Buffalo Ridge Springs Golf Course

Excellent course from the conditions to the staff. We played all three courses in the cedar lodge area and they all have very attentive marshals, cart girls, starters, and bag staff is top notch. We never encountered any negativity from any staff anywhere on all 3 courses. Who ever does the hiring and training of all aspects of the courses should be commended.

Great course even though a little pricey. The 19th hole and the ride up to the clubhouse reminds you of being on a ride at Disneyworld. Even though a little costly for our group we will probably be back at some time.

Everything was great from the staff to the course layout.

These were probably the worst greens we played on all year and we play all over the country. Weeds , bare patches and ball marks everywhere. The greens at Ozark national and paynes valley were 10 times better. Scenery and course other than that were a 10.

My 1st choice in the area. Every hole is a postcard. Very challenging and fun to play. Course conditions were top of the line. If you are looking for a quick round, not the course to play. Everyone is taking pictures and enjoying the round. A lot of trouble if you don't hit straight.

This was an amazing experience. The course was in great shape and one of the best courses I have ever played. The beverage girl ( Taylor Yakes) made our experience great! I would definitely play this course again.

My group of golfers played all three Big Cedar 18 hole courses, and this was our favorite. You do see buffalos and it is on a ridge, hence the name.

The only negative, was the pace of play at 5 1/2 hours, which is incredibly frustrating. As I mentioned in the Payne’s Valley review, the course Marshalls are super nice and give our cold wet mint towels which are need due to the heat and humidity. They just don’t push people along, which should be their primary job.

The course itself is awesome, especially for the price. I like the layout, and scenery, which keeps getting better through the second nine, with number 15 being their signature hole. The bent greens were great.

If I were to play any of the three courses again, this would be my first choice.

Buffalo Ridge Springs is just phenomenal. This course has it all: a great setting, a memorable layout, nearly perfect conditions, and is extraordinarily beautiful.

The Good: While the newer Big Cedar courses have received a lot of the buzz, Tom Fazio’s Buffalo Ridge (formerly known as Branson Creek) is arguably the most complete golf course at the entire resort. More turbulent terrain compared to Payne’s Valley and more picturesque compared to Ozarks National, it has a playability and fun-factor that is unmatched in the Branson, Missouri area. Unfortunately, I was only able to play 9-holes due to heat stroke, but the holes I played (#1-#7 & #17-#18) were spectacular. Superb Par-5’s, excellent Par-4 variety, and multiple “grab your camera” Par-3’s. Significant elevation changes yet subtle, challenging green complexes that are in perfect shape. One of the most beautiful practice areas and driving ranges you’ll find, as well as a full-stocked clubhouse with a rustic barn feel to it. The staff was incredible in dealing with my nonsense, providing me free Gatorade, and ensuring that I still had a positive experience despite my illness. Easily the best value of the five Big Cedar courses.

The Bad: The clubhouse doesn’t have a full restaurant and bar, which is a bit of a downer compared to the other course’s excellent amenities. The course paired us up with a single (who happened to be a member) during our golf trip. The gentleman was fantastic, but we felt it was a slight infringement for our golf trip group.

The Verdict: Buffalo Ridge, to our group’s surprise, was the consensus best course at Big Cedar and a Top 10 public course that I’ve played of roughly 400 public courses in my lifetime portfolio. I only wish that I was able to play all 18 holes. An absolutely first-rate, classy experience without the “break the bank” price tag.

Best Hole: Of the holes that I played, the finale is a super Par-5 that the same design features of the Par-5 18th at Pebble Beach (obviously with no ocean view). A drive must avoid the rock cropping right of the fairway and then navigate huge bunkers and hazards left of the green. An awesome capper to a great round!

Out of the 3 18 hole courses you can play at Big Cedar (Paynes Valley, Ozark National, Buffalo Ridge Springs)... Buffalo Ridge is THE BEST. Out of the 3 courses... I'd play Buffalo Ridge 8 times, Ozark National once and Paynes Valley once. Buffalo Ridge by far the best at Big Cedar. 110% recommend.

Not hard to realize post-round why this Big Cedar property has consistently been ranked as Missouri’s top-rated public course for years. That perch may be threatened by the recent emergence of Ozarks National and Payne’s Valley to the fold, but Tom Fazio has made sure Buffalo Ridge Springs will always have a seat at that table.

Fazio blends dramatic elevation change (primarily off the tee box) with stunning natural table rock formations and deceptive green complexes to make this course a formidable challenge.

The first thing you encounter walking from the parking lot is the expansive, panoramic views despite not being at the highest point of the property (Payne’s Valley’s clubhouse that it shares with Gary Player’s Mountaintop 13-hole short course lays claim to that).

The fairways were dormant and thin, so ball-striking can be an issue this time of year. The bent grass greens, however, were as pure as you can find anywhere. I mentioned the deceptive nature of them. I would highly recommend taking a look at putts, and perhaps green side chips, from behind your ball, as well as the hole. Numerous times I was unclear about break until confirming from the other side of the hole. This might keep you from looking silly on lag putts. Beware of numerous false fronts as well. The pin placements I encountered today seemed to bring all of them into play. And I paid the price. None more so than the par-5 14th, which may be the best hole on the property. It certainly is one of my favorite that I’ve played in my travels. Played a good drive and textbook layup, only to have my wedge spin off the front of the green and make bogey.

Finally, there are some nuances that make this course stand out from most. Live buffalo herd in the pasture adjoining the first fairway. And the tips tee markers are buffalo skulls. Additionally, there are several covered bridges connecting the cart path. Pretty unique.

Tom Fazio's redesign of the old Branson Creek course set the golf boom ablaze at Big Cedar Lodge. Visitors are greeted at the clubhouse with sweeping views of the Ozarks. Real buffalo roam along the left side of the first fairway. It's quite the scene.

