Bass Pro Shops confirmed Wednesday to the News Leader that a new par-3 course will be built in Payne’s Valley. This is the first Tiger Woods designed public golf course near Branson.
News Leader Reporters recently observed an important construction project being built in the Ozarks Mountains west of the clubhouse, and in the middle of Woods course which will open in 2020. Construction is going down the mountain from the top to an area that was formerly an open field.
Before closing for the day, multiple construction vehicles worked among the mounds before finishing the day. The construction is still in the early stages, and there was no timeline for completion.
(Photo: Nathan Papes/Springfield News-Leader) Construction near Payne’s Valley Golf Course in Branson, Missouri on Monday, 22 May 2023. (Photo: Nathan Papes/Springfield news-Leader).
Bass Pro released a statement saying, “We think what’s taking shape will provide one of the most incredible Par 3-course experiences in the world.” It will also be fun!” We are certain that it will be the most enjoyable experience of your life!
Bass Pro has not confirmed whether Woods will be involved in the project. The course that Woods designed is currently under construction.
Bass Pro Shops stated in its announcement that it will adhere to sustainable conservation practices both in its development and operation practices.
The statement continued: “This will be the same rigorous process that has earned Audubon Signature certification for our five other golf courses.” The Johnny Morris Conservation Foundation will also receive all green fee profits to support conservation efforts in the Ozarks.
Payne’s Valley is a 18-hole course that opened in 2020. It is located adjacent to Buffalo Ridge and is part of Big Cedar Lodge’s stable of courses, south of Branson. Woods will open the course in September 2020 with the “Payne’s Valley Cup”, which includes Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas.
The course was named for Ozarks legend Payne Stewart who attended Greenwood Laboratory School at Missouri State. In his career, he won three major titles and was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. He died at 42 in an aircraft accident, shocking the sports world.
Payne’s Valley also features a 19th-hole designed by Bass Pro Shops founder and CEO Johnny Morris. The hole is located on an island, and the valley below it has a stunning view of waterfalls.
A satellite image of Payne’s Valley shows the scale of the construction taking place in the middle of the Tiger Woods-designed golf course. (Source: Google)
Satellite view of Payne’s Valley, near Branson, shows the size of the construction taking place in the middle the Tiger Woods designed golf course.
Bass Pro Shops, Big Cedar Lodge and the golf industry had been unusually quiet in recent years, following its opening. Since the Payne’s Valley Cup and the PGA Tour Champions event at Ozarks National the month before, none of the five courses have hosted a major national event.
The success of the course since it opened to the public could be the reason for the lack of major events. Payne’s Valley can be booked for months in advance by golfers who want to experience the course.
Bass Pro canceled the “Legends of Golf”, PGA Tour Champions, event in 2019, after its debut in 2014. Since the outbreak, Legends of Golf has not been accompanied by a celebrity event at the premier golf destination.
The Ozarks National course, designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, was the last to open in 2019 before the Payne’s Valley course. Big Cedar Lodge’s golf catalog includes Buffalo Ridge as well as Top of the Rock, Mountain Top and Top of the Rock.
In order to extend the hours of operation, golf courses are increasingly adding lights. Big Cedar Lodge does not currently offer night golf.
Golfweek’s Top Public Access Courses in Missouri ranks Big Cedar Lodge’s Ozarks National as the best, followed by Big Cedar Lodge’s Buffalo Ridge and Big Cedar Lodge’s Payne’s Valley.
