GolfPlus- Dec19 Digital Edition (Dec 19) | Page 55

BRANSON
MISSOURI
AMERICA’S EMERGING
MIDWEST GOLF DESTINATION
By Randy O. Williams
istorically, this small town of
just over 10,000, located in the
Ozarks of southern Missouri,
has grown from a local getaway
offering a wide variety of
country music, stage shows and
family activities to one that is
quickly becoming known as a
place to enjoy a premiere golf
holiday.
Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Ben Crenshaw
and Tiger Woods – some of the great names of
the sport were all attracted to this area not only
for golf course design in this land of woods and
lakes, but they are also outdoor enthusiasts and
conservationists who each developed a special
link with Johnny Morris – the billionaire,
who built his business empire around ¿ shing,
hunting, camping and boating (he created Bass
Pro Shops and his ¿ rst such Outdoor World
opened in the nearby town of Spring¿ eld in
1972). In recent times because he has fully
embraced golf in a big way, Branson has
become a major player in a sport that ¿ gures
to get only bigger here in the very immediate
future. “Golf is a natural extension of what Mr.
Morris enjoys more than anything - and that
is to connect people with the outdoors. Here
you’ll ¿ nd mountain and valley layouts that
offer a variety of playing experiences, suited
for every level of play,” said Matt McQueary,
the Golf Sales and Marketing Manager for Big
Cedar, the company created by Morris.
That connection has resulted in some
amazing, scenic, fun yet challenging world-
class course layouts not only in 9-hole and
18-hole versions, but also 13-hole tests. Here’s
just a sampling of the range of tracks you can
experience (peak seasons are April through
June and September through October).
Ozarks National
Located just south of Branson, this 18-hole
course, designed by the award-winning team
of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, is integrated
into the beautiful terrain of the Ozarks.
Measuring 7,036 yards from the back tees,
the course represents the terrain of the Ozarks
with not only beautiful views, but features
challenging carries and a variety of visually
appealing approach shots that are highlighted
by the native habitat. The course also includes
interesting features, such as a 400-foot wooden
beam and plank bridge, which connects the tee
box and fairway of the 13th hole that stands
60-feet above a À owing creek.
“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,” stated Crenshaw who has
designed courses all over the world.
Top of the Rock
This is a nine-hole par-3 course designed by
Jack Nicklaus. It is certainly one of the most
GolfPlus
DECEMBER
2019
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