Branson/Lakes Area Golf news: Missouri Amateur Championship and Branson Hills Golf Club

(BRANSON/LAKES AREA, Mo.) – The Branson/Lakes Area continues the high-profile season it is enjoying when Tom Fazio-designed Buffalo Ridge Springs hosts the Missouri Golf Association’s 108th Annual Amateur Championship, June 23-28, 2015.

The tournament dates back to 1905 and features 144 of the state’s best amateur golfers. Sixty-four players will advance to match play after two days of stroke play competition.  The final two competitors will play 36 holes on Sunday, June 28, to crown Missouri’s 2015 champion. The first 18 holes of the final match begin at 9 a.m.

Indicative of the caliber play in the event, World Golf Hall of Fame member Tom Watson posted a 27-3 record while competing in the MGA’s state amateur.

This is the first time Buffalo Ridge Springs – previously known as Branson Creek Golf Club – will host the state’s premier amateur golf event since undergoing a dramatic transformation guided by visionary conservationist and Bass Pro Shops Founder/CEO Johnny Morris.

“Buffalo Ridge Springs is an exceptional venue, an ideal course for the state’s best players to compete,” said Lynn Berry, Branson/Lakes Area CVB director of communications. “It’s one of many great golf options our destination enjoys and why golfers are increasingly choosing the Branson/Lakes Area for their next round or getaway.”

Payne Stewart Golf Club Changes Name
Formerly named Payne Stewart Golf Club, the award-winning property now goes by Branson Hills Golf Club. The change was in association with the expiration of a licensing agreement with Payne Stewart Enterprises.

Professional golfer Payne Stewart, a Springfield native, won 11 PGA Tour events before dying in a 1999 airplane accident. Payne Stewart Enterprises promotes his trademark name and logo.

"We plan to continue displaying photographs of Missouri golf legends throughout the club house," said Branson Hills general manager Dan Davis, PGA.  “While our name has changed, our commitment to excellent golf and service has not.  Our guests will continue to appreciate the high-quality play and off-course amenities for which we are known.”

For more information about Branson/Lakes Area Golf, visit www.explorebranson.com/golf and “Like” Branson Golf on Facebook.

About Branson/Lakes Area Golf
· 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