Five Branson Golf Destination Courses Voted in Missouri’s Top 10 including Top Four

Destination Dominates ‘Golfweek’s Best’ Annual Rankings

(BRANSON, MISSOURI) – Golfweek recently released its annual “Best Courses by State” compilation and Ozarks National, Buffalo Ridge, Payne’s Valley, and Branson Hills ranked as Missouri’s top four courses in that order. A fifth Branson Golf destination course, LedgeStone, is Missouri’s No. 8 rated layout.

“Visitors choose Branson for many reasons, not the least of which is our superlative golf courses,” said Heather Hermen, Senior Vice President/Chief Marketing & Communications Officer. “Golf complements our lakes, live entertainment theatres, historic downtown, family friendly attractions, and modern waterside Branson Landing town center.”

To determine Golfweek’s Best rankings, the media outlet’s course-ratings panel continually evaluate courses and rate them using 10 criteria on a 10-point scale. The raters also file a single, overall rating on each course. Those overall ratings are averaged to produce a cumulative rating for each, which is then ranked against other layouts.

Ozarks National (Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw course design), Buffalo Ridge (Tom Fazio and Johnny Morris), and Payne’s Valley (Tiger Woods and Beau Welling) are Big Cedar Golf’s 18-hole courses. The golf resort also has three short courses – Cliffhangers (Johnny and J.P. Morris design), Mountain Top (Gary Player), and Top of the Rock (Jack Nicklaus) – and they showcase the same rustic elegance that permeates all places owned and operated by Big Cedar Lodge and Bass Pro Shops Founder, Johnny Morris.  

In addition to its No. 4 ranking in the state – which has more than 300 – Branson Hills (Chuck Smith-Bobby Clampett) was voted No. 10 in the nation this year via Golfers’ Choice, a compilation of players’ favorite courses in America curated by GolfPass/GolfNow. The layout’s sinewy layout is as beautiful as it is demanding. And LedgeStone, a destination favorite by area golfers, winds through heaving Ozarks’ terrain to deliver a thrilling experience that requires players to choose their shot strategy wisely.

Branson’s other three courses are Thousand Hills (Bob Cupp), The Pointe, and Holiday Hills. Thousand Hills, part of a multi-faceted resort complex, is in the headquartered in the heart of the destination adjacent to a myriad of live entertainment theatres. 

All 11 courses in the destination are located near one another as well as hundreds of restaurants, scores of lodging options, and after-golf things to see and do. Branson regularly garners top rated tourism destination status in America according to Trip Advisor.

For more information about the destination, visit ExploreBranson.com.

Circling Raven Voted No. 1 Public Course in Idaho by Golfweek Raters

(Worley, Idaho) – Circling Raven Golf Club ranks as Idaho’s No. 1 course in Golfweek’s just-published “Top Public-Access Golf Courses by State, 2026.” 

Hundreds of members of Golfweek’s course-ratings panel continually evaluate courses and rate them on 10 criteria using a points basis of 1 through 10. They also file a single, overall rating on each course. Those overall ratings are averaged to produce Golfweek’s Best course rankings.

Owned and operated by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, Circling Raven spans more than 600 acres of ancestral homelands, offering a golf experience that is as culturally vibrant as it is visually scintillating. The course’s longstanding place atop the state rankings underscores its status as a premier destination for golfers seeking both challenge and beauty.

“This honor is humbling and gratifying as Circling Raven is named for one of our Tribe’s most important leaders historically,” said Laura Penney, CEO, Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel. “Couple that with the course being on our land and it’s imperative that Circling Raven shines, paying respectful homage to our ancestors and the Earth.” 

Circling Raven’s diverse and memorable holes, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Coeur d’Alene Mountains, showcase the gorgeous Palouse Region land across which it gloriously winds. The course’s pristine, development-free terrain, spanning woodlands, wetlands, and a bio-diverse environment, provides an invigorating setting that both inspires and revitalizes golfers.

The recognition from Golfweek is a testament to the course’s top-tier quality, highlighted by its consistent maintenance of first-class turf conditions on tees, fairways, and greens. This accolade is further supported by the many other awards that Circling Raven has won, testament to its widespread recognition as one of America’s finest 18-hole courses.

Designed by Gene Bates and located approximately 50 minutes from Spokane International Airport (GEG), the golf club offers excellent ancillary amenities like Circling Raven Golf Academy and the Circling Raven Golf Suites, where guests can play virtual golf and other games inside the casino venue. The award-winning clubhouse features a nationally honored retail shop and the Twisted Earth Grill, which provides superb food and beverages.

For more information about Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel, visit cdacasino.com, or call 800-532-2464.

