Branson/Lakes Area Courses Enter 2017 with New People, Places and Things

(BRANSON, MISSOURI) – Powering forward as one of the nation’s most active golf course developers, Big Cedar Lodge will soon unveil its third course – expected to debut this spring – the Gary Player-designed short course featuring 13 par-3 holes.

Players are required to walk the course (no carts), and a round should take less than two hours to complete. The course is touted as family friendly – Player made a point of that during a Media Day earlier this month – the layout lends itself to a variety of looks that can challenge golfers of all ability levels.

The Player course precedes an 18-hole championship course being built and designed by golf architect Bill Coore and his partner World Golf Hall of Fame member Ben Crenshaw. It may open in fall 2018 and is named “The Ozarks.”

Those two new courses will complement existing Big Cedar golf amenities Top of the Rock (Nicklaus) and Buffalo Ridge Springs (Tom Fazio), where the Bass Pro Shops Legends of Golf returns (April 19–23). This is the 40th playing of the PGA TOUR Champions longest-running event and the fourth consecutive hosted by Big Cedar. A stellar field is scheduled to attend – John Daly, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Tom Watson, Colin Montgomerie and more.

A premier event at an exceptional resort played on acclaimed courses is hard to beat. Ticket prices start at $25 per day and weekly passes go for $100. For more information: www.bassprolegends.com.

Branson Hills rewards locals
Players living in Taney, Stone, Green and Christian counties can play the top-rated course in Missouri – according to Golfweek Magazine’s “Best Courses You Can Play, 2012-2015” – for $69 including 18 holes, golf cart and practice range balls.

That’s a savings of nearly 25% off full price. A driver’s license with current address is required at registration, and the deal is also good for residents of Boone and Carroll counties in Arkansas.

The layout at Branson Hills – formerly known as Payne Stewart Golf Club – meshes water, hardwoods and undulating terrain, and the clubhouse displays museum-like tributes to golfers who established their playing excellence in Missouri, including Payne Stewart and Tom Watson.

For more information: www.bransonhillsgolfclub.com.

What a deal
As spring ushers in warmer weather and 2017 golf season excitement grows, Pointe Royale Golf Course’s “Day at the Pointe” is an ideal way to embrace the game – 36 holes and lunch for $89. For other options visit: http://pointeroyalegolf.net/course/rates/.

No place like home
Originally from the Ozarks, Gary Nelson has taken a golf operations position at Thousand Hills Golf Resort after spending nearly a decade successfully leading several golf facilities over a decade in several states – Kansas, Louisiana, Illinois and Minnesota – most recently serving as Regional General Manager for a top national golf management company.

Nelson has garnered many professional accomplishments due to his expertise and leadership in all areas of the field. He attributes his success to building teams with the best people and an intense focus on the guest experience.

Proudly residing in Branson, he and his wife, Stephanie are loyal St. Louis Cardinal fans and enjoy spending time with their only child – a very spoiled Golden Retriever named Daisy.

About Branson/Lakes Area Golf
Pointe Royale Golf Village, www.pointeroyalegolf.net, 417.334.4477
Thousand Hills Golf Resort, www.thousandhills.com, 800.487.0769, 417.334.4553
Buffalo Ridge Springs Golf Course, http://www.topoftherock.com/buffalo-ridge-golf-course, 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/top-of-the-rock-golf-course/, 417.339.5343
Branson Hills Golf Club, www.bransonhillsgolfclub.com, 417.337.2963
Holiday Hills Resort and Golf Club, www.holidayhills.com, 417.334.4838
Don Gardner Golf Course, http://www.bransonparksandrecreation.com, 417.337.8510