Burgeoning Branson Golf Destination Beckons Visitors for Spring Break and Beyond By Brian Weis

Burgeoning Branson Golf Destination Beckons Visitors for Spring Break and Beyond

Country's Fastest-Growing, Most-Compelling Place to Play Astounds with Array of Courses

By Brian Weis

Planning golf trips now is particularly appealing as players anticipate the more golfer-friendly weather of March and April, and Branson is an ideal choice for those who want to experience what many are calling the country's most compelling golf destination.

The Missouri Ozarks oasis earns high praise through its 10 golf courses, all public access, all near one another, and including Tiger Woods' first-ever public course design - Payne's Valley, an 18-hole extravaganza with a stunning bonus 19th hole called "The Big Rock." When one sees the towering, 300-million-years-old limestone formations that surround the green (as does water )- with waterfalls cascading down them no less - they'll understand that this special extra hole came by its name honestly.

Add a variety of diverse yet complementary other playing options, wonderful restaurants and three lakes, and a plethora of other after-golf attractions, and it's clear why Branson is a spring break destination for not only discerning golfers, but also everyone in the family.

"Explore Branson during spring break and you'll leave having enjoyed what will surely be an unforgettable getaway," said Lynn Berry, Branson CVB Communications Director. "Play great golf courses that are drawing global interest, then experience some of Branson's many live shows, family attractions and other activities."

When considering where to stay and play in Branson, start by learning all that Big Cedar Lodge offers. In addition to a spectrum of wonderful lodging styles and Payne's Valley - Tiger's new course, the 19th hole of which he collaborated on with Big Cedar Founder Johnny Morris - the renowned resort includes four other layouts:

* Top of the Rock (9-hole par-3 course, Jack Nicklaus design)
* Mountain Top (13-hole par-3 course, walking only, Gary Player design)
* Ozarks National (18 holes, Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw)
* Buffalo Ridge Course (18 holes, Tom Fazio and Johnny Morris design

Branson Hills Golf Club and the Hiltons at Branson (Branson Hilton Convention Center and Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing) combine to form another first-class stay and play option. Both hotels are located across the street from one another - Promenade on the waterfront at Branson Landing, Convention Center adjacent to historic downtown Branson. Branson Hills is a Chuck Smith-Bobby Clampett 18-hole course design, and it was voted one of the top 50 courses in the country in the Golf Pass/Golfers' Choice awards this year.

Thousand Hills (Bob Cupp design), The Pointe, LedgeStone (Tom Clark design), and Holiday Hills complete Branson Golf's roster of 10 courses, and each has earned appreciation for their playability and value. Thousand Hills has a variety of lodging options, from condos to upscale cabins, and Holiday Hills Golf Resort is a Holiday Inn Vacations Club property that is open to the public.

Branson Golf Directory

Branson Hills Golf Club, 417.337.2963
Buffalo Ridge Springs Golf Course, 800.225.6343
Mountain Top Course, 800.225.6343
LedgeStone Country Club at StoneBridge Village, 417.335.8187
Ozarks National, 800.225.6343
Payne's Valley, 800.225.6343
The Pointe, 417.334.4477
Top of the Rock Golf Course, 800.225.6343
Thousand Hills Golf Resort, 800.487.0769, 417.334.4553
Holiday Hills Resort and Golf Club, 417.334.4838

Revised: 11/08/2022 - Article Viewed 4,006 Times

About: Brian Weis

Brian Weis is the Publisher of GolfTrips.com, a network of golf travel and directory sites including GolfWisconsin.com, GolfMichigan.com, ArizonaGolfer.com, GolfAlabama.com, etc. Professionally, Brian is a member of the Golf Writers Association of America (GWAA), International Network of Golf (ING), Golf Travel Writers of America (GTWA), International Golf Travel Writers Association (IGTWA) and The Society of Hickory Golfers (SoHG). In 2016, Brian won The Shaheen Cup, an award given to a golf travel writer by his peers.

All of his life, Brian has been around the game of golf. As a youngster, Brian competed at all levels in junior and high school golf. Brian had a zero chance for a college golf scholarship, so he worked on the grounds crew at West Bend Country Club to pay for his University of Wisconsin education. In his adult years, his passion for the game collided with his entrepreneurial spirit and in 2004 launched GolfWisconsin.com. In 2007, the idea for a network of local golf directory sites formed and GolfTrips.com was born. Today, the network consists of a site in all 50 states supported by national sites like GolfTrips.com, GolfGuide.com and GolfPackages.com. It is an understatement to say, Brian is passionate about promoting golf and golf travel on a local, regional, national and international level.

On the golf course, Brian is known as a fierce weekend warrior that fluctuates between a 5-9 handicap. With a soft fade, known as "The Weis Slice", and booming 300+ drives, he can blast it out of bounds with the best of them.