Final Tune-Up Before Augusta: Deep Field Headlines 2026 Valspar Championship

With The Players Championship now in the rearview, attention naturally begins to drift toward The Masters. But before the season’s first major takes center stage, the Valspar Championship offers one final proving ground on the Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Resort.

Though not designated as a signature event, this year’s Valspar field is anything but lacking. A strong mix of major champions and rising stars arrives in Palm Harbor, Florida looking to sharpen their games before heading down Magnolia Lane.

Among the headliners, Xander Schauffele and Matt Fitzpatrick come in riding momentum after strong performances at TPC Sawgrass, where both chased down eventual champion Cameron Young.

Perhaps the most intriguing storyline belongs to Justin Thomas. After a rocky season debut at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, the two-time major winner rebounded with a T8 finish at The Players. Now, he returns to a course that has consistently treated him well, still in search of a long-overdue victory at Copperhead.

Past champions Jordan Spieth and Viktor Hovland also enter the week with something to prove. Spieth continues to battle inconsistency and costly mistakes, while Hovland looks to rein in his driver despite otherwise solid results. Both, however, have already shown they can conquer this demanding par-71 layout when their games click.

Recent winners are adding even more intrigue. Akshay Bhatia and Jacob Bridgeman will each tee it up for a third consecutive week after impressive showings at Sawgrass. They’re joined by a deep supporting cast that includes Patrick Cantlay, Brooks Koepka, Corey Conners and Sahith Theegala—all capable of contending come Sunday.

The tournament runs March 19–22 on the 7,352-yard Copperhead Course, a Larry Packard design known for demanding precision over power. With a $9.1 million purse and one last chance to build momentum before Augusta, the stakes feel higher than ever for a non-signature stop.

Picks to Watch

Winner: Akshay Bhatia (22-1)

Bhatia’s iron play was elite at TPC Sawgrass, and his confidence is surging. After a recent win and a solid showing last year at Copperhead, he looks primed to break through again.

Contender: Matt McCarty (60-1)

His putter has kept him competitive, and if his ball-striking rebounds, he has the tools to climb the leaderboard quickly.

Sleeper: Bud Cauley (75-1)

Quietly consistent, Cauley’s tee-to-green game and short-game touch make him a dangerous under-the-radar pick.

As the Florida Swing comes to a close, the Valspar Championship serves as more than just a stopgap—it’s a litmus test. For some, it’s about fine-tuning. For others, it’s about finding something—anything—before the bright lights of Augusta.

Streamsong Golf Resort unveils "Bone Valley," the bold new course by David McLay Kidd

(BOWLING GREEN, Fla.) — Streamsong Golf Resort today revealed the official name and logo of its highly anticipated fifth golf course: Bone Valley, a striking new design by acclaimed architect David McLay Kidd. The announcement marks another defining moment in the evolution of the nation’s premier winter season golf destination.

With Bone Valley, Kidd joins an extraordinary roster of modern architectural icons at Streamsong - Coore & Crenshaw, Tom Doak, and Hanse & Wagner - forming the “Mount Rushmore” of modern minimalist golf designers. Four visionary philosophies. One unforgettable destination.

The name, Bone Valley, is rooted in the land itself.

Long before fairways carved across the horizon, Central Florida lay beneath a prehistoric sea. Over hundreds of millions of years, ancient marine life, mammals, and reptiles were preserved beneath layers of sand and sediment — earning the region its enduring name. Today, Bone Valley stands as one of North America’s richest fossil beds, a landscape shaped by deep time and elemental forces.

Kidd’s routing embraces that history. Flowing across dramatic ridgelines, natural bowls, and shifting sands, the course feels discovered rather than built. Expansive, raw, and visually arresting, Bone Valley reflects the untamed character that defines Streamsong — strategic, bold, and unforgettable.

“The name is a natural fit for the land and a course that was literally millions of years in the making,” said KemperSports CEO Steve Skinner. “David has created something truly special — a course that honors the land while delivering a golf experience unlike anything else. We can’t wait for players to see it.”

Bone Valley joins Streamsong’s lineup of three courses ranked in the top 40 of GOLF Magazine’s Top 100 Public Courses in the U.S. Preview play begins October 30, 2026, with the official grand opening set for January 26, 2027.

A Retro Collection Rooted in Cleveland Golf’s Beginnings

(HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif.) – CLEVELAND GOLF is happy to announce its new Retro Collection of soft goods, a lineup inspired by the era when Cleveland Golf first established its name in the game. Built for golfers who recognize great design when they see it and trust what’s already proven, this collection brings timeless style back to the course with classic looks that still hold up for a reason.

