Branson Hills Golf Club Overview

In fall of 2010, Troon Golf took over the day to day operations of The Payne Stewart Golf Club in Branson Missouri. In a recent conversation with Ryan Lanzen, General Manager, he shared an overview of the property, what changes were on the horizon and why it is a "must play" course for travelers to Branson.


1) Can you provide a brief overview of Payne Stewart Golf Club
Payne Stewart Golf Club is a tribute golf course honoring the life and legacy of Missouri's native son and golf legend, Payne Stewart. It is a Championship 18 hole golf course, managed by Troon Golf, the world leader in upscale golf course management, that will accommodate all levels of golfers with it's 5 sets of tees ranging in yardage from 7324 yards at the tournament tees to 5323 from the forward tees. Payne Stewart Golf Club is made up of bent grass greens, zoisa tees and fairways and a bluegrass rough in addition to some native fescue areas and 18 tree lined holes. Included at the property we also have a driving range, short game area, large putting green, swimming pool, tennis courts and a full service restaurant that also does catering. It is located in Branson, MO in the areas newest development, Branson Hills, located just minutes for Branson's famous Highway 76 strip and Branson Landing with access to all the shows, shopping and restaurants that Branson has to offer including attractions such as Table Rock Lake and Silver Dollar City.

2) If someone is coming to Brason to golf, why is Payne Stewart GC a must play?
Payne Stewart Golf Club is a must play for multiple reasons but first and foremost being the golf course itself. The layout of the golf course is amazing as it winds through the vistas, valleys and lakes in Branson's Ozark Mountains and the pristinely manicured fairways and greens are something you will not soon forget. The course was designed by Chuck Smith with design consultant and PGA Professional, Bobby Clampett and managed by Troon Golf. Payne Stewart Golf Club is the newest golf course in Branson and one that many people have not played on previous trips to the area, it is open to the public and a definite "must play." We were ranked by GOLFWEEK Magazine as the #3 best course you can play in Missouri. From our excellent course conditions, our friendly staff and attention to customer service and the amenities we offer including on-site housing at the Hampton Inn, the 2 or 4 bedroom Golf Villas or the Eagle Bunker Condos, I am sure you will not be disappointed in your visit to Payne Stewart Golf Club.

3) What makes Payne Stewart GC unique from the other courses in area?
What makes PSGC unique is how the life of Payne Stewart and his stories are interwoven into the experience at Payne Stewart Golf Club. Whether it is walking through the Payne Stewart Museum we have on property containing memorabilia from his career on the PGA Tour including the US Open trophy, golf clubs, Ryder Cup items and personal family pictures that adorn the walls throughout the facility to the tee signs on the golf course, each of which contain a story from his professional or personal life, it is difficult to not feel his legacy as you dine or shop in the clubhouse or play our championship golf course. Payne Stewart Golf Club is a tribute in every sense of the word to Payne Stewart and his life and legacy; it is truly a "one of a kind" experience that any fan of the game of golf will enjoy.

4) Troon took over the management of the course in Fall of 2010. What will locals and traveling golfers experience in the future?
Golfers can expect pristine playing conditions, excellent guest service, collaboration with other Troon facilities, fabulous food, and added programs and options as it relates to their golf and things they can do at the club, as well as different Troon programs (Troon Rewards frequent player program, Troon Advantage program, Troon Card) that are available to them. One of these programs we began in late 2011 and we hope to expand into more of an overall golfer development program, is the Troon Family Golf Program. Currently, this program allows juniors 15 and under to play a complimentary round of golf with a paid adult round after 3:00 PM. As part of this program we also have sets of Callaway junior rental clubs that are available and we plan to set up "family" tees that can be used to shorten the golf course and encourage junior and beginner play and make the game less intimidating to beginners.

We have plans to build an overall golfer development program on top of this start that will include leagues, clinics and other instruction to help golfers improve their game in a comfortable, friendly, knowledgeable environment. We are also working on our "stay and play" packaging in collaboration with Troon Golf Vacations to market Branson and Payne Stewart Golf Club, in conjunction with our on-site housing, not just as a golf course but a destination to bring your family for a vacation or reunion. The ultimate goal is guest satisfaction and we feel we are well on the way to our goal through things that have been done as well as plans we have for the future, it's an exciting time at Payne Stewart Golf Club!

5) For traveling golfers, do you provide lodging onsite?
We do have lodging on-site at Payne Stewart Golf Club. Our options include either the Hampton Inn, the Eagle Bunker Condos or the Golf Villas which are all right here on site and are used for "Stay and Play" packaging throughout the year. It is a great place for family vacations, family reunions or a golf trip in general. In addition to the recreational visitors, we also have a working relationship with the Hilton at Branson Landing as well as the Hilton Promenade for association meetings, conferences or other professional meetings. No matter how big or small the group is, we could host your event with our numerous lodging options, conference space and amenities.

6) What is PSGC signature hole and why?
We are asked this question quite frequently and it is a challenge to pick out just one signature hole, I truly believe we have 18 signature holes. There is an excellent mix of holes as you wind through the vistas and valleys, around the lakes and through the trees; every hole is a unique and a memorable experience.

7) What is your favorite hole, why, and what how should one play it or what tip do you have to par the hole?
My personal favorite hole would have to be #9, appropriately named "Amen." Mother Nature provides all the challenge needed (as well as one of your day's most memorable visuals) with this Par 4's greenside walking bridge and rock waterfall. A tee ball over the creek crossing the fairway should favor the left side of this large fairway, leaving you in the best position to shoot over the greenside creek, greenside bunker and avoid the large tree that protects the front of the green. Once in the fairway, be sure to pay attention to where the pin is as you approach this deceptive green as it sits at an angle to the fairway. To carry the ball to a pin in the back of the green will require an extra club; the front pin is the easiest location to get the ball close to. After your ball has landed safely on the putting surface, the green is fairly subdued compared to many others on the golf course and slopes gently from the back to front and should leave you a good birdie attempt and a solid 2 putt par if you can control the speed on this large green.

More Information
Payne Stewart Golf Club
100 N. Payne Stewart Dr.
Branson, MO 65616
P 417.337.2963
www.paynestewartgolfclub.com