Growing portfolio, critical recognition statewide and nationally make Southwest Missouri Ozarks a must-visit venue
(BRANSON, MISSOURI – July 29, 2026) – Branson, Missouri has long entertained visitors with a mix of iconic and ever-growing attractions, from lakes and live entertainment theatres to family friendly venues including Silver Dollar City theme park. Now, world-acclaimed golf is increasingly luring guests to Middle America’s most popular destination.
Branson Golf has again invigorated its portfolio this summer with the opening of Big Cedar Lodge’s astounding new 2-acre Top of the Rock Putting Green & Putting Course on July 4, expanding the destination’s portfolio to 12 distinct golf experiences while earning widespread national acclaim in Golfweek’s latest course rankings.
The new putting complex was designed by Johnny and JP Morris, joining a masterful collection of destination layouts that includes eight 18-hole courses and three Par-3 courses. All lie within 20 minutes of one another and were designed by a who’s who of golf icons, including Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Tom Fazio, Bill Coore, and Ben Crenshaw.
“Branson Golf’s remarkable growth, fueled in large part by Big Cedar Lodge, has elevated the destination into the upper echelon of golf experiences worldwide,” said Glen Turk of Midwest Golfing Magazine, who has been visiting and playing golf in the region for nearly two decades. “Every time you think the destination has reached its peak, another extraordinary, one-of-a-kind experience raises the bar yet again.”
Further validation of the area’s remarkable playing venues came earlier this month from Golfweek course raters, who voted three Branson destination layouts to its “2026 Top 100 Public-Access Courses in the U.S.” To wit:
- Ozarks National – No. 57
- Buffalo Ridge – No. 70
- Payne’s Valley – No. 87
Golfweek’s “2026 Best Courses by State” rankings further underscore Branson Golf’s must-play allure. Five destination courses rank among Missouri’s top 10, including the state’s top four:
- Ozarks National – No. 1
- Buffalo Ridge – No. 2
- Payne’s Valley – No. 3
- Branson Hills – No. 4
- LedgeStone – No. 7
“The continued evolution of Branson Golf’s course inventory ensures unforgettable experiences for every type of golfer,” said Heather Hermen, Explore Branson, Senior Vice President/Chief Marketing & Communications Officer. “Whether visitors are planning a buddies’ trip, girls’ getaway, couples’ escape, or family vacation, there simply aren’t many destinations in North America that can offer this level of variety and quality so conveniently.”
The destination’s 12-course lineup now includes:
Ozarks National (18 holes)
Buffalo Ridge (18)
Payne’s Valley (18)
Branson Hills (18)
LedgeStone (18)
The Pointe (18)
Thousand Hills (18)
Holiday Hills (18)
Mountain Top (13 holes, par 3)
Top of the Rock (9 holes, par 3)
Cliffhangers (18 holes, par 3)
Top of the Rock (putting course)
All 12 destination courses are located near dozens of restaurants, scores of lodging options, and a plethora of after-golf things to see and do. Branson regularly garners top-rated tourism destination status in America from Trip Advisor.
For more information about the destination, visit ExploreBranson.com.
About Explore Branson
Branson is a one-of-a-kind family vacation destination nestled in the lakeside beauty of the Ozark Mountains — and an incredible value — with dozens of live performance theatres, three pristine lakes, an international award-winning theme park, dozens of attractions and museums, a Historic Downtown district, a Town Center-style shopping complex, a full range of dining options, and a host of hotels, motels, resorts, RV parks, campgrounds, sports events and venues, and meeting and conference facilities. Branson is less than one day’s drive for one-third of America’s residents. Nearby Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF) provides numerous flight options for travelers. Call 1-800-296-0463 for help planning your next vacation, convention or reunion. See more at: http://www.explorebranson.com
