Designed by Chuck Smith with erstwhile U.S. Amateur champion Bobby Clampett, Branson Hills garnered a no. 10 ranking in the newly released "Golfers' Choice 2026 - America's Top 50 Public Courses." To determine the list, more than 226,000 GolfPass reviews were submitted by golfers throughout 2025.

"Big Cedar has catapulted the destination into elite status among traveling golfers, and Branson Hills earning a top 10 finish among U.S. Public courses underscores the many high-quality playing options there," said Jason Scott Deegan, the managing editor of GolfPass.com who has reviewed nearly 1,200 courses in 28 countries.

Golfers submitted more than 226,000 reviews of roughly 7,500 courses via GolfPass during 2025. These votes factor several categories including Value, Conditions, Layout, Pace of Play, Staff Friendliness, and Off-Course Amenities, to determine an Overall Rating.

LINKS Magazine released this week its list of "15 Best U.S. Short Courses" with three destination members included - Cliffhangers (no. 10; co-designed by Johnny and John Paul Morris), Top of the Rock (no. 11, Jack Nicklaus), and Mountain Top (no. 12, Gary Player).

Stated LINKS in its write-up of the three short courses at Big Cedar Lodge: "Each one offers a distinct take on the format, starting with Cliffhangers, the newest and most adventurous of the bunch. The 18-hole par-3 layout lives up to its name, carved directly into limestone cliffs. Top of the Rock leans more traditional, though the setting hardly plays it safe. The 9-hole course weaves through lakes, cliffs, exposed rock ledges, and downhill tee shots that tumble toward the water below. So revered is the routing (and so dramatic the design) that it's the only par‑3 course ever used for a PGA Tour-sanctioned event. Lastly, there's Mountain Top, a walking-only par-3 loop that feels like an ode to the Ozarks. The 13-hole course offers a more accessible, family-friendly experience."

Golf Digest rates the three Big Cedar 18-hole courses among its "America's 100 Greatest Public Courses" and Golfweek rates five Branson Golf destination courses among Missouri's top 10 in the state (Ozarks National, Payne's Valley, Buffalo Ridge, Branson Hills, and LedgeStone), including the top four. LedgeStone is a Tom Clark creation filled with unforgettable holes named for design aspects that help define them - Sidewinder, The Shelf, and The Plunge are examples.

The destination is easily reached by vehicle thanks to its middle America location (one-third of the U.S. mainland population is within an 8-hour drive). Those who prefer flying have many flights from which to choose via Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF).

Visitors can create any number of stay-and-play itineraries due to the destination's vast array of lodging options and proximity of each course to one another. For more information about Branson Golf and a menu of family friendly things to do in Branson, visit www.explorebranson.com

Explore Branson Golf Courses

Ozarks National, 800.225.6343 Mountain Top, 800.225.6343

The Pointe, 417.334.4477 Thousand Hills, 800.487.0769, 417.334.4553

Buffalo Ridge, 800.225.6343 LedgeStone, 417.335.8187

Top of the Rock, 800.225.6343 Branson Hills, 417.337.2963

Payne's Valley, 800.225.6343 Holiday Hills, 417.334.4838

Cliffhangers, 800.225.6343

About Explore Branson

Branson is a one-of-a-kind family vacation destination nestled in the lakeside beauty of the Ozark Mountains - and an incredible value - with dozens of live performance theatres, three pristine lakes, an international award-winning theme park, dozens of attractions and museums, a Historic Downtown district, a Town Center-style shopping complex, a full range of dining options, and a host of hotels, motels, resorts, RV parks, campgrounds, sports venues, and meeting and conference facilities. Faith, family, and flag are core destination pillars, as is its multigenerational, family friendly activities. Call 1-800-296-0463 for help planning a vacation, convention or reunion. See more at: http://www.explorebranson.com

Branson is ideally suited for families and proud Americans thanks to the array of vacation options and themed events to choose from. Here are some popular things to do in Branson this year:

• Extraordinary, Acclaimed Golf: Play some of the best courses in Missouri and the country as five of the state's top 10 ranked 18-hole courses are in the destination including the top four. Four 18-holers earned best-in-the-US course distinction (Branson Hills, Ozarks National, Payne's Valley, and Buffalo Ridge). There are 11 courses total in the destination - all within 20 minutes of one another - including three par-3 courses that are rated in the Top 25 nationally.
• American Pie-Way: an all-American pie trail through the Branson area. Check in online, try the best sweet and savory pies and automatically qualify for great prizes. From recipes, magnets, and aprons, the American Pie-Way will satisfy your sweet tooth while guaranteeing your Branson souvenir is in the mail.
• Rally Point Branson Weekend: active-duty military members with their families and friends are invited to celebrate in Branson and be celebrated June 12-14. Fun activities for all ages, special concerts, and a Guinness World Record being set on Flag Day with a red, white, and blue parade on Main Street. It's an all-American weekend with a side of nostalgia.
• Honoring 250 Years: Join as Branson celebrates 250 years of American freedom, courage, and community - on July Fourth and beyond. Branson is stepping forward to become "America's Most Patriotic Destination." There's no better place to celebrate this milestone than in Branson, where a one-of-a-kind list (250 Things to Do in Branson) is designed to inspire exploration, spark nostalgia, and enable you to discover new things to see and do.
• Thunderbirds in Branson: Enjoy an air show like none other during Labor Day Weekend (Sept. 4-7). The birds fly, the fireworks burst, and the red, white, and blue of it all makes for an invigorating patriotic experience.
• Harley Davidson Rally: Stroll the streets of downtown Branson Sept. 11-13 and marvel at the motorcycles from across the country, enjoy music at open-air concerts downtown, dine on delicious BBQ, enjoy fireworks, and more.

Visitors can create any number of stay-and-play itineraries due to the destination's vast array of lodging options and proximity of each course to one another. For more information about Branson Golf and a menu of family friendly things to do in Branson, visit www.explorebranson.com

Explore Branson Golf Courses

Ozarks National, 800.225.6343 Mountain Top, 800.225.6343 The Pointe, 417.334.4477 Thousand Hills, 800.487.0769, 417.334.4553 Buffalo Ridge, 800.225.6343 LedgeStone, 417.335.8187 Top of the Rock, 800.225.6343 Branson Hills, 417.337.2963 Payne's Valley, 800.225.6343 Holiday Hills, 417.334.4838

About Explore Branson

Branson is a one-of-a-kind family vacation destination nestled in the lakeside beauty of the Ozark Mountains - and an incredible value - with dozens of live performance theatres, three pristine lakes, an international award-winning theme park, dozens of attractions and museums, a Historic Downtown district, a Town Center-style shopping complex, a full range of dining options, and a host of hotels, motels, resorts, RV parks, campgrounds, sports venues, and meeting and conference facilities. Branson is less than one day's drive for one-third of America's residents. With low-cost flights to Branson Airport (BKG www.flybranson.com) and nearby Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF), it has never been easier to access Branson. Call 1-800-296-0463 for help planning your next vacation, convention or reunion. See more at: http://www.explorebranson.com

BRANSON, MISSOURI - - USA TODAY readers have weighed in and they elected Branson as one of America's 10 best places to visit in autumn.

Wrote USA TODAY in announcing the winners: "One of the best things about fall is the opportunity to travel to gorgeous places that showcase the vibrant colors and scenery of the season. Whether you want to enjoy a cozy cabin in the woods, a scenic hike in the mountains, or be immersed in the culture of a historic city, there are plenty of ideal spots to choose from. These 10 destinations have been nominated by an expert panel and voted by our readers as the best places to visit in the U.S. during fall for their beautiful scenery, fantastic weather, and wealth of seasonal activities and events."

Branson is nestled amid the beauty of the Ozark Mountains with dozens of live performance theatres, three pristine lakes, an international-award-winning theme park, scores of attractions, Historic Downtown district, and a waterside Town Center-style shopping complex. These are complemented by the state's best collection of golf courses, several of which are ranked among the country's finest. With designs by Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, and Tom Fazio, to name a few, the playing options are superb and enhanced by fall's gorgeous colors.

Branson is known as one of the most veteran-friendly, patriotic cities in America. Although Branson honors Veterans every day of the year, Veterans Homecoming Week in November is a special annual event for servicemembers and their families.  From special tribute shows, to memorial services and our annual parade, Veterans Day in Branson is a truly special time.

An immense range of dining options and lodging establishments - ranging from hotels, motels, resorts, RV parks, and campgrounds - enables visitors to create unforgettable getaways. Branson is less than one day's drive for one-third of America's residents with nearby Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF) conveniently located for those who prefer to fly.

For more information about Branson and its extensive menu of things to do visit www.explorebranson.com 

Explore Branson Golf Courses

The Pointe, 417.334.4477

Buffalo Ridge, 800.225.6343

Top of the Rock, 800.225.6343

Payne's Valley, 800.225.6343

Cliffhangers, 800.225.6343

Mountain Top, 800.225.6343

Thousand Hills, 800.487.0769, 417.334.4553

LedgeStone, 417.335.8187

Branson Hills, 417.337.2963

Holiday Hills, 417.334.4838

MEDIA CONTACT: Dan Shepherd, dan@danshepherdpr.com, 703.403.5317

Bob had a strong passion for golf and under his leadership, Whitmoor became one of the top four clubs in St. Louis. After Bob passed away and Shirley decided to step away from the business. The Whittaker children inherited the Country Club and were left with a decision to make; keep and manage the 36-hole country club or continue selling out the 3,500-home residential development nearby that was the best-selling community in the Midwest. After learning firsthand the amount of blood, sweat, and tears it takes to run a successful country club - not to mention the investment - they chose the latter and made a call to Concert Golf Partners.

After meeting with Concert Golf Partners, the Whittaker children chose to pursue a quiet sale. But before the paperwork was signed, the unthinkable happened - the club's Olympic-sized pool had buckled two feet out of the ground. Knowing the pool was a key component of the club and was used by every family member, they could feel the sale slipping away.

That's when the principals at Concert Golf Partners stepped up and told the family that they would replace the pool with their team of construction experts and with their capital. It's not known what concessions were made, but Concert moved forward with the deal and is the proud owner of Whitmoor Country Club. It was a "win/win." The Whitakers were able to sell their club, and Concert Golf acquired a highly coveted private club in a key target market.

Concert Golf Partners are known throughout the industry for their knack for taking underperforming properties and turning them around. What's more, members are NEVER charged an assessment. Shortly after they closed on the club, Concert invested $2.85 million for upgrades to the pool, golf course, clubhouse, and other amenities.

Whitmoor's North and South courses were designed by Karl Litten in 1988. Both courses weave their way through a community of stately homes and the natural rolling terrain of St. Charles County. These gently sloping hillsides are graced by the presence of white pines, maples, oaks, and birch trees. There are 10 lakes on both courses that are connected by creeks that meander throughout the layouts.

Both courses have a lot in common and share many similarities. In addition to the 10 lakes, they both have a lot of hilly fairways, plenty of doglegs, and huge greens, many with multiple tiers.

During a recent visit, I had the opportunity to play the South Course. Whitmoor features some good elevation changes, which can be seen on the first two holes. The 1st hole is a par 4 that plays straight uphill, much longer than the 392 yards stated on the scorecard. There's a large bunker that guards the right side of the fairway in the landing area and a second short of the green. The left side is tree-lined with trees infringing on the fairway. Be sure to hit at least one club more on your approach shot. The large three-tiered green slopes back to front and is protected by bunkers on either side. Par is a great way to start!

Number 2 is a scenic par 3 that plays 168 yards from the Blue Tees. Your journey downhill begins from a highly elevated tee box down to the green, which is protected by two large bunkers on the right and one in back. The green is long and narrow and slopes right to left; it will require accuracy to get it close. Play one to two clubs less than you normally would.

The 6th hole is the number one handicap on the South Course. It's an interesting dogleg right that plays 400 yards. The tee shot is blind with immediate trouble on either side of the generous fairway. Your approach shot is to a two-tiered green, and if you have any doubts, play short of the green. Hitting a long fairway wood off the tee may be your best bet and give you more options with your approach shot.

Many members consider the par 3, 14th hole, the South Course's signature hole. This picturesque hole plays 165 yards from the Blue Tees, over a small lake fronted by a beautiful rock outcropping. Five separate pot bunkers sit on the thin strip of land between the lake and the green, which is angled from left to right. There is also a lot of "pyramid mounding" behind the green. Don't get greedy; check the wind and take your best shot at the middle of the green.

There's so much more to men's and women's golf at Whitmoor than meets the eye. Besides the fun-filled tournament formats that the Club hosts throughout the year, they have 9-hole and 18-hole men's and ladies' leagues, daily skin games, and a retired men's organization. On Friday night, couples can play in the Nine-N-Dines, which gives non-golfing spouses the chance to meet other couples over great food and fun! The Club's junior golf programs are recognized throughout the area, and all juniors participate in their highly successful PGA Junior League program. The Club offers year-round instruction to all members in addition to several scheduled demo days and club fittings throughout the year. The Whitmoor pro shop stocks the latest golf equipment as well as logoed apparel from all of the top name brands.

When the winter weather approaches, you can keep your golf game tuned up in the Tee Box, Whitmoor's golf simulator room. The Tee Box features a Trackman simulator and 6 widescreen TVs, making it feel like a sports bar. This family-friendly room is open year-round and offers a much cheaper way to play Pebble Beach. It's a great place to gather with family and friends or hone your golf game.

In addition to 36 holes of spectacular golf, Whitmoor has a bevy of amenities, including two outdoor pools, three premium tennis courts, and a 4,000-square-foot fitness center. Inside the clubhouse, the newly renovated Trophy Room can accommodate up to 300 guests comfortably.

Having 36 holes at one club is a rarity in the St. Louis area and makes Whitmoor a desired location for corporate outings and charitable events. They offer a wide range of tournament and special event packages, and the golf staff can help format the event and provide rule sheets, pairings, and scoring.

If tennis - or pickleball - is more your racquet, Whitmoor has three hard-surface tennis courts. The staff of USTPA Tennis Professionals offers clinics, classes, and special events. There's also a Pickleball Pro on staff who can help with leagues or answer any questions you may have about the sport.

As for dining at The Club, I can attest to the fact that the food is fantastic and it's not your typical clubhouse food! The Nashville Hot Sticky Ribs is a great way to start - a half rack of ribs bathed in Nashville Hot BBQ sauce. It has some kick to it, but not nearly as hot as what you get in Smashville!

The Club offers several membership programs tailored to meet the needs and budgets of all individuals. A Full Golf Membership is for Members 40 years of age and older and their immediate family members under 25, and gives them total access to all Whitmoor amenities. An Intermediate Golf Membership affords the same access to everything and is available for those 36 - 39 years of age. The Junior Golf Membership has the same privileges for those 35 years old and younger. Social Members will have access to all non-golf amenities. There are never any capital assessments or food & beverage minimums.

For more information on Whitmoor Country Club or to arrange a personalized tour, visit them online at www.whitmoorcc.com.

Insights From An Insider With Madison Horner, Public Relations Manager

Local and traveling golfers love to research courses before playing them, whether it is to gain some local knowledge or to set an expectation before their upcoming round. Below is an interview with Madison Horner who shares some valuable insight about the property, its most talked about holes and the signature dish/drink to consume at the 19th hole.

In your opinion, what is the hardest hole and do you have any tips on playing it? Every hole at Cliffhangers offers its own unique, yet fun challenge - that's part of what makes playing this course so memorable. From dramatic elevation changes to tight approaches and strategic green complexes, each shot requires a thoughtful approach. Rather than pointing to one specific hole, we always recommend that players take their time, embrace the natural contours of the land, and stay focused on course management and club selection.

As a golfer plays the final three holes, is there a chance for salvation? (any tips on closing out the round?) When you reach the final stretch at Cliffhangers, forget to chase a number. This is where you lean into the moment. The last three holes demand sharp focus, but not in the traditional sense. It's less about grinding for a score and more about soaking in the experience and being fully present among the dramatic Ozark views, elevated tee shots, and raw natural beauty that surrounds you.

That said, if you're looking to end on a high note, keep your swing smooth and your tempo steady. Club selection is everything here, especially with the elevation shifts. Trust your instincts and aim for a confident, controlled swing rather than trying to muscle the ball.

As you close out your round, embrace the fun, stay relaxed, and take it all in. Because the last three holes might not offer salvation for your scorecard, they'll absolutely deliver something better - an unforgettable finish.

Contact Course Cliffhangers Golf Course 1250 Golf Club Dr Hollister, MO, 65672 417-339-5420

https://bigcedar.com/golf/

A true labor of love, the utterly stunning, absolutely unique golf experience appropriately named Cliffhangers, was created by visionary conservationist Johnny Morris and his son John Paul. The result of their efforts is an unforgettable, over-the-top, bucket list golf experience in the majestic Ozark Mountains. What was originally planned as a practice facility exploded into an extraordinary 18-hole, par-3 adventure course after Johnny and JP, continued walking the terrain, realizing just how stunning the land truly was.

The new one of a kind adventure course, Cliffhangers, is the sixth course at the award-winning golf resort and is located adjacent to Tiger Woods' acclaimed Payne's Valley. Cliffhangers will open on July 4, 2025, and reservations are available now.

Set high in the rugged beauty of the Missouri Ozarks, Cliffhangers is far more than a round of golf-it's an unforgettable experience. The course lives up to its name with dramatic elevation changes, breathtaking views, and holes ranging from 60 to 170 yards, all meticulously carved into the region's iconic limestone cliffs and flowing creeks.

"This is golf on the edge-literally," said Johnny Morris. "We wanted to create something that celebrates the natural wonder of the Ozarks while delivering an unforgettable adventure for every golfer." Golfers will traverse steep mountain trails and lush zoysia approaches leading to undulating bent grass greens, each hole offering a new surprise. The course itself is a signature loop the likes of which have never before been seen in golf. Players will drive carts through cascading waterfalls, cross through swift flowing creeks, and journey into a dramatic cave system-culminating in a tee shot launched from inside the cavern through a waterfall!

"Cliffhangers reflects everything we love about nature, adventure, and golf," said John Paul Morris. "It's wild, fun, and unlike anything in the game of golf today! We hope you'll come pay us a visit and play Cliffhangers and experience what true Ozarks hospitality is all about!"

REDEFINING DESTINATION GOLF Big Cedar Lodge was honored to be recently named the #1 Golf Resort in America by USA Today and on May 30th, Forbes named Big Cedar the Best Family Golf Resort in the United States. Golfers from around the globe are making the journey to the Ozarks to experience what can only be found here-a unique blend of rugged natural beauty, thoughtful course design, and genuine, friendly hospitality. Big Cedar Lodge has become a premier destination for golf by attracting some of the world's leading course architects, including Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson, Tom Fazio, Gary Player, Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw.

Cliffhangers marks Big Cedar's third par-3 course, joining the exclusive ranks of legendary Top of the Rock-the first-ever PGA TOUR-sanctioned par-3 course designed by Jack Nicklaus-and Mountain Top, a Gary Player design known for its 13 scenic walking-only holes. Together, these courses highlight Big Cedar's ongoing commitment to redefining the short course experience. There are high expectations for Cliffhangers to become a bucket-list course for anyone who loves the game of golf.

"As founders and long-term owners of The Club at Porto Cima, we are very excited to partner with KemperSports given their reputation, experience and expertise in managing high-quality private clubs with a member-centric, resort experience," said Mark Brown, President of Four Seasons Group, owners of the club. "We are very proud of our Jack Nicklaus Signature Course and intend to expand the awareness of this spectacular course with the goal of moving the course higher in the rankings given the unique setting with seven holes on the lake."

The Club at Porto Cima features an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Design golf course, a 17,000-square-foot Mediterranean-style clubhouse along with The Yacht Club, which is located adjacent to the golf clubhouse and features a 118-slip marina, a marina clubhouse, a swimming pool overlooking the marina and lake, fitness area, tennis court, pickleball court, and a poolside cabana. The focal point of The Club at Porto Cima is a Jack Nicklaus Signature Design golf course with seven holes that play along or over The Lake of the Ozarks. The 7,060-yard, par-72 golf course opened in 2000 and ranks #10 on Golf Digest's list of the best courses in Missouri.

The club's Mediterranean-style golf clubhouse features a full-service golf shop, men's and ladies locker rooms, meeting and banquet space for private events and weddings, plus multiple food and beverage options in The Grille Room Restaurant, the Sandtrap Lounge, a private member dining room as well as an outdoor patio for dining overlooking the 18th hole.

"The Club at Porto Cima is one of the most iconic and visually stunning properties in the state of Missouri," said KemperSports CEO Steve Skinner. "We look forward to working with Mark and the Brown family to take the club to the next level as we enhance the facility and the member experience."