With the Retro Collection, we wanted to celebrate Cleveland Golf’s roots and bring back the kind of classic style that never goes out of fashion. These are pieces that feel authentic to who we are; simple, functional, and built for golfers who appreciate the history behind the brand. -James Fodera, Creative Brand Director at Cleveland Golf

The Retro Collection delivers classic Cleveland Golf style with a modern touch, featuring a curated lineup of on-course essentials designed to bring a timeless look and feel to any setup. Highlighting the collection is a collaboration with Jones Sports Co., introducing a Retro-inspired Sunday golf bag built for convenience and comfort. Featuring easy-access pockets for essentials, a premium cream and navy colorway, and a lightweight design, the bag is made for golfers who enjoy walking the course in style.

Also included in the collection are two headwear options: the classic Cleveland Golf Straw Hat and a modern snapback cap. Rounding out the lineup are premium accessories designed to support performance on the course, including a navy towel featuring the Cleveland Golf emblem and a Groove Brush to help keep scoring clubs clean and performing at their best.

From the bag to the finishing details, every piece in the collection is designed to bring Cleveland Golf’s heritage back to the course in a way that feels timeless, functional, and unmistakably classic.

To shop the collection, visit us.dunlopsports.com/cleveland-golf.

Pricing & Availability
- Retro Snapback Hat: $29.99
- Retro Straw Hat: $39.99
- Retro Caddie Towel: $34.99
- Retro Club Brush: $49.99
- Retro Sunday Bag: $199.99
- Launch Date: March 18, 2026

Cowboys Golf Club Unveils Multi-Milllion-Dollar Transformation

The World’s Only NFL-Themed Club Sets a New Benchmark for Golf, Entertainment, and Culinary Excellence

(DALLAS) — Cowboys Golf Club has reopened following one of Arcis Golf’s most extensive entertainment-driven transformations. The multi-million-dollar renovation of the world's only NFL-themed golf club includes a completely redesigned championship course, a Dallas Cowboys-themed high-tech driving range with game-used AT&T Stadium turf, and an 18-hole putting course.

A flagship within Arcis Golf’s 88-course portfolio of private, destination, and public properties, Arcis Golf commissioned renowned course architect Beau Welling to redesign the layout, with the company’s in-house design and construction team overseeing implementation.

“We reimagined every aspect of this property to create unforgettable experiences for our members and guests," said Blake Walker, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Arcis Golf. "From championship-caliber golf to immersive Cowboys-themed entertainment, visitors now enjoy a destination that blends world-class sport with the excitement and tradition of America's Team.”

During the closure, the tee boxes, greens, bunkers, and cart paths were rebuilt or reshaped as part of a comprehensive master plan. Welling refined design elements in the field while seven Arcis crews simultaneously executed the transformation, which touched every element of the course:
- All 18 greens were expanded and modernized with dramatic contours and thrilling new hole locations, challenging golfers of every skill level.
- Cowboys Golf Club is the first in the nation to feature Tif3D Bermuda on all 20 greens (18 holes plus practice facility), ensuring consistent, pristine championship-level conditions year-round.
- Five sets of tees were rebuilt with a classic square design, while every greenside bunker complex was repositioned to better frame the greens and elevate the short-game challenge.
- Architectural styling and bunkering features were comprehensively reimagined.

Notably, bunkers on the par-3 third hole were relocated to the front of the green, allowing the hillside backdrop to prominently showcase the Dallas Cowboys’ legendary star logo.

The driving range is a showstopper, featuring a 60-yard-long, game-used turf football field from the Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium, complete with an NFL regulation goal post and 14 cutting-edge Toptracer stations that bring data, practice, competition, and entertainment together. The short-game practice area was also fully revamped, including the addition of new bunkering and expanded chipping areas.

These enhancements were strategically designed to further elevate Cowboys Golf Club as one of the premier corporate event, outing, and sports-entertainment venues in the Dallas-Fort Worth region and beyond.

“This transformation is about more than aesthetics – it’s about redefining and gamifying how people experience golf,” added Walker, who noted that Cowboys Golf Club now blends championship-caliber design with immersive entertainment in a way that reflects the power of the Dallas Cowboys brand and our commitment to innovation. “It’s golf redefined, fan-inspired, and built for families, players, and guests.”

The reimagined short-game area and the spectacular 18-hole putting course, “The Huddle,” feature an acre of Dallas Cowboys-blue turf, ensuring every moment is unforgettable.  Each hole starts with the star logo, summoning the true Cowboys spirit.

Between rounds, golfers can enjoy food and beverage offerings at The Huddle’s Airstream trailer, serving up frozen margaritas, local beers, and signature barbacoa tacos and sausages crafted exclusively for Arcis Golf. The acclaimed Ring of Honor Kitchen & Bar (ROHK) features a bold Texas fusion menu, highlighting the freshest local ingredients and dry-aged meats.  A 23-foot smoker and wood-fire grill accentuate smoky flavors, and soon, Neapolitan pizzas are fired to perfection in under two minutes. Guests can sip a jalapeno margarita or savor a curated bourbon tasting on the Five Points Patio, overlooking the new event lawn, putting course, and practice areas.

