And there are Branson ’ s best-kept secrets . Long before Branson became a music and entertainment mecca , Holiday Hills became a fixture serving local residents and tourists for more than 80 years . The Pointe at Pointe Royale resort has been the “ Course of Stars ” since 1986 , and centrally located Thousand Hill has been a popular tourist course since 1995 . While maybe not as well known among Branson courses , don ’ t overlook them . Any town or city would love to have them .
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Morris started his golf venture in 1987 when he purchased 4,600 acres of rural Missouri land . A native of Springfield and a fishing and nature enthusiast , Morris got his start selling fishing tackle in the back of his dad ’ s Brown Derby liquor store . In 1972 , he founded Pro Bass Shop , later bought Cabela ’ s , and now is worth $ 6.3 million . Despite his wealth , he ’ s more comfortable in a pair of jeans and driving an old Toyota pickup , says McQueary .
Big Cedar owner Johnny Morris ( on left ) hired Jack Nicklaus to design Top of the Rock . It was the first step in making Branson one of golf ’ s greatest destinations .
( photo by Alan Hoskins )
In 1996 Morris acquired Top of the Rock . However , when fire destroyed the course ’ s restaurant in 2000 , everything was shut down until 2014 , when Nicklaus redesigned the course featuring a spectacular driving range designed by Arnold Palmer and a huge Tom Watson putting clock since destroyed by a mammoth sinkhole . Formerly Branson Creek , Buffalo Ridge also opened in 2014 . Both courses were host to the nationally televised Legends Tournament of Champions that drew golf icons like Nicklaus , Player , Watson , Trevino , and countless others .
The spectacular 19th hole at Payne ’ s Valley has become one of America ’ s most famed and photographed play-off holes . A 136-yard par 3 island green surrounded by water , towering limestone cliffs , and cascading waterfalls . Good Luck ! Below , view from the Tee .
( Photos by Alan Hoskins , July 2022 )
The par-3 8th at Ozark National .
The purchase of John Daly ’ s Murder Rock in 2013 opened the way for Ozark National and Payne ’ s Valley . “ Murder Rock was completely demolished and now is three courses ,” says McQueary . “ The front nine of Murder Rock is part of Payne ’ s Valley ; the back nine Ozark National . And Mountain Top was part of the driving range .”
While Morris has hired the foremost architects , it was his idea to build a spectacular 19th hole at Payne ’ s Valley destined to become one of America ’ s most famed and photographed holes . A 136-yard par 3 island green completely surrounded by water , “ The Big Rock ” fronts towering limestone cliffs and cascading waterfalls .
What makes Branson ’ s championship courses so special is the terrain . Carved into the Ozark mountains , most of the 18-hole courses boast beautiful fairways flanked by age-old cedar trees , huge and often deep sand bunkers , ponds and streams that come into play , and bold limestone rock formations ,
Is there more golf coming ? “ Nothing in the works , but I wouldn ’ t be surprised . Johnny is not one to sit around ,” says McQueary .
See List of Branson Courses in Brief on page 29 . ►
Alan Hoskins , Golf Writer Lead Feature Writer since 2007 TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE ™ Magazine