Branson CVB Retains Dan Shepherd Public Relations to Promote Burgeoning Golf Destination

Missouri Ozarks Oasis is Fastest-Growing Golf Venue in U.S., Home to Many New and Acclaimed Courses

(BRANSON, MISSOURI) – Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau (“Explore Branson”) today announces that it has retained Dan Shepherd Public Relations, LLC (“DSPR”); to devise and implement a strategic golf-and-resort marketing communications program for the popular southwest Missouri destination.

“With exhilarating new courses coming online and an array of well-regarded established golf options, the timing is ideal to aggressively promote what the Branson area offers visitors,” said Lynn Berry, Branson CVB Director of Communications. “We chose Dan Shepherd Public Relations for its strategic tourism partnership and expert experience. DSPR specializes in golf and travel destinations and it will connect media and influencers with our brand – in golf, vacations, live entertainment, meetings and conventions, and other Branson assets.”

“Branson is the most-striking golf destination in the world; it’s averaging one course opening a year for the past several years, and they’re collectively outstanding, media and golfers unanimously report,” said Dan Shepherd. “Combined with the high-quality of existing golf options and wealth of on- and off-course attractions, the Branson area is intriguing, accessible, and exemplary.”

New Branson-area courses include Payne’s Valley, a 19-hole championship course paying homage to Payne Stewart, the legendary former PGA TOUR player who grew up in nearby Springfield, Mo. Designed by Tiger Woods and his golf architecture company, TGR Design, the mint condition layout will debut in 2019 and includes a one-of-a-kind 19th hole – the Big Rock at Payne’s Valley.

The fascinating TGR Design arrives in tandem with Ozarks National, which also opens this year. A Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw creation, it combines Ozarks beauty and architectural inspiration from two of the discipline’s most esteemed masters. “Saying the golf world is buzzing about these new courses and the destination is like saying that Tiger’s return to championship form last season excited fans of the game,” said Shepherd. “Stamp a star on a global map in the Branson area and get ready for golf aficionados to come.”

Ozarks National and Jack Nicklaus’ Top of the Rock – a spell-binding 9-hole, par-3 marvel perched glowingly above Table Rock Lake – are co-host courses of the PGA TOUR Champions Legends of Golf at Big Cedar Lodge, April 24-28, 2019.

Branson-area golf is nothing if not unique and supremely interesting. This is spectacularly demonstrated at Mountain Top Course, a 13-hole design collaboration between Bass Pro Shops and Big Cedar Lodge founder Johnny Morris and World Golf Hall of Fame member Gary Player. Barely 16 months old and inaugurated on August 31, 2017, it’s blessed with millions-year-old exposed limestone outcroppings, swirling winds buffeting the elevated, often panoramic topography, and holes as different from one another as they are complementary.

Established Branson courses consistently rank among the best in the state, with layouts designed by Tom Fazio, Bob Cupp, and Chuck Smith with Bobby Clampett. Branson Hills has been rated the No. 1 public course in Missouri for seven consecutive years, while Golf Digest bestows that distinction on Buffalo Ridge Springs, the Tom Fazio-Johnny Morris collaboration and Big Cedar Lodge amenity.

Thousand Hills, LedgeStone, and Pointe Royale are equally popular. Thousand Hills is an imaginative and charming par-64 layout. Cupp’s ingenious holes showcase shot values, rolling terrain, and championship-style golf. Pointe Royale is where many of Branson’s live entertainment performers dwell and play, with immaculate greens and tight fairway corridors. LedgeStone is one the area’s favorite venues, a thrilling ride thanks to its winding holes that route up, down and around hills, trees, water and cliffsides.

Branson-area golf provides a scintillating class of courses, with a variety of design and terrain styles, all sharing lush Ozark Mountain majesty.  Meshed with the vast array of after-golf activities, it’s a tailor-made place for intrepid travelers who love exploring best-in-kind places where there is an abundance of leisure, lodging, meeting, event, family, and dining options.  

About Branson/Lakes Area Golf
Ozarks National, 800.225.6343
Payne’s Valley, 800.225.6343
Mountain Top Course, 800.225.6343
Pointe Royale Golf Village, 417.334.4477
Thousand Hills Golf Resort, 800.487.0769, 417.334.4553
Buffalo Ridge Springs Golf Course, 417.339.5430
LedgeStone Country Club at StoneBridge Village, 417.335.8187
Top of the Rock Golf Course, 800.225.6343
Branson Hills Golf Club, 417.337.2963
Holiday Hills Resort and Golf Club, 417.334.4838
Don Gardner Golf Course, 417.337.8510

See more at www.explorebranson.com.