Branson/Lakes Area Golf: Top of the Rock, LedgeStone and Thousand Hills shine

(BRANSON, Mo.) – American golf courses battle to stand out from among the roughly 15,500 other U.S. courses in existence; Top of the Rock at Big Cedar Lodge in southwest Missouri’s Ozark Mountains has done so in spectacular fashion.

The Jack Nicklaus designed stunner, in its first full season, provides players with a self-guided cave tour amid waterfalls that is included as part of the playing fee.  It’s as amazing as it sounds and the tip of Top of the Rock’s iceberg of attractions that includes an Arnold Palmer-designed driving range, 70,000 square foot Tom Watson-authored putting complex called the “Himalayas,” breathtaking views of Table Rock Lake below, the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum, multiple restaurants and a gorgeous, old-wood-beam barn from Mr. Palmer’s hometown of Latrobe, Pa., that has been lovingly transported and re-assembled. Enough said? For more information or to make tee times call 1-800-225-6343.

What’s In a Name?
Plenty if the name is attached to one of the 18 holes at LedgeStone Country Club at StoneBridge Village.  Rated by Golfweek magazine one of “2015 America’s Best Courses You Can Play” by state, LedgeStone’s hole names include “The Slot,” “Temptation” and “The Mermaid” to name a few.

These aren’t souped-up monikers with no substance to them – they’re descriptive realities that encapsulate the playing terrain, look and excitement of a group of exceptional golf holes. To contact LedgeStone call 417.335.8187.

Finding Time to Play: Short, Sweet and Fun
Golfers looking to play each week in a fun, affordable format can try the Thursday night league at Thousand Hills Golf Resort.  Golf starts at 5 pm – food at 4:30 pm – and the cost is $25 to play in a 2-person, 9-hole scramble format. Call the pro shop with questions or to sign up at 417-334-4553.

Eight courses of diverse style, price and terrain are found in the esteemed golf destination that is “Branson: Golf’s Ozark Mountain Oasis,” and two more are scheduled to open in the near future.
- Branson Hills Golf Club, www.bransonhillsgolfclub.com, 417.337.2963
- Buffalo Ridge Springs Golf Course, http://www.topoftherock.com/Page/Golf.aspx, 417.339.5430
- LedgeStone Country Club at StoneBridge Village, www.ledgestonegolf.com, 417.335.8187
- Top of the Rock Golf Course, http://www.topoftherock.com/Page/Golf.aspx, 417.339.5343
- Pointe Royale Golf Village, www.pointeroyalegolf.net, 417.334.4477
- Thousand Hills Golf Resort, www.thousandhills.com, 800.487.0769, 417.334.4553
- Holiday Hills Resort and Golf Club, www.holidayhills.com, 417.334.4838
- Don Gardner Golf Course, http://www.bransonparksandrecreation.com, 417.337.8510

See more at: www.explorebranson.com.