Big Cedar Lodge

Some people call it "over the Top of the Rock," but that's not necessarily a bad thing. I mean, I like Disney World, and that's manufactured, and much of Top of the Rock, with its waterfalls, etc.., is, too. But who cares? It's beautiful, and in incredible shape with views of the Ozarks that go on for miles and miles. Each hole is memorable (as is the driving range), making it one of the best, and possibly the most unique, par 3 courses in the country. Great short courses is a trend I'd like to see continue.

I hate to have to give a negative review of this place. But the grounds crew is horrible. The course looks amazing! Be sure to ask about the $10 just to get to the clubhouse. Be sure and ask if all the tee boxes are available. I showed up and no one was ready. There driving range is outstanding but no one was there to tell me where the balls are or what markers to hit from. It is spring break in Branson right now and there is not a full parking lot. I would advise to play the other course. This 9 joker is not for me. $100+ for nine holes and this is what I had to put up with. Hope this helps.

I really liked the course. Generous landing area on most holes. Greens in great shape. Keep ball in the fairway and you will enjoy this course. Didn't see any Buffalo at this time of year.

This was my 1st time playing since Bass Pro/Big Cedar had taken over the course. They have turned it into a Outdoorsmans golf resort. The details are fantastic. There are numerous covered bridges blended into the rolling hills of Southwest Missouri. I didn't see them but I hear there are buffalo roaming on the range :-)

Today the wind was gusting up to 20 mph so the course [from the tips] played very difficult but I managed to post a 77 thanks to a hole out and my trusty Swing by Swing GPS app.

The daily rate during the week is going to be close to $150 but I played at the Fall rate of $65... it's well worth the play at that rate... or even at $150.

Go check it out.

Note: this is an un-walkable course :-(

If you are in the Branson Mo, area, you have to stop by and play the Buffalo Ridge. The staff at Buffalo Ridge are some of the friendlies staff I have meet.

Our starter, Mike, was so helpful by giving us tips on each of the holes.

Hole 7 par 3 call the Intimidator maybe one of the hardest I have played.

The Scene is beautiful, nice covered bridges , water ways,etc

I am looking forward to coming back in the fall to play it again.

My twin brother and I had our 68 birthday at the Top of the Rock . Excellent golf course and best practice range I have been on especially at night. The pro shop is great and the staff very friendly and helpful.

Looking forward to coming back later this year.

The course was in fantastic shape but I had to knock the rating down a star due to the slow greens and the fact that they only the first 3 sets of tees available. Kind of disheartening to find out that you just drove 250 miles and paid $100 to play a course that only gives you the option to play a 7000 yd course at 6200 yds or shorter. Either way we still enjoyed the course and it was very challenging even at that short length. The course views are spectacular and the condition of the course was great. Next time I will ask about the course set up when making the tee time.

First off, I played the course twice, these last two afternoons in a row, wow what a value, $100. Super practice facility, great quality range balls, not a muni bone in its body. The course, reminded me of a really cool well designed inland California course, tracking along creeks, across drop offs and mind blowing down hill open vista type par 4 & 5's, especially on the back nine.

Typical of a Fazio course, Some of the holes have false fronts on the greens, especially the elevated greens. I'm not a fan of this design feature, in my opinion. But Fazio gets the max best routing for the layout as a rule from a a property tract, he did it here too!

Maybe a few of the fairways on the front nine need some aeration and sanding, turf seems sparse and ground hard. Having said that, there was no roll, played the fairly back tees, fairways grass was cut a longer length and conditions were really wet from recent heavy rains . I thought the bent grass greens were super nice! All the staff I met was very pleasant and friendly.

The rough & off the fairway on most very hole was ferocious, heavy, high and really very unforgiving, lost ball peril. Must be impossible for a local charity scramble. Beginners & folks who spray the ball will be forever looking for lost balls.

I'm a ardent walker and always carry my own walking bag, only 12 clubs. No way you can walk this course. Distance between holes will eat your lunch. Get a cart!

I'm coming back , loved it overall !!!

Great course. It was in pristine condition. Scenery is awesome. All the trees are elevated which made my shots a little harder to judge, I over shot most of the greens. Water comes in to play on three or four holes.

Course was in great shape, views were unbelievable, and it was absolutely a joy to play this course. Will definitely come back to play here if I am in this area again.

You can tell work is still underway at Buffalo Ridge Springs (formerly Branson Creek). While this Tom Fazio design has always been considered one of the best courses in the Branson area, Johnny Morris, owner of Big Cedar Lodge and Top of the Rock, has been busy squeezing every ounce of potential out of the property. New facilities and some enhancements to the course have been ongoing, and there's currently one temporary hole as the par-4 4th is re-graded and grassed.

I have little doubt that when the enhancements are complete, this will be a five-star facility through and through. For now, it's a four-star with a lot of five-star touches, from covered bridges and a wonderful comfort station on the front nine to a smattering of waterfalls, roaming buffalo and some really exciting downhill tee shots with fabulous, expansive views.

There's a reason Top of the Rock is a rare par 3 course with the ability to host a professional event: it's scenic, exciting and challenging at every turn. One of two host courses for the Champions Tour's Bass Pro Shops Legends of Golf at Big Cedar Lodge, this 9-holer is complete with downhill holes with surreal Ozarks views, an island green and many more unique looks. Magnificent landscaping accentuates a great variety of shot values. You'll hit some short wedges up to mid or long-irons. Be sure to come early to hit balls at the one-of-a-kind driving range, and stay late for a meal or drink in the clubhouse. They've spared no expense at Top of the Rock, and the finished product (at least for now), is one of the game's great modern marvels.