In September 2020, Big Cedar Lodge unveiled its fifth golf course, reinforcing its reputation as a golf mecca. While the Ozarks of Missouri may at first seem like an unlikely location for a golfing destination, the combination of the area’s natural beauty and exquisitely designed courses is proving to be an irresistible draw.

Like the first four courses, Payne’s Valley is the creation of a noted golf course designer — in this instance, Tiger Woods — and it’s named after golf legend and Missouri native Payne Stewart. As the first public access design by Woods’ design firm, TGR Design, it was developed as part of Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris, who wanted to create what he called “an immersive journey that combines a high-level golf experience with the natural wonder of its surroundings.”

Payne’s Valley has accomplished that, a fact that was confirmed when Golf Digest named it the 2021 Best New Course in North America. Morris’ concept of “nature golf” goes beyond showcasing the beauty of the area; it is built on principles of stewardship and conservation. Each of the courses at Big Cedar have earned the Audubon Sanctuary designation for environmental stewardship and are reimagining what’s possible for the golfing experience.

CHALLENGING BY NATURE

Payne’s Valley joins a family of award-winning courses at Big Cedar, which includes two short courses — the nine-hole Top of the Rock and the 13-hole Mountain Top, designed by Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, respectively. Both courses leverage the unique rock formations, creeks and pristine lakes of the area to provide a back-to-nature experience that can’t be found on any other course.

The three 18-hole courses also have borrowed from the natural surroundings to create unmatched golfing experiences. Buffalo Ridge Springs, designed by Tom Fazio and Ozarks National, designed by the golfing architect duo of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, gave Payne’s Valley a high bar to measure up to, and Woods showed that he was more than up to the challenge. With wide fairways, undulating terrain and breathtaking views, it is a delight to play both from a gameplay and visual standpoint. One of the most stunning holes to play is the 5th hole. While the entire course snakes through natural water features, this hole requires access to the green via a beautifully designed bridge over a pristine lake.

The course is walkable and welcoming and, although technically an 18-hole course, it goes a step farther by offering a spectacular 19th hole known as the Big Rock at Payne’s Valley. This “bonus hole” was the vision of Morris, who wanted to include a hole that not only showcased the area’s natural beauty but pro- vided a unique test of golfing skills. The hole, a par-3 on with a backdrop of limestone and a waterfall to the front, has quickly gained comparisons to Pebble Beach’s 7th hole and Augusta’s 16th hole, and provides a memorable ending for every player — regardless of the outcome.

STAY, PLAY AND RELAX

Big Cedar Lodge offers several options for accommodations, from glamping and camp cabins to private log cabins to lodge rooms and private cottages. For a golf-specific getaway, the exclusive Payne’s Valley Cottages on the ridge overlooking the Payne’s Valley and Mountain Top courses are just a 15-minute drive from Big Cedar Lodge’s main campus and provide a cozy, private experience. Options range from one to four bedrooms and the cottages feature stone fireplaces, private patios, full kitchens and other luxury amenities to make your stay comfortable and relaxing.

Dining options throughout the property offer a wide range of choices for every taste and mood. There are quick-and- easy choices at Johnny’s Hot Dog Stand, Ozarks National Patio Bar and the Buffalo Ridge Bar at Buffalo Ridge — or enjoy the Mountain Top Grill or Osage Restaurant for lunch and dinner in beautifully designed settings.

For some post-game relaxation, a trip to the Cedar Creek Spa & Salon is a must. This gorgeous 18,000-square-foot getaway provides a sense of calm from the moment you enter. With hand-hewn timber ceilings, natural stone floors, handcrafted stained glass accents and many other luxurious touch, it’s the perfect space for enjoying a few hours of pampering. Each treatment room has its own fireplace, and the spa offers a full menu of massage treatments, facial and body treatments, hair and nail treatments and more. Customized treatments for youth and men are also on the menu, and afterwards you can savor that relaxed feeling with a visit to the grotto pool and ice room. The indoor grotto pool, in a setting of rustic stone walls and candles, features full-body massage jets and secluded coves. After enjoying the warmth of the pool, visit the ice room for some refreshing cold therapy — then settle in by the fireplace to complete the experience.

When it’s time to get in touch with nature, Big Cedar Lodge has made it easy and alluring. Year-round activities off the golf courses provide family activities to make this a destination that’s always in season.

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