Embrace the rustic elegance at Big Cedar Lodge in the beautiful Ozark Mountains of Missouri. The resort is home to 260 accommodations spread out into cozy lodges, warm cottages, and private log cabins. The scenic vistas, refreshing mountain air and the beautiful views of Table Rock Lake is only some of the reasons guests will love to stay here. It is truly one of a kind with two courses and the unique forestry and wildlife of Missouri.
Big Cedar Lodge is a great golf destination, with courses designed by some of the top names in golf: Tiger Woods, Tom Fazio, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson, Gary Player, Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw.
Top Rock
Top Rock is the first course at Big Cedar Lodge and its famously known as the first ever par-3 course that has been included in a professional championship. Its beautiful scenery includes waterfalls, ponds filled with bass, and overviews of the lake. This course is also known for the annual PGA Champions Tour Legends of Golf Tournament.
Hole 1 – Par 3:
The first tee at Top of the Rock, located just steps from the Buffalo Bar patio at Top of the Rock, sets up a slight downhill par-3. From the first fairway, golfers can see the Chapel of the Ozarks and Jack’s Cabin on the left along with sweeping sunset views across Table Rock Lake. The first green slopes gently from left to right and is well-protected by a large Oak tree on the right and bunkers along the left and right side.
There is also an Arnold Palmer practice facility that features16 target greens, recessed lighting and multiple teeing decks that offer a one-of-a-kind experience.
Buffalo Ridge Spring Course
The second golf course at Big Cedar Lodge was designed by Tom Fazio and is named the Buffalo Ridge Springs Course. Tom Fazio and Johnny Morris turned this course into a nature experience for players with its beautiful landscape and the wild buffalos ranging in the nearby park. The bunkers add a complex strategy to the course but the scenery makes up for it.
Hole 1 – Par 5:
The opening hole at Buffalo Ridge provides a scenic start to the round with North American bison roaming just to the left of the fairway and a scenic view of the Ozarks in the foreground. This downhill par five offers a generous landing area off the tee and is reachable in two shots for longer hitters, but the bunkers that guard the green must be avoided. This is a classic opening par five with risks and rewards.