Payne’s Valley
Big Cedar Lodge has solidified its position as one of the elite golf resorts in the United States. Under the ownership of Johnny Morris, the visionary entrepreneur who also founded Bass Pro Shops, the resort has flourished and been fashioned into a destination that gets guests outdoors to enjoy their favorite activities amongst nature.
One of those activities is golf, and the resort continues to expand in this category as they are currently planning to grow from five to six courses as they are currently adding another par-3 course to the property.
This will be the third short course added to the property, and the team at Big Cedar offered the following statement on the project:
“We believe what is taking shape will offer one of the most extraordinary par-3 course experiences anywhere. As well, it will be fun! In fact, we are sure it will be one of the most fun experiences in the world! This new course will also adhere to our commitment to conservation. This approach will be the same diligent process that has earned Audubon Signature Certification for our five other courses. Additionally, all profits from green fees will directly support conservation efforts here in the Ozarks through the Johnny Morris Conservation Foundation.”
Current Big Cedar Lodge courses to enjoy
We’ll be keeping a close eye on this project and will keep you up-to-date as more details emerge, and in the meantime guests can enjoy the other five exceptional golf course experiences on property that include:
Payne’s Valley Course: Tiger Woods’ first ever public golf course design, Payne’s Valley is a stunning challenge that features the famous 19th hole known as the Big Rock at Payne’s Valley.
Top of the Rock Course: Arguably one of, if not the, most beautiful par-3 golf courses you will ever play. We’ll let the video speak for itself.
Ozarks National Course: A Coore-Crenshaw designed gem that offers a sturdy test of golf alongside stunning views of the Ozarks.
Buffalo Ridge Course: The original 18-hole golf course on the property, Buffalo Ridge is a Tom Fazio masterpiece that features roaming buffalo, epic rock formations, beautiful streams, and plenty of challenges.
Mountain Top Course: A fun 13-hole layout designed by the legendary Gary Player and Johnny Morris himself, Mountain Top features incredible Table Rock backdrops throughout the round and stunning infinity greens that overlook the majesty of the Ozarks. It’s a great little course, and these 13 par-3s are far from a pushover!
Thunder Ridge Nature Arena
As if this resort didn’t already stand out in a massive way with activities to enjoy, they are now adding incredible live shows into the mix as they opened the Thunder Ridge Nature Arena earlier this year. Known as “America’s Most Beautiful Outdoor Amphitheater” in the Ozarks of Missouri, this amazing venue has already hosted the likes of Chris Stapleton, Morgan Wallen, and The Rolling Stones since it opened.
“We all love our beautiful Ozarks and feel deeply proud to be able to share the beauty of the place we are blessed to call home with others around the globe for generations to come,” said noted conservationist and Bass Pro Shops Founder Johnny Morris. Morris, the driving force behind Thunder Ridge, calls the project, “A gift to the people and heritage of the Ozarks.”
The venue features a capacity of 18,000 into the world around it with every seat holding breathtaking views of 1,200 acres of Table Rock Lake, inlets and infinite verdant forested Boston Mountain vistas. In addition to general seating, Thunder Ridge also features a luxury box experience called “The Nature Tower.” Rising 12 stories from the Ozark limestone and dolomite earth, four of its floors will contain VIP suites replete with bedrooms, unobstructed views of the performing stage, and panoramic nature sightlines.
Once again, it’s yet another addition to the resort that helps it stand out to create a once in a lifetime golf stay and play.
Thunder Ridge Nature Arena
Recommendation
Big Cedar Lodge is a resort that continues to push the boundaries with an undying commitment to both conversation and the guest’s experience. It’s incredible how quickly the resort has become a staple in the conversation amongst America’s best golf resorts, and we didn’t even scratch the service on all of the other activities that can be enjoyed at the resort as you’ll find here.
From a stay and play perspective, we hear from golfers often about golf trips here and one of the best parts about a golf package at Big Cedar Lodge is the variety of lodging choices available based on your budget including the affordable Bass Pro Shop Angler’s Lodge, lodge rooms, lakeside cottages, private log cabins, and the multi-bedroom Payne’s Valley Cottages, our personal favorite for golf groups looking for a top-notch experience.
If you haven’t had a chance to go yet, we highly recommend this property as we constantly hear from golfers that this is one of their favorite resorts that they have ever had the chance to visit.
