Payne's Valley Golf Course
A premier Tiger Woods-designed golf course in the Ozarks, offering stunning scenery, immaculate greens, and a challenging yet playable experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Payne's Valley Golf Course
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A premier Tiger Woods-designed golf course in the Ozarks, offering stunning scenery, immaculate greens, and a challenging yet playable experience.
"This is a one of a kind, incredible golf experience with immaculate course conditions and beauty."
🎯 Master the Fast Greens
Practice putting extensively; greens are incredibly quick and demand precision.
⚠️ Beware the Brutal Rough
The rough is unforgiving. Aim for fairways to avoid lost balls and difficult recovery shots.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The 19th Hole
The Crows Nest
A unique bar and grill with spectacular views, famous for its bison dogs and photo opportunities.
Spectacular Scenery
Throughout the course
Dramatic Ozark landscapes, waterfalls, and panoramic vistas make every hole a visual masterpiece.
Immaculate Greens
All greens
Renowned for being some of the best-kept greens, offering a true and challenging putting experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Pace of Play and Course Conditions
The Price Tag and Value
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bucket List ✅ Payne’s Valley
🎯 Master the Fast Greens
Practice putting extensively; greens are incredibly quick and demand precision.
⚠️ Beware the Brutal Rough
The rough is unforgiving. Aim for fairways to avoid lost balls and difficult recovery shots.
Playing Payne’s Valley, any tips or recommendations?
Payne's Valley
📸 Don't Miss the Views
Take time to soak in the stunning Ozark scenery and capture photos from various vantage points.
🐶 Try the Bison Dogs
The bison dogs at the 19th hole are a must-try, often described as world-famous.
Managed to score a tee time at Payne's Valley, and it is by far the greatest course I've ever played on.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Master the Fast Greens
Practice putting extensively; greens are incredibly quick and demand precision.
⚠️ Beware the Brutal Rough
The rough is unforgiving. Aim for fairways to avoid lost balls and difficult recovery shots.
📸 Don't Miss the Views
Take time to soak in the stunning Ozark scenery and capture photos from various vantage points.
🐶 Try the Bison Dogs
The bison dogs at the 19th hole are a must-try, often described as world-famous.
👨💼 Consider a Fore Caddie
A fore caddie can significantly enhance your experience with local knowledge and tips.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Payne's Valley Golf Course is widely praised for its breathtaking beauty, immaculate conditions, and exceptional service, creating a truly memorable golf experience. While the high cost is a recurring point, many feel the unique design by Tiger Woods, the challenging play, and the iconic 19th Hole justify the splurge for avid golfers. Some find the pace of play can be slow, and the rough is particularly unforgiving.
"It’s a beautiful course with perfect greens, but the cost to play exceeds $400. These might be the best greens I’ve played in a long time. Everything about this course the environment the service is all exceptional. Nevertheless, the price is a little shocking. I enjoyed everything about it But that’s my honest feeling."
Adam Ruggles
"Wide open fairways, great views, very playable. Great staff and O.K. the four caddie was great. With that being said after April 13, the price becomes I believe $450, not worth it. Great facility and a must play for the avid golfer. Nice pro shops and quality merchandise. Thanks for the bison dog and the 19th hole photo. Round took to long."
erik solter
"My son and two nephews played Payne Valley 6/14. This is a one of a kind, incredible golf experience. The course is immaculate, as you would expect with a course connected with Tiger. Most amazing is all the beauty. Course pretty neat too with wide open fairways. We were hesitant to get a fore caddy. We did and it was the best decision we made (after decision to play Payne's Valley). We were fortunate to get J-Rock(Jarrett Myers). He elevated the golfing experience substantially and so much more than I expected. As a scratch golfer, his local knowledge and tips were extremely helpful. And don't miss the bison dogs OMG. I know now why they are world famous. We spent almost $600 ea for this golf experience that turned out to be priceless and certainly value received( just look at the smiles). I can highly recommend Payne's Valley Golf and J-Rock. If you decide to get J-Rock, tell him the guy that shoots his own yardage recommended him....:)"
bill vanhoose
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Payne's Valley Golf Course is located at Big Cedar Lodge in the Ozarks. It's accessible by car, with the nearest major airport being Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF), about an hour's drive away. Many visitors combine their golf trip with a stay at the Big Cedar Lodge resort.
Yes, ample parking is available for golfers at the course. If you are staying at Big Cedar Lodge, you can typically use the resort's parking facilities.
Big Cedar Lodge often provides shuttle services or has options for transportation to its various amenities, including Payne's Valley Golf Course. It's best to check with the lodge concierge upon arrival.
Many golfers fly into Springfield, MO, and rent a car to drive to the course. Alternatively, if you're within driving distance, a road trip allows you to enjoy the scenic Ozark landscape.
The course is part of the Big Cedar Lodge resort, which offers numerous activities. Nearby towns like Branson, MO, offer entertainment and dining options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Green fees at Payne's Valley Golf Course are on the higher end, often exceeding $400, especially after April 13th. It's recommended to check their official website or contact the pro shop for the most current rates and potential packages.
