Some Great info on golf In Branson

Branson, Missouri Emerging as Major Golf Destination: Top Five Courses to Play


By Brian Wright, Yahoo! Contributor NetworkFeb 14, 2:14 pm EST


Spring is just about a month away, and for golfers looking for a new golf destination to explore, the Branson area, located in southern Missouri's Ozark Mountains, is an option you shouldn't overlook.

There are a dozen golf courses - some with top-shelf designers such as Tom Fazio and Jack Nicklaus, and ties to golf legends like Payne Stewart - all in close proximity, and all with reasonable rates. The majority of Branson area golf courses are carved from the beautiful Ozark Mountains, and these courses will forever be etched in your memory bank once you play them.

The Branson area has long been known for its plethora of music shows. And, although 76 Highway, which winds through the bright lights of Branson's Music Row, can become congested at times, the various well planned, four-lane, alternate routes through and around the area's popular attractions offer a quick trek to your golfing destination.


In recent years, Branson has quietly become perhaps the best golf destination in the Midwest. In fact, it might well be one of the top 10 golf destinations in the nation.


Don't take this statement lightly. A locale must have key elements such as quantity and quality of courses, a wide variety of lodging and entertainment options, and easy accessibility, to even be considered a golf destination.


For many golfers, it's the after-golf activities that make a destination great. Like other top golf locales around the country, Branson features the key elements necessary to be among the elite. And unlike some of the nation's other fine golf destinations, the ancillary activities are equal to the golf - and the golf in Branson is fantastic.


"The variety of courses definitely makes Branson an appealing golf destination," says Bill Hasler, general manager at LedgeStone Country Club. "It's a great trip for buddies, couples, families, and golf groups. If you are looking to play three or four rounds during your stay, the variety of courses we have can accommodate the needs of most anyone. And there's a lot of things to do when you get done playing golf for the day."


Indeed. Branson features a large variety of lodging options including stay and play golf packages, and the area is also unique in that it offers world-class entertainment. Recreational activities include Table Rock Lake, one of America's greatest fishing and boating lakes. Quality dining and shopping are also abundant in Branson.


"Branson is just far enough South to offer a milder climate," says Hasler. "You'll be playing mountain golf, something you don't really think of with golf in the State of Missouri. We offer everything you need for a quick weekend getaway or a week-long adventure."


Here are my top five picks for places to play golf in the Branson area - and why.


1. Branson Creek Golf Club


Branson Creek Golf Club is simply outstanding. This 18-hole layout can hold its own with any championship course in the country. Designed by architect Tom Fazio, Branson Creek is the premiere golf course in the State of Missouri as it calls attention to the natural beauty of the Ozark Mountains. Branson Creek Golf Club has held the No. 1 Public Course rating in Missouri since 2001 for both Golf Digest and Golf Magazine.


2. LedgeStone Country Club


Golf Digest called LedgeStone "a masterpiece of mountain golf architecture" and awarded the facility a 4-Star rating in their 2008/2009 Best Places to Play category. Spectacular scenery accentuates the hilly terrain and dense forests that border virtually all of the narrow Zoysia fairways. LedgeStone is truly Ozark Mountain golf at its finest. Open for public play, LedgeStone offers visitors a country club experience - complete with on-site lodging, grille, practice range, and award-winning pro shop. Located in StoneBridge Village, just minutes from Silver Dollar City.


3. Murder Rock Golf & Country Club


If you arrive via air at the Branson Airport, you can be on the first tee at Murder Rock within minutes. This 18-hole championship golf course enhances the magnificent landscape of the Ozark Mountains, incorporating the natural beauty of the land with lush fairways and pristine greens. Just south of Branson, and just across the road from Branson Creek Golf Club, Murder Rock Golf and Country Club provides expansive and dramatic views from every vantage point. Great course - magnificent clubhouse.


4. Thousand Hills Golf Resort


Located in the heart of Branson, this Golf Digest award-winning golf course is the most unique in the area. Built around a meandering creek and large rock outcroppings, you will truly experience the beauty of the Ozarks. A relaxed family atmosphere and great service make for a great day of golf at this popular resort course. Beautiful landscaping, nightly rentals on the property, and central location make this a must play course during your visit.


5. Payne Stewart Golf Club


The Payne Stewart Golf Club is a tribute course honoring the late Payne Stewart and is Branson's newest golf product. Located just minutes from Branson Landing, which offers restaurants, shopping and entertainment on Lake Taneycomo. The Payne Stewart Golf Club offers 18 holes of championship golf, and is quickly becoming a contender for one of the best courses in the state. The highlight of this facility is the vast array of Payne Stewart memorabilia - a shrine if you will - to one of golf's most colorful, and successful players.


Branson, MO, is within a day's drive if you live in America's heartland. The recently opened Branson Airport offers daily non-stop and connecting flights from many major airports. For more information on golf in Branson, MO, visit www.explorebranson.com.


Brian Wright is a sports journalist and long-time member of the Golf Writers Association of America. Wright lives in Overland Park, KS, and plays most of his golf in the Branson area.