With a busy travel schedule, it is extremely rare that I visit a destination twice in a single year. A double visit requires special circumstances and a strong magnetic golf force to lure me back in. In 2021, I was powerless over the draw of Big Cedar. Perhaps it was the 19th hole at Payne’s Valley or maybe it was the near ace at Ozarks National back in April. One thing was for certain, I was happy to be back in Missouri.
With three visits now under my belt, I have decided to declare myself a Big Cedar expert. Consider this your official Big Cedar expert golf guide.
Getting There
For those that do not own a private jet or able to drive to the resort, you will be flying into the Springfield airport. It is a wonderfully small airport and just about as easy as it gets. Renting a car and driving the 1 hr to 1.5 hrs to Big Cedar is the way to go. Since some of the courses are not within walking distance at the resort, having a rental car is the easiest option.
The newly constructed cottages at Big Cedar conveniently overlook the 1st hole at Payne’s Valley
Lodging
With the recent addition of on property cabins, Big Cedar has taken a huge step as a golf destination. Stepping out of your back door to enjoy a view of Payne’s Valley makes staying on property the most obvious and spectacular option. The cabins are located directly in between the Payne’s Valley and Mountain Top courses with easy access to the Mountain Top Grill. Your other option would be to stay in Branson and drive 30 minutes or so into Big Cedar for the golf.
Payne's Valley
With the travel and sleeping accommodations out of the way, it’s time to jump into the golf goodness. The headliner in 2021 is clearly Payne’s Valley. As Tiger Woods’ first public golf course, there is obviously a ton of buzz around the golf course.
The 19 holes at Payne’s Valley are a splendid addition to the resort and gives the average golfer a lot to enjoy. The wide fairways will allow most golfers to keep it in play and the top notch playing conditions will satisfy even the most particular golfers.
If the first 18 holes doesn’t scratch the itch, the 19th hole will settle all doubts. This one of a kind golf hole should be an easy 100 yard shot, but it is not quite that simple I have played the 19th hole four times and I have hit the green all four times. However, my golf ball only ended up on dry land on 2 of those 4 attempts.
The view from behind the 19th green
The view from the tee box on th 19th hole
Mountain Top
There are 2 short courses at Big Cedar and each one offers a very different experience. The Mountain Top course consists of 13 holes and plays atop a mountainous ridge line and winds it’s way around exposed limestone outcroppings.
The Moutaintop short course is conveniently located directly in between Payne’s Valley and Ozark National. Since it only takes a little over an hour to play Mountain Top, you can work it into just about any situation. Perhaps it’s an emergency 13 holes after a long day of 36. Or maybe a twilight 13 after a sunrise 18. Or you could go 13 in the am and 13 in the pm. Maybe you wake up in a cold sweat in the middle of the night and need to play a quick 13 holes….
The 13th hole at Mountain Top
Top of The Rock
The other short course at Big Cedar has an entirely different feel from it’s counterpart. At Top of The Rock, we are talking pristine conditions in a botanical garden setting. Even though it is a wildly fun golf course, The Top of The Rock, feels a lot like a sight seeing tour and even a roller coaster ride at times.
The view from behind the ninth hole is of high excellence.
Over the years, The Top of The Rock has been the cornerstone for the Bass Pro Shops Legends of Golf tournament on the PGA Tour Champions. Yes that’s right, the senior tour is now called the PGA Tour Champions, formerly the Senior PGA Tour and the Champions Tour.
I like to imagine that if you were to kick open the kitchen door at the PGA Tour Champions, there would be no less than 75 cooks in that kitchen.
The view above the third hole at Top of The Rock
The island 6th at Top of The Rock
Buffalo Ridge
Sitting just across the divide from Payne’s Valley you will find the original bad bay or Big Cedar Golf. This Tom Fazio gem still holds its own and provides equal parts fun and beauty over 18 holes of golf. The back nine is particularly strong. Only the 16th hole sits in my mind as a golf hole that lacks the conviction of it’s counterparts.
The opening hole at Buffalo Ridge is a reachable par 5
As Big Cedar continues to grow, Buffalo Ridge will undoubtedly serve as the cornerstone of the destination. The solid offering of golf holes will continue to challenge and thrill players as long as golf is played at Big Cedar.
The par 3 17th hole provides a late opportunity for birdie
The 2nd hole at Buffalo Ridge may be the toughest test on the golf course.
Ozarks National
With a stern conviction I am able to state that Ozark National is the best golf course at Big Cedar Lodge. It should not be missed on any trip to Big Cedar. With each visit, the golf course continues to inspire a sense of freshness and provides new options to play exciting golf shots. The beauty of the golf course never relents and each golf hole beckons to be golfed repeatedly.
“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.”
The finishing 18th hole at Ozarks National
The short par 4 3rd is one of my favorites at Ozarks National
Matt McQueary plays his approach shot into the 18th hole.
As of 2021, Big Cedar has arrived as one of America’s best golf destinations. The best part about the resort is that it refuses to stop growing. A new driving range is already under construction right next to Payne’s Valley and there is certainly enough room for more golf courses. I am excited to see what the future holds for this magnificent piece of property. You better check yourself before you wreck yourself and plan your trip today.