Designing A Golf Trip To Big Cedar Lodge
What draws us to Big Cedar Lodge:
Ultimate Group Golf Trip Venue
Postcard Golf Views
Private Dining Experiences
Elegant Wilderness Setting
Table Lake Sunsets
Setting & Ambiance
Nestled in the Ozarks, Big Cedar Lodge is a rugged masterpiece that blends rustic charm, nature’s beauty, and thrilling golf experiences for your next group golf trip or event.
The views here are breathtaking, and while planning a trip here might come with a few logistical hurdles, it still makes for an Ultimate Group Golf Trip. If you're thinking about heading this way, prepare for a destination that rewards your efforts with awe-inspiring landscapes and memories that linger long after you leave.
The night sky in the Ozark Mountains, Big Cedar Lodge.
Bass Pro Shop X Big Cedar Lodge:
A Little History: In 1987, Johnny Morris, the founder of Bass Pro Shops, discovered the hidden potential in a modest slice of the Ozarks. What began as a humble fish camp along Table Rock Lake has since blossomed into Big Cedar Lodge, an 800-acre wilderness retreat that celebrates the natural beauty of the Missouri landscape.
Morris envisioned a place where outdoor enthusiasts could connect with nature while indulging in the comforts of refined luxury. His passion for conservation and the outdoors led him to create a retreat and a golfer’s paradise.
Today, Big Cedar Lodge stands as a testament to Morris’s commitment to preserving the Ozarks’ heritage while offering an unparalleled experience in golf and outdoor recreation. The transformation of this once angler’s destination is now a journey worth taking for golfers and adventurers alike, offering visitors the “#1 Resort in the Midwest,” according to Travel + Leisure.
“WE ALL LIVE DOWNSTREAM”
The Golf Courses
You’ve heard the stories, seen the pictures, and maybe even caught a few highlight reels. But stepping onto these courses? That’s a whole different game. Prepare to be tested, thrilled, and completely captivated by Big Cedar’s Nature Golf experience.
Branson's Chapel of The Ozarks, Top of The Rock.
Top of the Rock, a Jack Nicklaus-designed 9-hole par-3 course, offers stunning views, like teeing off on hole 1 in front of Branson’s Chapel of the Ozarks. But don’t let the scenery distract you; this course demands precision. We love starting the trip with an afternoon round here, followed by a drink in the Billiard Room just off the Pro Shop before heading out to dinner.
Hole 9 at Mountain Top
Designed by Gary Player, Mountain Top is a 13-hole short course carved into the rugged Ozark landscape, featuring dramatic elevation changes and breathtaking views at every turn. As a walking-only course, it encourages players to fully immerse themselves in the terrain and the natural beauty of the Ozarks.
The clubhouse at Ozarks National
Ozarks National takes the region’s rugged terrain into a course that only Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw could create. This course is the most rugged of the Big Cedar lineup, yet it's impeccably maintained. It’s also the least favored among public players, likely due to its demanding nature—tricky sight lines, blind tee shots, fairways that spill into native areas, and strategically placed bunkers all add to the challenge. *Pro Tip: Gather at the bar by the finishing hole to cheer on—or heckle—your competitors from the comfort of a rocking chair.
Buffalo Ridge Springs Tee Markers
Buffalo Ridge Springs, a Tom Fazio design that brings you as close to nature as golf allows. With bison roaming nearby and the Ozark hills as your backdrop, this course perfectly marries natural beauty with challenging play showcasing Fazio's signature visuals, including cascading water features like those on the iconic 15th hole.
And then there’s Payne’s Valley, Tiger Woods’ first public course design in the U.S., where the unforgettable 19th hole steals the show. With the cascading waterfalls behind this island green, you might momentarily forget about your scorecard. This Par-3 can get backed up at times, so take the opportunity to stroll across the bridge, grab a drink at the “Big Rock Bar,” and soak in the view before stepping up to the Tiger Tees for a pressure shot you won’t soon forget.
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THE TRANSITIONS BETWEEN WONDERFUL ROCK FORMATIONS AND MAGNIFICENT VIEWS MAKE THIS A TRUE NATIONAL TREASURE.”
*Pro Tip: Don’t miss the turn houses on these courses—they’re a cut above. Beautifully designed with log cabin structures and rustic elements, they’re stocked with complimentary treats like delicious buffalo dogs, ice cream, and more. At Payne’s Valley, it's also the only spot to snag exclusive logo merchandise. It’s these thoughtful details that elevate a day of golf at Big Cedar Lodge.
The Dining Experiences
At Big Cedar Lodge, golf might steal the show, but the experience doesn’t end when you walk off the course. The dining here is a natural extension of the wilderness setting, with various restaurants that bring something unique to the table.
Sunset from Osage: End Of The Trail sculpture is a meaningful reminder for its creator of a childhood spent on the American frontier.