Super Bowl trophies, Tom Landry’s fedora, and other historic team mementoes line the Clubhouse interior and display cases, while stone markers throughout the course highlight milestone moments from the Cowboys’ rich history.

Arcis Golf owns eight additional clubs in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex – Bear Creek Golf Club, Lantana Golf Club, The Golf Club at Fossil Creek, The Club at Frisco Farms, Gentle Creek Country Club, Lake Park Golf Club, Mansfield National Golf Club, and The Golf Club at Twin Creeks – and owns and operates a national portfolio of premier clubs including The Woodlands Country Club in Houston, Texas, and host site of the Insperity Invitational, a PGA Tour Champions event; Champions Retreat Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, and host site for the first two rounds of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur; Grayhawk Golf Club in Phoenix, Arizona, former host site for the 2021-2023 NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Golf Championships; and The Club at Snoqualmie Ridge, host to the PGA Tour Champions’ Boeing Classic, to name a few.

An industry leader in providing inventive programming and unrivaled lifestyle amenities that complement exceptional golf offerings, Arcis Golf has invested more than $175 million over the past four years on property upgrades, new amenities, personnel, training, and systems to create extraordinary experiences and forge emotional connections with members and guests. The Company has received numerous honors, including recognition on the Inc. 500 list of fastest-growing private companies in America.

To learn more about Arcis Golf, visit www.arcisgolf.com. 

The Bernardus Experience: Play, Eat & Stay at the Netherlands’ Solheim Cup 2026 Venue

(Noord-Brabant) - Set to host the Solheim Cup in September - the first time the event will be staged in the Netherlands - Bernardus showcases The Bernardus Experience: a seamless Play, Eat & Stay offering combining championship golf, Michelin star dining, and boutique on-course accommodation.

The Dutch championship venue, located in the province of Noord-Brabant, near the historic city of ’s-Hertogenbosch and the Van Gogh National Park, is set within a tranquil natural landscape while remaining highly accessible internationally,  positioned within approximately 30 minutes of Eindhoven Airport and easily reached from Amsterdam and Rotterdam.

The Bernardus Experience is designed for those who want more from their round, turning a day of golf into an on-site reset, where the transition from course to table to room feels effortless, allowing visitors to enjoy the full experience.

The Bernardus Experience centres on the venue’s championship course, where guests can play unlimited golf throughout the day, with access to the driving range, alongside the club’s short game areas and premium practice facilities. Dining is anchored by Noble Kitchen, the on-site Michelin star restaurant, where a six-course dinner provides a refined conclusion to the day in a setting recognised for both precision and atmosphere. Accommodation is offered at Bernardus Lodge, a boutique on-course retreat comprising eight modern double rooms with spacious bathrooms, designed to provide privacy, calm, and immediate access to the first tee.

Guests staying at the Lodge also have access to on-site leisure facilities including the gym, sauna, hammam, and tennis court. The heated outdoor pool is open from the 1st of April to the 1st of October. Non-golfing partners are equally well catered for, with complimentary access to the facilities or the option to enhance the day with additional  experiences such as a massage, personal training in the gym, or a lesson on the range.

Designed by Kyle Phillips, Bernardus has earned a reputation for elite conditioning and presentation, having hosted the DP World Tour’s Dutch Open in 2021, 2022 and 2023. Now entering a defining period of international visibility ahead of this year’s Solheim Cup, the venue continues to position itself as a modern golf-and-lifestyle destination where detail, rhythm, and service shape the stay on and off the course. This year also marks the first occasion on which the PING Junior Solheim Cup will take place on the same course as the Solheim Cup itself, reinforcing Bernardus’ position at the centre of a defining week in women’s golf.

Sabine Riezebos, General Manager at Bernardus, shared: “The Bernardus Experience reflects what we aim to offer every day: high level golf, warm hospitality, and the simplicity of staying right on the course. As we look ahead to the Solheim Cup in 2026, we look forward to welcoming visitors who want to experience Bernardus as a complete on-site destination, where golf, dining and downtime come together naturally.”

As part of the wider Bernardus Experience (only available from Wednesday to Sunday), guests can stay and play at the Solheim Cup venue through a range of seasonal packages. For a one-night stay including one full-day access to the course and practice facilities, rates start from €662.50 in low season and €722.50 in high season, with options also available for two guests from €1,035 in low season and €1,155 in high season. The packages include golf, accommodation and food; beverages are charged separately. Full details and seasonal availability are available via the official booking channels.

To find out more, visit: https://bernardusgolf.com/bernardus-experience/ and https://bernardusgolf.com/lodge/