Payne's Valley - Missouri - USA

Johnny Morris is serious about innovation at Big Cedar Lodge, no matter what the cost. In the past 4 years, golf at Big Cedar has taken monumental leaps forward with the opening of Payne’s Valley designed by the Tiger Woods design group in 2020, on the heels of Ozarks National designed by Coore/Crenshaw in 2018. You can’t ask for bigger names, or better results. All 5 courses at Big Cedar are designed by people who we know on a First Name basis, and the momentum of visitors is fast making it one of the most attractive destinations for golfers, and families of all ages. The views from the clubhouse across the Ozarks mountains and endless ridges are breath-taking. The lure of the property is unquestionable, and the variety of golf options is very enticing. Before playing Payne’s Valley, I spoke with as many golf staff as I could to get their opinion of playing the course. One consistent response suggested that the course is very forgiving off the tee, and the contours of the greens will work the ball in your favour. Tiger designs courses to be the most fun possible and allow players of all abilities to smile from ear to ear from the 1st tee to the 18th green – or the 19th green in this case. Payne’s Valley has this fun-factor in bucket-loads. The clubhouse is perched high on a mountain top, visible from every vantage point on the course and the crescendo of the course plays into the gigantic mountain (literally) is a sight to behold. Photographs don’t do this place justice. I can’t even begin to understand how many millions of dollars were spent just making the 18th and 19th holes alone (yes, the 19th hole is an island green carved out of, and inside, a mountain). You have to see it to believe it, and no doubt it’s the most photographed hole. The par 3s are fabulous fun – whether you are playing from elevation, onto an island or into a punchbowl, you’re guaranteed to get excited on the tee-box. The course always gives you a chance to score well, but for those wanting a challenge, the Tiger Tees are waiting for you at 7400 yards, which brings many different bunkers into play. I appreciated the many tee-box options on every hole, and the accessible portions of the greens. It’s all about making memories and hitting heroic shots. Payne’s Valley is fast becoming the favourite course of the resort golfers on property, and the layout is maturing well despite only being 2 years old. The panoramic views from the mountain tops looking across the course are worth the trip alone, as are the Disneyland-like waterfalls that are integrated into the mountains. With a bag-full of birdies to your name by the end of the round, you’ll understand why this course has a great future with the Big Cat’s name on the scorecard. The golf historian in me couldn’t help but think of Mr. Stewart looking down from heaven on this creation knowing that so many people have been given a chance to have so much fun in his memory. I applaud the vision of Johnny Morris and Tiger Woods.

Unbelievable course. The fairways were forgiving but the length made up for it. The 19th hole wraps the entire experience together perfectly.