Golf, Nature, and Adventure: The Big Cedar Lodge Story
Tucked away in Missouri's rugged Ozark Mountains, overlooking the pristine Table Rock Lake, lies a hidden gem in American resort golf - Big Cedar Lodge. While destinations like Bandon Dunes and Pinehurst often dominate conversations about premier U.S. golf getaways, this 4,600-acre wilderness resort deserves equal billing in the pantheon of great American golf destinations.
The Johnny Morris Vision
The tale of Big Cedar Lodge begins with Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops founder and devoted conservationist, who envisioned a place where families could connect with nature. Unlike traditional golf resorts, Morris created something unique - a wilderness retreat where world-class golf courses work in harmony with the natural landscape of limestone cliffs, pine forests, and crystal-clear waters.
Golf Architect's Dream Team
The golf offerings at Big Cedar Lodge read like an architect's all-star team. Tiger Woods made his public course debut with Payne's Valley, a tribute to Missouri golf legend Payne Stewart. The course's dramatic limestone walls and cascading waterfalls create an almost theatrical backdrop for every shot. The experience culminates in an unforgettable 19th hole - a short, island-green par-3 perfect for settling those friendly wagers.
Coore & Crenshaw's Ozarks National stands as the property's hidden masterpiece. This championship layout demands both strategic thinking and precise shot-making, with each hole offering multiple ways to play. While it might be the most challenging course on the property, it rewards thoughtful golf with some of the most memorable holes you'll play anywhere in America.
Tom Fazio's Buffalo Ridge showcases the natural drama of the Ozarks landscape, weaving through caves, creeks, and dramatic elevation changes. The back nine particularly shines, where Fazio's mastery of golf architecture merges perfectly with the rugged terrain to create a truly spectacular golf experience.
The short courses at Big Cedar Lodge are anything but an afterthought. Gary Player's 13-hole Mountain Top course defies the typical par-3 course expectations - you'll need every club in your bag to tackle this beauty. The Top of the Rock par-3 course, meanwhile, combines stunning views of Table Rock Lake with meticulously maintained holes where water features and pristine white sand create postcard-worthy scenes at every turn. Coming in summer 2025, the 18-hole Cliffhangers short course promises to add another distinctive option to this impressive collection.
Not just golf
What sets Big Cedar Lodge apart is its commitment to being more than just a golf destination. The resort offers a complete outdoor experience: guided fishing tours, hiking trails, nature parks, dinner cruises on Table Rock Lake, and multiple swimming pools for post-round relaxation. Just 15 minutes away, the city of Branson provides additional entertainment options, making this an ideal destination for both dedicated golfers and their families.
The Verdict
Big Cedar Lodge represents something special in American resort golf - a destination where conservation meets recreation, where world-class golf blends seamlessly with family activities, and where every view reminds you that great golf doesn't need an ocean to be spectacular. Whether you're teeing it up on Payne's Valley or exploring the surrounding wilderness, Big Cedar Lodge offers an experience that's uniquely American and thoroughly unforgettable.