Buffalo Ridge Springs probably ranks as the hardest and most narrow course at the resort. It's loaded with twisting fairways guarded by scenic water features. It's a glorious cart ride from start to finish. If you can finish with one ball, you've played some stellar golf.

The layout of Buffalo Ridge is what makes it, conditions are good but the scenery of the course is worth it in itself for the price of admission. It’s a genuinely fun course and presents challenges while still being player friendly for the middle handicapper like myself. Can’t wait to go back!

This stunning golf course checks off all of the boxes. A lot of elevation changes that makes the first go around a little difficult but very enjoyable. Stepping onto the first tee box looking down to the hole, you get lost in the beauty of the landscape and buffalo roaming in viewing distance. Once you get off each green, you’ll be excited to see what is in store on the next hole. The fairways and greens were in excellent condition. We had a group of 8 of all skill types and we played on pace, even with taking a lot of photographs.

Played this course few days ago and experience was as pleasant as before. Great course and layout. Conditions were excellent. Staff from top down was friendly, informative and helpful. Went out of their way to make the day fun and exciting.

Course is very challenging, so make sure you select the correct tees to play. More than one signature hole within the 18. Holes 2 and 8 on the front and holes 12, 14 and 18 on the back. Scenery is beautiful throughput the course.

I wrote a review a year ago and will state again, Johnny Morris, of Bass Pro Shop and Big Cedar fame is turning Branson into a great golf destination. Once Payne’s Valley, a Tiger Wood’s design is complete this fall, thee will be five great golf options just within the Big Cedar family.

Treat yourself to some great golf in the Branson area. You will not be disappointed. As a PGA professional I have had a chance to play a number of great courses and resorts across the country and this area and quality of courses and level of service will stack up to any.

This is one of my favorite courses in Missouri. With the additions of Ozark National & Payne's Valley locally, people may forget about the OG Buffalo Ridge.... I have played all three and still believe Buffalo Ridge is the favorite (and cheapest) of the three. It is a great layout, with fun holes and scenery. Can be very tough from the back tees though! Great opening hole birdie opportunity as a warm-up before hole two punches you in the face! A must play if you are in the area.

Having played here several times, finally getting in on the nuances of this beauty! Play the right set of tees and it will be fun! Wrong set and it’s a ball buster!!

Only wish a membership or frequent player program would be put in place. Can be a little pricey if playing more when there. But well worth every penny!

First time playing this course and it was a blast. Great hole layout, excellent condition, and simply fun to play. Definitely challenging and we liked it so much we played it twice.

It was July 2005 and we planned a family reunion for Branson Missouri. I brought my clubs in the off chance I would get to play. With one early morning free, I chose a course in the area called Branson Creek.

It was 7 am, the sun was coming up and it was holding the early morning mist close to the ground. A par 5 that stretched down hill into the distance with just a faint view of the green. It was that early morning walk like you see in commercials on TV that maybe you have never experienced. By the time we reached the first green the mist was almost gone. The fairways were perfect and the greens were rolling an 11. Each hole that greeted me had something unique and Mr. Fazio's design had me getting more excited with each hole to see what lay next.

Most golf courses have one signature hole. This golf course had at least 15.You take your pick. When I finally reached number 18, it reminded me of playing 18 at Pebble. It is a dogleg par 5. To the left are hundreds of yards of treetops that are at fairway height representing the ocean. You play across the corner to a landing area and then back left to the green guarded by bunkers with the ocean of trees that follow all the way to the green. What a finish and probably still not my favorite hole on the course. It is too hard to choose. I have never stopped thinking about this course even though I have been fortunate to play at St. Andrews, Royal Troon, Turnberry, Bandon Dunes, Hilton head, Pebble, Spy Glass and many others. I won't say that any of these courses is more memorable or better than another but Branson Creek left me wanting to return. I am retired now and I take a golf trip every year with 3 other great friends. This year I researched Branson Creek and found it has been purchased and refined and is now called Buffalo Springs Golf Course and is rated the #1 golf course in Missouri. I am not surprised. I have learned of some new great offerings in the area such as Ozark National and soon to open Paynes Valley. Look it up and check out the pictures the website provides and tell me it doesn't get you excited about the challenge that awaits.

I only hope you are so lucky to stumble upon a walk such as this which you will remember for the rest of your life.

(This review requires a date you must select and it did not go back to 2005 so I had to enter July of this year. My review states I was there July 2005 but the memory was like yesterday and from the website, you can see it has only gotten better)

I just had the privilege to play this course recently. With Johnny Morris of Big Cedar resort and Bass Pro Shop fame, taking over this already good golf course had now become exceptional and will continue to only get better. He is committed to make the Table Rock and Branson area a place to go for fantastic golf. This is one course under his umbrella in the area. Ozark national ( also a great test where just opened ), Top of the Rock, Mountain Top and coming soon Payne’s Valley ( a Tiger Woods design) make for quite the golf destination.

I have had the pleasure to visit Kohler, Wisconsin and when all is said and done this will be a golf destination of similar desire.

I am a PGA Professional and will promise you, you will not be disappointed with the golf experience here. The staff is top notch, the conditions are good and getting better. The course is stunning both in views and shot making quality. Play the correct tees and you will have a fun, but challenging day.

With Johnny Morris commitment to excellence this course will only continue to get better. Ad Branson Creek it was among the top courses in Missouri and will only continue to climb in the ranks. The course is both scenic and challenging. Conditions were good and will only get better. The greens were fantastic, fairways superior along with the tees.

Book a trip to this part of the country soon as you will not be disappointed. Played this course along with the newly opened Ozark National and while the two courses are vastly different both are enjoyable and unique. You will have a great time and be challenged yet enjoy.