Destination Golf: Branson, Missouri

Photo by Joey Johnson

Branson, Missouri has long been known as a family vacation destination featuring live performance theaters, theme parks, museums, attractions, shopping, and breathtaking scenery. None of that has changed, but the area is also quickly becoming known as a “must play” golf destination.

The fabulous courses at Big Cedar Lodge get much of the notoriety, and they deserve every bit of it, but there are quality courses worthy of your time throughout the Branson area.
We recently had the opportunity to visit Branson, and were blown away by the quality of the golf and the beauty of the amazing scenery of The Ozarks.

Ozarks National

Photo by Evan Schiller

Ozarks National is a Coore & Crenshaw masterpiece which opened in 2019 to rave reviews. Golf Digest led the way, naming it the Best New Public Course in America. The renowned design team worked their minimalist magic. They created a pure golf experience from tee to green, blending holes seamlessly into the natural terrain. The course is a diverse collection of holes, each unique, but they flow together perfectly, culminating in an outstanding golf course.

The views of the Ozarks are breathtaking. There are so many, but the one from the fourth green has to rank near top. The backdrop of the surrounding mountains and nearby Branson is spectacular, and the green has an infinity edge which seemingly stretches into a distant hillside.

Ozarks National is not just a great newcomer to the golf scene, but one that will have real staying power.

“There are so many beautiful spots on this course it’s unbelievable. There is a certain atmosphere about this place that we’ve never seen before.”

– Ben Crenshaw, Course Architect

Payne’s Valley

Photo by Evan Schiller

Payne’s Valley is the first public access course crafted by Tiger Woods’ TGR Design. The name pays tribute to Ozarks native and World Golf Hall of Fame member Payne Stewart.

Visually, the course is another Big Cedar stunner. The opening tee shot drops some 150 feet from tee box to fairway. Most of the front nine plays atop fingerlike ridges, and along exposed rock outcroppings. Water features include meandering streams, glistening lakes, and cascading waterfalls.

The fairways are about as generous as you’ll find anywhere. The key off the tee is to place your drive in the prime spot to allow for the best angle on your approach shot. The greens are large and undulating, and are surrounded by closely mown areas that allow for any type of chip or pitch, or even a putt.

Payne’s Valley is visually impressive and very fun to play. It’s not a course that will beat you up, but you’ll find plenty of challenges along the way.

Payne’s Valley features an amazing 19th hole (pictured) that was conceived by Big Cedar and Bass Pro Shops owner Johnny Morris. The island green par-3 shows off a 200-foot cliff as a background. The hole is visually stunning and is an incredible work of craftsmanship. Mr. Morris doesn’t do anything halfway.

“It’s mind-boggling how far we’ve come and how special this place is…”
-TIGER WOODS

Buffalo Ridge Springs

Photo by Evan Schiller

Buffalo Ridge Springs is the oldest of the three, opening in 1999 under the name Branson Creek. Tom Fazio is the designer, and he redesigned it with Johnny Morris in 2013. The course was already considered one of the top in the region, but the redesign took it to another level.

Players are treated not just to spectacular golf, but also get to experience the natural vegetation and abundant wildlife, including free-ranging bison from the adjacent Dogwood Canyon Nature Park.

Buffalo Ridge Springs has been rated the No. 1 Public Course in Missouri by Golf Magazine and has been named one of the Top 10 Missouri Courses by Golf Digest since 2001.

“This property at Buffalo Ridge is even grander than what anyone can imagine. I’m shocked… every time I come here I am amazed.” – Course Designer Tom Fazio

Mountain Top

Photo Courtesy of Big Cedar Lodge

Johnny Morris teamed with golf legend Gary Player to design and build Mountain Top, a fun and fabulous 13-hole short course. Mountain Top is a walking-only collection of par 3 holes routed through breathtakingly beautiful rock formations. You’ll enjoy the golf and experience some of the most dramatic views in the Ozarks.

The walk is easy and push carts are provided at no additional charge. The holes range from 82 to 200 yards and provide a variety of challenges in a spectacular setting.

The course is a fun experience on its own, or as a warm-up or wind-down when paired with one of the three championship courses.

“We’ve built hundreds of courses over the years, but never one as drastically stunning as this. The transitions between wonderful rock formations and magnificent views make this a true national treasure.” – Gary Player

Top of the Rock

Photo by Evan Schiller

A Jack Nicklaus Signature Course, Top of the Rock is the first-ever par-3 course to be part of a professional championship. The course is absolutely beautiful, pristinely manicured, and is a nature-lovers paradise. You’ll play over and around meandering creeks, glistening lakes, and cascading waterfalls. Magnificent Table Rock Lake can be viewed in the distance.

