Branson, Missouri · Bucket-list resort

Planning a Golf Trip to Big Cedar Lodge: Group Guide

Six courses in the Ozarks: three full 18s by Tiger Woods, Coore & Crenshaw and Tom Fazio, plus three par-3 courses by Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Bass Pro founder Johnny Morris that are perfect for groups.

Best forGroups who want a famous-architect lineup and par-3 fun in one place
Group size4–12 · 12–24 · 24+ golfers
Budget$$$ Premium
Best monthsApr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct
Trip styleBucket list · Stay & play resort

The courses to play

  • Payne's Valley: Tiger Woods's first public design (TGR Design, 2020), with a bonus par-3 19th hole set against a limestone cliff and waterfall.
  • Ozarks National: Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw (2019). The 13th tee is reached by a 400-foot wooden bridge 60 feet above a creek.
  • Buffalo Ridge: Tom Fazio, renovated with Johnny Morris. Bison graze on the prairie beside the course.
  • Cliffhangers: 18-hole par-3 course by Johnny and John Paul Morris, opened July 4, 2025, on a steep hillside next to Payne's Valley. Holes run 60 to 170 yards.
  • Top of the Rock: 9-hole par-3 by Jack Nicklaus overlooking Table Rock Lake, the first par-3 course used in a PGA Tour-sanctioned event.
  • Mountain Top: 13-hole par-3 by Gary Player, plus a Tom Watson putting course.

Getting there

AirportCodeDrive to the golf
Springfield-BransonSGFabout 1 hr
BransonBKGabout 30 min

Check live flights to SGF on Google Flights →

Nonstop from 7 major U.S. cities: Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas. Group flying from different cities? →

When to go

Spring and fall. Summer is hot.

Group tip

Plan one par-3 session as a group game night. Lodge cabins and cottages fit groups better than standard rooms.

Before you book

  1. Lock the headcount in a multiple of four.
  2. Set the per-person budget with the cost calculator.
  3. Call the resort or golf desk directly and ask for group tee-time blocks, stay-and-play packages and the cancellation and rain policy.
  4. Collect deposits the week you book. Use the deposit tracker.
  5. Pick your format and build pairings.
Watch · 8 min7 Golf Trip Mistakes That Ruin the Trip (I've Made Them All)

Heads-up before you book

  • Top of the Rock is scheduled to close November 6, 2027 and reopen about June 1, 2028. Dates may change. source

Checked November 9, 2026. Schedules change, so confirm with the resort.

Facts last checked November 9, 2026. How we check facts. Resort or tourism board? Send us updates for this guide.

Course details and access rules change. Confirm current tee-time policies and rates directly with each course before you book.

FAQ

When is the best time for a Big Cedar Lodge golf trip?

Spring and fall. Summer is hot. Best months: Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct.

What airport do you fly into for Big Cedar Lodge?

Springfield-Branson (SGF), about 1 hr; Branson (BKG), about 30 min.

What are the best courses at Big Cedar Lodge?

Payne's Valley, Ozarks National, Buffalo Ridge, Cliffhangers, Top of the Rock, Mountain Top.

Is Big Cedar Lodge good for a group golf trip?

Best for: Groups who want a famous-architect lineup and par-3 fun in one place. It works for groups of 4–12, 12–24, 24+ golfers.

How far ahead should we book Big Cedar Lodge?

For 8 or more golfers in peak season, plan 6–12 months out. Call the golf desk and ask about group tee-time blocks and package rates before you book rooms.

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