With farm-to-table cuisine and panoramic views, Osage Restaurant (Ow-sayj) perfectly captures the essence of the region. In the evening, experience the Osage Sunset Ceremony as the sky ignites with vibrant hues over Table Rock Lake. If you're seated for dinner, grab your drink and camera to indulge in this stunning sensory experience. The sound of traditional bagpipes marking the close of the day
Arnie's Barn Menu
Arnie’s Barn is located near Top of the Rock at Big Cedar Lodge. It offers a slice of history with its Tex-Mex flavors, all served in a barn relocated from Arnold Palmer’s hometown. It’s these touches that make every meal here memorable. We like Arnie’s Barn for a group lunch gathering prior to an afternoon tee time at Top of the Rock.
For a truly special Welcome or Farewell Dinner at Big Cedar Lodge, we recommend The Worman House. For groups, reserve the Chef’s Room and design a curated menu. Note there is a minimum spend amount for the private room. Originally built in the 1920s as a country retreat, this beautifully restored lodge blends old-world charm with contemporary cuisine.
Devil's Pool and Buzzard Bar
For a casual, comforting meal, Devil’s Pool Restaurant is a must. Set in a rustic log building with stone fireplaces, it serves hearty Southern dishes like smoked brisket and fried catfish. Whether dining on the outdoor deck or inside, the atmosphere is warm and inviting, perfect after a day on the greens.
For those looking for a laid-back atmosphere with live entertainment, Buzzard Bar is the place to be. Known for its lively yet casual vibe, Buzzard Bar serves up classic American fare in a cozy, lodge-like setting. The highlight here is the nightly live music, featuring local performers who bring the place to life.
Harry's Cocktail Lounge and Bar
For a truly elevated evening, The Art of the Cocktail at Henry’s Lounge is a must. It’s a masterclass in mixology set against the stunning backdrop of the Ozarks. Learning the craft of exceptional cocktails while enjoying the views that make Big Cedar Lodge special is the perfect way to cap off a day of world-class golf and fine dining.
The Lady Liberty on Table Rock Lake
And for a unique dining adventure, the Lady Liberty Dinner Cruise is unmatched. Enjoy gourmet cuisine aboard a classic yacht as you glide across the calm waters of Table Rock Lake. As the sun sets, the sky’s rich colors reflect off the lake, adding to Big Cedar Lodge’s collection of spectacular views.
Logistics & Practical Tips
As Travel Advisors specializing in group golf travel and crafting remote golf events, we want to emphasize the importance of acknowledging the unique challenges of organizing trips to Big Cedar Lodge. While undeniably rewarding, this destination requires meticulous planning, particularly when coordinating group events. The resort’s distinct approach to group sales—such as handling golf bookings separately from room reservations and the occasional shuttle hiccups—can quickly complicate what might otherwise seem like a straightforward trip. Preparation here is non-negotiable, and Big Cedar Lodge will make it clear if you’re not fully prepared.
Staying at Big Cedar Lodge
Falls Lodge Premier King
Ensuring everyone stays together and simplifying transportation logistics is at the top of our list when designing itineraries for your group’s travel. We recommend rooms on the hilltop at Falls Lodge for most group itineraries as our standard. We particularly vouch for the Premier King rooms on the top floors, offering a breathtaking balcony view of the sparkling Table Rock Lake and details like a fireplace and vaulted ceilings. While we look forward to future renovations, Falls Lodge already provides a comfortable and welcoming retreat after memorable days on the course. Of course, we explore upgrade options with our clients if it better suits their needs. Big Cedar Lodge offers a variety of accommodations to fit group sizes and event preferences, ensuring you’ll find the right bed to rest your head.
Getting There & Getting Around
When planning your transportation, most travelers will fly into Springfield (1 hour) unless you arrive privately at Branson Airport (15 minutes.) If you opt out of renting a car, you can pre-schedule a car service from the airport to the resort. Once on the property, you’ll rely on shuttles to navigate this expansive property, including getting to most restaurants and all golf courses. The on-demand JM Nature Resort Shuttle App allows you to check shuttle availability and approximate time, but be aware that service may not always be immediate.
To ensure a smooth start to your day, we recommend pre-scheduling your shuttle for your tee times and arranging your pickup 90 minutes before your group’s first tee time. After your round, you must call for a shuttle using the app. To avoid delays, we suggest making the call on the 16th hole. *Pro Tip: Designate a “shuttle coordinator” within your group who can help keep things organized.
If you’re shipping your clubs instead of flying with them, it’s important to specify which course you’re playing first to ensure they arrive at the correct location. While Ozarks National, Payne’s Valley, and Mountain Top share a cart tent, Buffalo Ridge and Top of the Rock do not. To avoid any mix-ups, provide your name, the group name, and the course where your first round is scheduled. Once your clubs are at the right place, the staff does an excellent job moving them between courses, but ensuring they’re sent to the correct starting point is key.
While there are some challenges, we thrive on the excitement of organizing a trip to Big Cedar Lodge. With insights from our experiences and feedback from past clients, we’ve fine-tuned the details—from securing the best tee times to booking the perfect dinner reservations. We’re here to help you enjoy everything this incredible resort has to offer.