Yes, booking tee times in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, due to the course's popularity. You can usually book online or by calling the pro shop.
While the course is a premium experience, inquire about any golf packages that might be offered in conjunction with a stay at Big Cedar Lodge. These can sometimes offer better value.
Typically, the green fee includes your round of golf. Caddie services, cart rentals (if applicable), and range balls are usually separate costs. Confirm details when booking.
The pro shop and course generally open early in the morning and close around dusk. It's best to check the specific hours for the day of your visit on their website.
🎫 ⛳ Onsite Experience
The dress code is typical for a high-end golf course: collared shirts, golf shorts or slacks, and golf shoes are required. Denim is generally not permitted.
A caddie is not mandatory, but highly recommended. Many visitors rave about how a fore caddie significantly enhances the experience with local knowledge and course strategy.
The course features wide fairways but has very challenging and penalizing rough. The greens are also known for being extremely fast and undulating.
Golf carts are typically available, but check the course's policy as they may sometimes be restricted to paths, especially after certain weather conditions.
While subjective, many players highlight the dramatic elevation changes, water features, and the unique design of each hole. The 19th Hole at The Crows Nest is also a memorable experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The most famous dining option is the 19th Hole at The Crows Nest, known for its spectacular views and signature bison dogs. There are also likely other dining facilities within the Big Cedar Lodge resort.
The 19th Hole at The Crows Nest serves as a primary dining and refreshment spot on the course. It offers a unique atmosphere and memorable food.
Yes, refreshments and snacks are usually available from the 19th Hole or potentially from roving beverage carts during your round.
The signature dish is the bison hot dog, which has gained a reputation for being exceptionally good and a must-try for visitors.
Absolutely. The 19th Hole is perfect for a post-round meal and drinks, offering a chance to relax and enjoy the views. Big Cedar Lodge also has multiple restaurants.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire course offers stunning photo opportunities. Key spots include the 19th Hole at The Crows Nest, elevated tee boxes with panoramic views, and areas with waterfalls. Driving up the bluff for a bird's-eye view is also recommended.
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged to capture the beauty of the course and its surroundings. Be mindful of other players and pace of play.
Many holes offer unique visual appeal. Holes with significant elevation changes, water hazards, and dramatic landscaping are often favorites for photographers.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient for most visitors. For landscape shots, a wide-angle lens can be beneficial. Consider bringing a zoom lens for distant views.
Searching for 'Payne's Valley Golf Course photos' on Google Images or browsing Instagram hashtags like #PaynesValley and #BigCedarLodge will yield many beautiful shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If golf isn't the primary focus for everyone, Big Cedar Lodge offers a plethora of other family-friendly activities, from swimming and boating to hiking and nature exploration. This allows for a well-rounded vacation where golfers can enjoy their game while non-golfers have plenty to do.
💰 Budget Travelers
To potentially mitigate costs, look for off-season deals or packages that might be offered in conjunction with a stay at Big Cedar Lodge. However, even with potential discounts, it remains a high-end option. Consider exploring other excellent golf courses in the Ozarks that offer a fantastic experience at a more accessible price point if budget is a primary concern.
🏌️ Avid Golfers
Consider booking a fore caddie to maximize your understanding of the course strategy and to enhance your overall experience. The unique 19th Hole and the stunning Ozark scenery add to the allure, making it a truly memorable golf trip. Planning your tee times well in advance is crucial.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Tiger Woods Connection
Visitors often note the course's wide fairways, which can be deceptive, leading to the challenging rough that penalizes errant shots severely. This design philosophy ensures that while the course is visually stunning and accessible, it demands thoughtful play and precise execution, especially around the greens. The 'Tiger touch' is evident in the strategic bunkering and the thoughtful shaping of the landscape.
The course is part of the larger Big Cedar Lodge property, owned by Johnny Morris, which aims to create an unparalleled golf and outdoor experience. The synergy between Woods' design and Morris's vision for a world-class destination is a key factor in the course's appeal.
Navigating the Greens and Rough
Conversely, the rough is described as 'brutal' and 'unforgiving.' While the fairways are generally wide, straying off them can lead to difficult lies and lost strokes. Players are advised to focus on accuracy and course management, prioritizing staying in the short grass over aggressive, risky shots.
This combination of perfect greens and challenging rough creates a unique test of a golfer's all-around game. It's a course where precision in approach shots and a steady hand on the greens are paramount to scoring well.
The Unforgettable 19th Hole Experience
This unique spot is famous for its bison hot dogs, which many reviewers and visitors rave about. Described as 'world-famous,' these dogs are a culinary highlight and a must-try for anyone playing the course. It's the perfect place to reflect on your game, enjoy the scenery, and savor a unique local delicacy.
Beyond the food and views, the 19th Hole serves as a social hub for golfers. It's where stories are shared, and the camaraderie of the game is celebrated. The opportunity to take photos from this vantage point, especially with the course laid out below, makes it an iconic part of the Payne's Valley Golf experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit