Branson (MO) Golf Destination Offers New, Peak-Season Values

A variety of new ways to save and enjoy Branson Area Golf courses are available as golf season hits peak stride, and players can learn about stay-and-play packages, after-golf attractions, and many other incentives by visiting www.explorebransongolf.com.

From "Juniors Play Free" programs and twilight specials to entertainment packets as value-added bonuses, the Branson golf destination embraces residents and visitors alike.

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For a sneak peek at what Branson Golf offers, watch this 30-second video.

July Fourth Celebrations

Branson is a patriotic town where active and retired military receive at least a 30% discount at all courses.

Furthermore, many live entertainment shows offer patriotic performances, and a series of July 4th events kick off a month of summer fun that includes fireworks, a 100th Anniversary street dance on July 7, along with a regatta and blessing of the fleet from Branson Landing. For more information, visit www.explorebranson.com for additional celebratory holiday details.


Holiday Hills: Branson's Golf Heritage

Long before Branson became a world-famous live entertainment destination in the Ozarks, visitors were attracted to the Golf Ranch Country Club. Now known as Holiday Hills Resort and Golf Club, the Golf Ranch was a popular spot for playing golf or relaxing in the clubhouse.

Some things never change.

Holiday Hills' enduring popularity is due to many reasons. The central location, close to Branson's many theaters, restaurants and other attractions, is a significant draw. So too is its player-friendly design and affordable playing rates.

This relatively short resort course is long on challenge - 50 bunkers, water in play on several holes, and large, undulating greens make playing Holiday Hills an enjoyable day on the course.

Also enjoyable are the 2012 Golf Memberships, available to all, and good for 12 months from the time of purchase. Cart is included with all memberships except for the Junior category. Among other perks, members may make tee times up to 30 days in advance and receive 20% off all golf shop apparel (sale items not included). For more information about memberships, call 417.334-4838.

Payne Stewart embraces local golfers

Branson is a rising-star golf destination that traveling golfers covet, but local players are greatly appreciated, too. This is evident at all the courses, and Payne Stewart Golf Club's special rates are indicative of this welcoming attitude.

From now through October, local players can save up to $30 on green fees at Payne Stewart, which is ranked No. 1 in Missouri by Golfweek in its 2012 Best Courses You Can Play by state. The local-appreciation fee includes cart rental and range balls.

The special offer is good for golfers who live in Taney, Stone, Christian and Green counties in Missouri, or Boone and Carroll counties in Arkansas. Driver's license with a current address will be required at registration.

Sticks & Stones

The 2012 Sticks & Stones Foundation Junior Golf Camp at LedgeStone Country Club is designed to help young players thrive.

Scheduled for July 9-12, the camp is available for children ages 7 to 13. Golf Etiquette, The Rules of Golf, The Full Swing, Pitching, Chipping, Sand Play, and Putting will be taught. All juniors will receive lunch each day, three days of professional instruction on every major aspect of the game, one day to play the golf course, awards, prizes, and golf merchandise.

The Sticks & Stones Foundation's Fiesta Fundraiser dinner and auction will take place at 6 pm on July 12 in LedgeStone's clubhouse banquet room. The event helps fund a $2,000 college scholarship to a graduating high school senior. The fiesta includes an all-you-can-eat Burrito Bar provided by Qdoba Mexican Grill. For additional information please visit www.ledgestonegolf.com.

Get Golf Ready at Murder Rock

Murder Rock Golf Club is offering Get Golf Ready, which consists of five lessons to learn basic skills, rules, etiquette and values. Techniques such as chipping, putting, full swing and bunker play, among others, will be emphasized and practiced during significant on-course learning opportunities. Other fundamentals such as guidelines for the use and maintenance of golf equipment, keeping score and navigating the course, will also be learned.

Following the completion of the five-session program, Get Golf Ready graduate outings, and other free and low-cost programs are offered by Murder Rock. For more information and to register for the Get Golf Ready program, please visit GetGolfReady.com or call Murder Rock at 417-332-3259.

About Branson Area Golf (BAG)

Thousand Hills Golf Resort, www.thousandhillsgolf.com, 800.487.0769, 417.334.4553
Murder Rock Golf Club, www.murderrock.com, 417.332.3259
Payne Stewart Golf Club, www.paynestewartgolfclub.com, 417.337.2963
LedgeStone Country Club, www.ledgestonegolf.com, 417.335.8187
Branson Creek Golf Club, www.bransoncreekgolf.com, 417.339.GOLF (4653)
Holiday Hills Resort and Golf Club, www.holidayhills.com, 417.334.4838
Top of the Rock Golf Course, www.bigcedar.com, 417.339.5085
Pointe Royale Golf Village, www.pointeroyalegolf.net 417-334-4477.

The Lodging page at www.explorebransongolf.com includes a directory of accommodations, resorts and spas. For assistance planning a golf vacation to Branson: 800.296.0463

Branson is less than a day's drive for one-third of Americans, and with low-cost flights to the new Branson Airport served by several airlines, as well as Springfield-Branson National Airport, it has never been easier for families and groups to get to Branson.