Big Cedar Lodge: The Home of Golf Legends and Big Dreams
By Tim Cotroneo
Write up your list of the greatest names in golf, and the chances are even money they played a part in the Big Cedar Lodge success story. Owner Johnny Morris’ vision for this 4,600-acre property located in the heart of the Ozark Mountains includes the best of the best at every turn.
Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Gary Player, Ben Crenshaw, and designer Tom Fazio are integral to what one million golfers experience annually at this golf wonderland conceived by Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris. Missouri natives Tom Watson and Payne Stewart also play prominent roles in the landscape and history surrounding this spectacular slice of golf Americana.
After purchasing the property located 10 miles south of Branson, Morris set out to create a premier wilderness resort. One of Morris’ goals was to showcase the beauty and heritage of his home state through golf and outdoor pursuits. Morris also placed a premium on honoring conservation, protecting the environment, and celebrating our nation’s veterans. To say Morris exceeded these goals is an understatement.
Top of the Rock Golf Course designed by Jack Nicklaus
“If there was ever a Par 3 course worthy of a PGA Tour tournament play, Top of the Rock is it.” Tim Finchem, Former PGA Tour Commissioner
From 2014 to 2019, Finchem’s words proved true as the Bass Pro Shops Legends of Golf became the first PGA Tour-sanctioned event to utilize a Par 3 course. Top of the Rock hosted this PGA Tour event from 2014 to 2019. Fred Funk was the tournament winner finishing at 20 under.
In addition to sweeping views of Table Rock Lake, the Top of the Rock property features Arnie’s Barn, a 150-year-old barn relocated from Palmer’s backyard. On their way to the first hole, golfers will also note the Chapel of the Ozarks, a three-story church boasting floor-to-ceiling views of Table Rock Lake through a glass backdrop.
Buffalo Ridge Springs Golf Course
“This property at Buffalo Ridge is even grander than what anyone imagined. I’m shocked every time I come here. I am amazed.” Tom Fazio, Golf Course Architect
Glance to the left of Buffalo Ridge’s downhill Par 5 first hole and you’ll find a small herd of North American bison roaming. Look straight ahead and you’re greeted by the scenic Ozark Mountains. This 7,000-yard test has been rated The Number One Public Course in Missouri.
After your round enjoy a drink at the Tall Tales Bar or a delicious meal at the Mountain Top Grill. The restaurant’s elevated perch means you’ll enjoy some of the best views of the Ozarks.
Mountain Top Golf Course
“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
The Mountain Top Course is a 13-hole walking course with golfers provided push carts. The elevations make this course a great sunrise or sunset escape. Holes 8, 9, 10, and 13 feature exposed limestone formations that date back millions of years.
Ozarks National Golf Course
“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 and Bill Coore
Ozarks National is a player’s favorite and it features a multitude of contours, ridges, ravines, and sand traps. Crenshaw and Coore design mandate was to work with the land, don’t fight it. The result is a venue that provides golfers with multiple options to make par.
In 2020, Phil Mickelson won the Charles Schwab Series tournament at Ozark National with a scorching 22 under. This was Lefty’s PGA Tour Champions debut.
Payne’s Valley designed by Tiger Woods
“It’s mind-boggling how far we’ve come and how special this place is.” Tiger Woods
The 7,300-yard Payne’s Valley is Morris and Woods tribute to Missouri-native Payne Stewart. When traversing the Big Cedar Lodge grounds, restaurants, lodges, and event centers, you’ll find Stewart’s knicker-clad image everywhere.
Payne’s Valley is also where you’ll realize Morris’ obsession with his home state’s limestone caves and outcroppings on display. The 18th hole putting green is framed by almost 180 degrees of rock.
Tiger’s first design is also home to a little something extra titled: The 19th Hole. After stopping by the Crow’s Nest comfort station to quench your thirst, saunter to the tee box to test your mettle at the 19th hole’s 100-yard island green. Score a hole-in-one and win a $1,000 gift card to Bass Pro and a custom-engraved putting wedge.
Cliffhangers
”It’s like playing golf on the moon.” Johnny Morris
Opening in the summer of 2025, the visuals at The Cliffhangers 18-hole, par-3 course should prove other worldly. Expect golf holes ranging from 60 to 165 yards in length. Tighten the laces on your FootJoys as only an in-person account will aptly describe Cliffhangers’ dramatic elevation changes, slopes, and rock formations.
This unique golf environment is carved amidst cliffs, rocks, and caves. Most of the fairways and putting greens feature wood railings in case golfers get too enthralled living on the edge. Morris and his son J.P. call Cliffhangers the most incredible Par 3 in the world.
Something New on the Horizon
Big Cedar Lodge offers so much more than golf. There are two upscale marinas, an award-winning spa, a nature arena, a natural history museum, and an aquarium.
Big Cedar is a favorite destination for buddy trips and families seeking a multigenerational vacation. From an accommodation standpoint, there are lodges, cabins, cottages, and villas. Dining options are plentiful with over a dozen restaurants and bars, as well as a wine cellar on this sprawling property. The Top of the Rock’s Buffalo Bar features nightly bagpipe ceremonies at sunset. Also, Big Cedar annually offers big events for veterans during Memorial weekend, the 4th of July, and Veterans Day.
With Johnny Morris at the helm, there is always something new and exciting on the horizon. In 2026, the Big Cedar Lodge team eagerly anticipates unveiling On the Rocks, The Most Extreme Putting Course on the Planet. Will this new course deliver? When hospitality benchmark begins and ends with the best of the best, it’s an even money bet that Big Cedar Lodge will exceed expectations.
