So much to see and so many golf courses to PLAY!

With over 100 live shows, Branson, MO has rightly earned its nickname as the Live Music Capital of the World, but Branson is starting to sit atop golf bucket lists around the globe.  Since the Payne’s Valley Cup broadcast, a charity exhibition that pitted Tiger Woods and Justin Thomas against Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose, the phone lines at nearby Big Cedar Lodge have been burning up.

Part of the Branson Golf destination, Big Cedar Lodge is home to Tiger Woods’ newest course, Payne’s Valley. Tiger’s first public 18-hole golf course has everyone clamoring about planning a trip to Branson. However, what’s making Branson a bucket list destination is not only the quality but quantity of great golf in the area.

Big Cedar Lodge leads the way with the Top 2 ranked public golf courses in Missouri.  Oh, guess what. Payne’s Valley might have put Branson over the top on the golf map, but it’s not number one or two! 

Golfweek rated Ozarks National #1 and Buffalo Ridge #2. Branson Hills and LedgeStone both made the top 10 (both local Branson courses). However, Ozarks National and Buffalo Ridge, finishing first and second, show golf depth and quality in the Branson area. 

This past April, I took a trip to Branson to learn what all the fuss is about!  I walked away forever thinking Branson was Las Vegas without the gambling and better golf!  Tourist-friendly and happy to host golfers from around the world.

The town itself is still adjusting to welcoming golfers from around the world. Since the beginning of time, Branson has entertained people of all ages with world-class attractions and live entertainment. 

Ready to plan your trip to Branson?  Check out our Top Picks for golf and lodging.

Golf Options

#1 Buffalo Ridge

Fazio must have recently watched Bridges of Madison County when he designed Buffalo Ridge, the bridges are AWESOME!

Buffalo Ridge is the OG at Big Cedar Lodge.  The first 18-hole course at Big Cedar Lodge, Buffalo Ridge, originally opened as Branson Creek Golf Club.  Originally the premier golf course in the area, after being purchased by Big Cedar Lodge, Tom Fazio revamped the design and added several unique features thanks to his collaboration with Big Cedar founder Johnny Morris.  Having played all the courses on this list, I can say I had the most fun on Buffalo Ridge and love everything about the design and layout!

#2 Ozarks National

Ozarks National is another Coore & Crenshaw masterpiece!

Many golf architecture nerds might argue with me and say Ozarks National should be number one on this list. It’s one of the fun arguments where nobody is wrong.  The national rankings typically give the edge to Ozarks National.  Designed by Coore and Crenshaw, Ozarks National opened in 2019 and quickly earned recognition as the best public golf course in Missouri.  Being a self-proclaimed Coore and Crenshaw nut, Ozarks national doesn’t disappoint.

#3 Payne’s Valley

Payne’s Valley – The 19th hole really steals the show!

Third, on the list, are you joking?   Why no, I’m not.  I agree. Payne’s Valley and TGR Design have put Branson on the map.  No arguing that, but it’s hard to make a case for Payne’s Valley being the top course in the area. Payne’s Valley will provide a lot of shock and awe, no doubt.  Playing the 19th is one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had on a golf course, not to mention the drive back to the clubhouse. But, in terms of the best 18,I think you’ll find Buffalo Ridge or Ozarks National has the edge.

#4 Top of The Rock

Top of The Rock will take your breath away, be prepared!

Big Cedar Lodge has two par-3 courses. For me, Top of The Rock is the GOAT.  I was tempted to place it higher up on this list.  Not your typical par-3, or hell, your typical golf experience.  The layout is marvelous. Halfway through, you’re going to pinch yourself to make sure you haven’t been transported to Augusta National.  Whatever you do, don’t skip Top of The Rock.  Oh yeah, there once was a Tom Watson putting course that turned into a giant underground cave system, but forget about that.  Top of The Rock is the attraction!

#5 Branson Hills Golf Club

Branson Hills Golf Club – The best place to start your golf expedition!

Not part of Big Cedar Ledge, but Branson Hills Golf Club is not to be skipped.  The story here is Branson Hills GC used to be known as Payne Stewart Golf Club.  The club lost the naming rights and rebranded as Branson Hills Golf Club, located at 100 North Payne Stewart Drive.  While most of the Payne Stewart memorabilia that once decorated the hallways moved over to Payne’s Valley, a beautiful layout and excellent conditions landed Branson Hills on our list.  I highly suggest kicking off your golf trip at Branson Hills then playing the rest of the courses on our list in any order.

#6 LedgeStone Country Club

Dramatic elevation changes take your breath away at LedgeStone Country Club

A local Branson golf course, LedgeStone is an 18-hole, par 71 championship course tucked away amidst the Ozark Mountains, just minutes from downtown Branson. LedgeStone offers a challenging and rewarding golf experience that has won the praise of members, guests, and visitors alike. A combination of strategy and natural design, this dramatic Tom Clark layout features distinct elevation changes that you’ll remember!

#7 Mountain Top Course

Reconnect with Nature at Mountain Top!

Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris teamed up with the legendary Gary Player to create a world-class 13-hole short course that provides golfers with an up-close nature experience in the Ozarks. The course routes through unique rock formations and includes some of the most dramatic views in the Ozarks while delivering 13 chances to hit a hole in one! Thousands of hours of painstaking pick and shovel excavations revealed 300-million-year-old limestone formations, creating an over-the-top experience that golfers will never forget. So enjoy this trip back in time!

Accommodation Options

Hilton Branson Convention Center

Located in historic downtown Branson, connected to the Branson Convention Center.  The Hilton provides easy walking access to all the shops and restaurants at Branson Landing.  Right in the heart of everything, Hilton Branson Convention Center is less than 15 minutes from Branson Hills Golf Club and only 20 minutes from Big Cedar Lodge. Make sure to eat at the hotel’s Level 2 Steakhouse. It’s superb.

Buffalo Ridge Cottages

Is your trip all about golf?  Look no further! The well-equipped Buffalo Ridge cottages offer incredible Ozark Mountain views atop the Tiger Woods designed Payne’s Valley Golf Course.  Cottages range from 1-4 bedrooms and feature on-site dining, room service, access to Big Cedar swimming pools, and many other amenities. Opening Memorial Day Weekend 2021

Big Cedar Lodge

Plan to spend all your time at Big Cedar?  Then stay at the lodge, featuring three grand lodges. Big Cedar offers a variety of inviting rooms, all complete with rustic decor and modern amenities. Each lodge features a distinct atmosphere for your stay, and each room has a unique view of the natural landscape and Big Cedar property.

Angler’s Lodge

The Angler’s Lodge provides the perfect location halfway between downtown Branson and Big Cedar L.odge. You’ll have quick access to all the golf courses at Big Cedar but still close enough to downtown with great dining and entertainment options.  Big Cedar feel with all the Fixin’s of Branson!

Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing

Another Hilton property that offers excellent value and easy access to downtown Branson.  Nestled within the vibrant Branson Landing entertainment district, featuring over 100 shops and restaurants, Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing offers contemporary rooms, suites, and condos with magnificent views of the historic area.  Shop, Eat, and Golf your way into oblivion!