking display of the Ozark’s natural beauty. In what has been described as “the most spectacular exit in golf,” the course concludes with a mile-long cart ride through a remarkable natural spring-fed cavern system dating back millions of years, traversing bridges alongside 250-foot limestone cliffs and passing ancient waterfalls before returning to the clubhouse and enjoying a post-round celebratory cocktail.
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Top photo: Payne's Valley Cottages