Don’t get too distracted by the beauty that surrounds you. Most holes require just a short or mid iron, but the greens are surrounded by a combination of rough, sand, and water hazards. Top of the Rock can be enjoyed by golfers of all abilities, but will also challenge the very best!

Make sure to experience Osage Restaurant, Buffalo Bar, and Arnie’s Barn (yes, that Arnie!). The barn was relocated from Latrobe, PA and reassembled by Amish craftsmen on-site at Top of the Rock.

After our round, we took a tour of the Lost Canyon Cave & Nature Trail. The trail features amazing rock formations, waterfalls, and views of Table Rock Lake. Electric golf carts are included. Make sure to stop at the Bat Bar for a refreshing beverage. It’s an experience that you will not want to miss.

Branson Hills

Photo Courtesy of Branson Golf

Branson Hills Golf Club has been ranked among the best courses in Missouri for over a decade. After just one round it’s easy to see why. If you’re looking for a challenging round in a beautiful setting, then Branson Hills needs to be on your list! Course conditions are immaculate, and elevation changes, natural rock outcroppings, creeks, and waterfalls all add to the test and the experience.

Branson Hills was designed by Payne Stewart’s instructor, Chuck Cook with PGA Professional Bobby Clampett consulting. The course was previously known as Payne Stewart Golf Club. The layout can be stretched to over 7,300 yards, so make sure to pick the best set of tees for your game.

Make sure to visit the Magnolia Grille before or after your round and order the Club Sandwich – it will quickly become your favorite!

Thousand Hills

Photo Courtesy of Branson Golf

Thousand Hills Golf Resort is a par-66 course located in the heart of Branson, but don’t let either of those facts fool you. The course is as challenging as any you’ll play in the area, and the natural beauty of the Ozarks are on display from the first tee until the final putt. Navigating the wandering creeks and dramatic elevation changes will prove to be a quality test for any player.

Course conditions are excellent, featuring well-manicured zoysia fairways and smooth-rolling bent grass greens.

On-site accommodations include condos from one to four bedrooms with golf or lake views, as well as luxury cabins with outdoor grills. Amenities include swimming pools, tennis courts, practice putting green, Mulligan’s Bar & Grill, and banquet facilities.

The Pointe

Photo Courtesy of Branson Golf

The Pointe is an 18-hole shot-makers course situated within the gates of the Pointe Royale Golf Village. The front nine demands accuracy, as the fairways are tightly guarded by mature trees. The rolling fairways of the back nine give the golfer a little more leeway.

What you’ll find throughout is a nice mix of challenging par fours, par fives that will yield some birdies, and an excellent collection of par 3 holes.

Ledgestone Country Club

Photo Courtesy of Branson Golf

Ledgestone Country Club has been a mainstay on Best in Missouri lists since opening in 1994. Located just minutes from downtown, Ledgestone offers a quality layout in a pristine setting. You’ll need to be precise with the shape and accuracy of shots, but good ones will find plenty of rewards. Dramatic elevation changes are displayed throughout.

Ledgestone is a favorite with locals, due to the enjoyable layout and meticulously maintained zoysia fairways and bent grass greens.

Holiday Hills

Photo Courtesy of Branson Golf

Holiday Hills Golf Club is an 18-hole, par-68 layout featuring hybrid Bermuda tees and fairways and bentgrass greens. The resort is conveniently located just three miles outside the city limits, making it convenient to the nearby entertainment and restaurants. Amenities for those staying at the resort include a swimming pool, as well as tennis and basketball courts.

Dining Out Recommendation: Big D’s BBQ

When on the road, my wife Lisa and I always do our best to frequent “locally-owned” restaurants. Our favorite while in Branson was Big D’s BBQ. Lisa ordered the Smoked Half Chicken and I had the 2 Meat Sampler (Ribs & Pulled Pork). The food was excellent as was the service. I even got a few tips on smoking meat from the man himself – Dana “Big D” Peterson!

For most people, golf is not the first thing that comes to mind when Branson is mentioned. Shows, shopping, and theme parks top that list. There’s no doubt, though, that Branson is well on its way to becoming a golf destination. With the impending completion of Payne’s Valley, there will be three “must play” 18-hole courses at Big Cedar alone. The short courses at the resort are absolute joys to play in their own right.

In addition to Big Cedar, Branson offers a long list of quality courses. Branson Hills, for example, quickly became one of my favorites!

Branson is a great choice for the serious or occasional golfer.

If you’re looking to sneak in a round or two on your next family vacation, Branson is the perfect spot. And if golf is the focus of your getaway, then you will absolutely love the fine courses in Branson, Missouri.