Big Cedar Lodge, Ozarks National Golf Course
4th hole / 446 Yards / Par-4
Hollister, Missouri
Architect: Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw (2019)
by M. James Ward
4th hole / 446 Yards / Par-4
Shepherded by founder Johnny Morris, Big Cedar Lodge has quickly ascended the ranks as one of America’s most desired get away locations. Much of its lofty reputation stems from Mother Nature showcasing the great outdoors, in concert with the spellbinding Ozarks.
Golf has always been a focal point for Morris in ramping up attention to the greater Branson area. Earlier courses were brought to life by the likes of legendary golfers Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player respectively. Each man created different par-3 short courses: the 9-hole layout called Top of the Rock is the creation from Nicklaus and Player brought to life a 13-hole course called Mountain Top. Morris also purchased a nearby 18-hole regulation Tom Fazio designed layout called Buffalo Ridge Springs. In addition, opening in 2020, the first public course designed by Tiger Woods called Payne’s Valley will open – a homage to the late Payne Stewart, a Springfield, MO native and three-time major champion who perished tragically in a plane crash in October 1999.
Ozarks National premiered in 2019 and is the handiwork of the immensely talented duo of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. The layout is their first and only design in the Show Me State and their past record of course designs have included such tour de force efforts with the likes of Sand Hills in Nebraska, Friar’s Head in New York, Bandon Trails in Oregon, Cabot Cliffs in Nova Scotia and Kapalua Plantation in Hawaii, to name just a few.
Ozarks National is routed on a series of ridges that bolsters its internal golf challenge and adds to it overall scenic connection. “We try to find property that looks and feels like golf in a natural state. Properties that don’t require extreme alternatives,” said Bill Coore. “Then we let the natural characteristics of these sites to be the guide to create the character and strategy of those courses.”
The 4th is a long par-4 that plays uphill. Fairway bunkers are staggered on both sides and must be avoided. Even when finding the fairway the approach plays slightly longer because of the elevated target. There is also a devilish small knob, located just before the start of the green but not visible from the approach area. Approach shots that land just short can be influenced by this land form. The green is diagonally angled slightly from lower left to back right. Missed shots long or those going too far right can find trouble off the sides.
The brilliance of the 4th begins with the glorious panorama one receives the moment you arrive at the tee. The hole is quite clear in the challenges provided and like an honest judge – no bribes are accepted. Justice is meted out on the merits of your play.
For more info go to:
www.bigcedar.com