Big Cedar Lodge

Branson, Missouri

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America’s Premier Wilderness Resort

What started as a quiet Ozarks retreat in the 1920s was reimagined by Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris into one of the most distinctive golf destinations in the country.

Today, Big Cedar Lodge brings together hand-crafted architecture and a lineup of courses shaped by Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Tiger Woods—each routed through limestone ridges, caves, and the natural movement of the land.

The first resort in the world with all five courses designated as Audubon Signature Sanctuaries by Audubon International, Big Cedar approaches golf with a clear philosophy: work with the land, protect it, and let it shape the experience.

Signature Attractions

Guided Golf Mobility

7 Restaurants & Eateries

5 Designer-built Courses

Southern Missouri

Set in the Ozark Mountains just 10 miles south of Branson, Big Cedar Lodge overlooks Table Rock Lake. Most guests fly into Springfield–Branson National Airport (SGF), about a 50-minute drive, with rental cars or private transfers recommended for the final stretch into the property.

For those driving, the resort is easily accessible from surrounding regions, with well-maintained highways leading into the Ozarks. Once on property, everything is spread out, so guests should expect short drives or shuttle rides between lodging, golf courses, and dining venues.

  • TIGER WOODS

    Built for drama, but plays clean. Wide fairways give you options, but the elevation shifts and angles demand thought. That 19th hole? You’ll never forget it.

  • BILL COORE & BEN CRENSHAW

    This one doesn’t give you anything for free. Natural contours, fast greens, and wind off the ridges make every shot count. It’s scenic—but it’s a test.

  • TOM FAZIO

    More traditional, but still a challenge. You’re shaping shots through meadows, over ravines, and around bison. The layout rewards control and tempo—no need to force it.

  • 9-HOLE PAR-3 COURSE · JACK NICKLAUS

    Par-3, but not a throwaway. Tight yardages, pressure winds, and perfect conditioning.

  • 13-HOLE WALKING COURSE

    Wedge work gets exposed here. Thirteen holes, walking only, through rocky outcrops and wild views. Feels casual—until you’re chasing par from the wrong side of the green.

The Stay

Big Cedar Lodge is spread across ridgelines above Table Rock Lake, with winding roads connecting the lodge, cottages, and private cabins to the courses and restaurants across the property.

Accommodations range from lodge-style rooms to private cabins and multi-bedroom cottages, many with lake views, fireplaces, and outdoor space. Some stays are tucked into the woods, others sit right along the water.

Highlights:

  • Private cabins and cottages set along Table Rock Lake and throughout the hills

  • Multiple dining venues across the property, from casual to elevated

  • Access to Top of the Rock and the Lost Canyon Cave & Nature Trail

  • Full-service marina for lake access and boat rentals

  • Spa, outdoor pools, and walking trails woven into the landscape

  • Short drives between golf courses, lodging, and dining—part of the experience on property

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How It Works

Clubhouse Red specializes in creating personalized travel experiences for clubs organizing member events and individual members planning private vacations. The sample travel details below offer a starting point, but you can tailor every detail—the hotel, the accommodations, ground transportation, dining, courses, and activities. Whether you're planning a club event or your own getaway, share your preferences, and we'll craft the perfect Big Cedar Lodge experience.

Example Itinerary

  • Guests arrive into Springfield–Branson (SGF) and make the drive into the Ozarks, the road starting to wind as you get closer to property.

    • Check-in: Private cabins or cottages

    • Afternoon: Light time to settle in, explore the lodge, or walk down toward the lake

    • Welcome Drinks — Buzzard Bar (Top of the Rock)
      An easy first gathering point. Casual, scenic, no pressure.

    • Group Dinner — Osage Restaurant
      Set above the lake with one of the best vantage points on property. Time this around sunset.

    • Morning Golf — Buffalo Ridge Springs
      Wide corridors, elevation, and a strong opening round for the group.

    • Post-Round Happy Hour — Buffalo Ridge Clubhouse Patio
      Drinks overlooking the course. Easy transition straight from the round.

    • Afternoon — Free Time
      Spa, pool, or downtime at the cabin.

    • Late Afternoon — Top of the Rock Par 3
      Short, fun, and social. Great for betting games or a relaxed loop.

    • Experience — Lost Canyon Cave Trail (Golf Carts)
      Ride through waterfalls, caves, and rock formations. Built-in drink stop inside the cave.

    • Group Dinner — Arnie’s Barn
      Lively, shared plates, tequila flowing. Good energy after a full day.

  • Morning Golf — Ozarks National
    More exposed, more movement. This is the “serious” round.

    Post-Round Happy Hour — Ozarks National Clubhouse
    Clean, elevated feel. Let this one linger a bit.

    Afternoon — Lake or Leisure

    • Pontoon boat on Table Rock Lake

    • Or back to cabin / spa reset

    Group Dinner — Worman House (Private Dining)
    More intimate, curated menu. A quieter, elevated night for the group.

  • Morning Golf — Payne’s Valley
    Big visuals, generous landing areas, and built for group play.

    Finish — The 19th Hole
    End the round together here. It’s the moment everyone remembers.

    Post-Round Happy Hour — Payne’s Valley Clubhouse Lawn
    Keep it right there. Drinks, recap, settle into the afternoon.

    Afternoon — Free Time
    Optional replay, shopping, or just slow it down.

    Final Night Dinner — Osage or Private Cabin Dinner

    • Option 1: Return to Osage for a full-circle final night

    • Option 2: Private chef at the cabin for a more relaxed, hosted feel

FAQs

  • Spring and fall offer the best mix of weather, course conditions, and availability—especially for playing Payne’s Valley and Ozarks National back-to-back. Summer is busier and warmer but great for groups with families tagging along. If you're aiming for peak tee sheet access, booking early is key.

  • Branson Airport (BKG) is the closest to Big Cedar Lodge—just about 20 minutes away. Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF) is roughly an hour out and offers more commercial flight options. While there’s no complimentary resort shuttle from either airport, guests can prearrange private transfers through the resort’s transportation office. Most groups either rent a car or coordinate direct transfers with the resort to keep arrivals and departures smooth and on schedule.

  • Ideally, 3–6 months out—especially if your group wants a mix of championship courses and prime tee times. Popular dates at Payne’s Valley and Buffalo Ridge can fill fast, and early planning means we can lock in lodging, rounds, and add-ons without having to piece it together.

  • Absolutely. Big Cedar’s got everything from championship courses to short-game gems like Top of the Rock and Mountain Top. Whether your group wants 36 a day or something more relaxed, we tailor the course mix and pacing so it fits your crowd—not someone else’s schedule.

  • Because the courses, cabins, and activities don’t coordinate themselves—and neither does transportation, dinner reservations, or player expectations. We handle the backend so you can actually enjoy the trip, look good doing it, and avoid the chaos that usually falls on the trip organizer.