KemperSports will utilize its experience in the ratings and rankings process to properly position The Club at Porto Cima amongst the top-ranked golf courses in the state. KemperSports manages more top 100 golf courses than any other management company.

KemperSports' rapidly growing portfolio continues to thrive across the country. With the addition of The Club at Porto Cima, the company now manages a second private club in Missouri as KemperSports also manages The Country Club of St. Albans in St. Albans, Mo.

Give Our Readers An Overview of the Golf Course/Property The course is very scenic as it is carved out of the Ozarks mountains. It is a shot makers course where hitting the long ball is not needed to score well. Small, undulating greens make your approach shots difficult and many uneven lies in the fairways also make it a challenge. Beautiful turf conditions year a round due to our overseeing practices make this a great course to play at any time of year. Beautiful views of the Lake of the Ozarks can be found on the inward nine on holes 13 and 14.

If Someone Was Looking To Golf In The Area, Why Should They Play Your Course? Exceptional turf conditions year a round and scenic views of the Ozark foothills and the Lake of the Ozarks make this a must play on your visit to the area. You don't have to hit it 300 yards off the tee to enjoy yourself and six sets off tee boxes makes the course playable for everyone.

What Tips or Local Knowledge Would You Provide To Help Them Score Better At Your Course? Keep the driver in the bag on a lot of holes. Hit the fairway and you will be left with short to mid iron approaches. Miss the fairway and double or worse is in the cards as woods and water dot the landscape outside of the narrow fairways that are carved out of the trees.

Any recent changes to the golf course? Or any upcoming changes? Over the last several years we have over seeded the course to maintain great turf conditions year a round.

Recent Awards or What You Are Most Proud About The Course? We have been recognized as the Gateway PGA Section Resort Merchandiser of the Year on several occasions and our golf shop is always well stocked and offer a diverse selection of merchandise.

What Is The Signature, Most Talked About, or Most Photographed Hole? Our Par 5 ninth hole and our Par 3 14th hole are the most photographed holes. Number 9 is a short Par 5 with the approach shot hitting over a pair of ponds and a water feature. Number 14 is a dramatic Par 3, where the Lake of the Ozarks is the back drop and comes into play if you hit your shot left of the green

What Is Your Favorite Hole? Any Tips to Play It? My favorite hole is Number 14. This Par three is very beautiful with the Lake of the Ozarks as its backdrop. The only safe place to miss is right of the green and if the pin is the back of the green take one less club as you want to play to the middle of this challenging green.

Must Have Dish or Drink after the round at the 19th Hole? Margaritas of Course, and Bloody Mary's to start your round.

For the traveling golfer, do you have lodging onsite or partner with any area hotels? Yes, we have an 800 room Margaritaville Resort 1/2 mile from our course. The resort offers full amenities such as multiple pools with slides for the kids, a marina, Spa, fitness center, Pickle Ball, Indoor water park, Horse back riding, bowling, game room, billiards, a water front restaurant and bar, and several more dinning and beverage outlets. There is something for the whole family here.

Who Holds Course Record and What Was Their Score? Ron McDougal holds the course record with a score of 65. It was shot during the second round of the 1994 National Club Professional Championship. It was raining that week a lot and it took 3 days to complete the 2nd round when he broke the record.

Back Tee Stats Par: 71 Yardage: 6461 Slope: 132 Rating: 71.7

More Information The Oaks Golf Course at Margaritaville Lake Resort, Lake of the Ozarks 1524 State Hwy KK OSAGE BEACH, MO, 65065 573-348-8522

https://www.margaritavilleresortlakeoftheozarks.com/

Among other things, Tripadvisor wrote "The Missouri city of Branson is jam-packed with diversions. Attend star-studded performances at [its live entertainment theatres]; explore Silver Dollar City theme park; get back to nature in the Ozark Mountains and at three pristine area lakes; play some of the best golf in the Midwest; visit museums highlighting the area's history and culture; or browse the city's boutiques and outlets. When the day is done, you can decompress at one of the area's many resorts."

Branson Golf is the destination home to 10 compelling courses in the southwest Missouri Ozarks near the Arkansas border. It includes six of the state's top 10 ranked courses (including the top four) and four that have been rated among the best in the country.

Course designs by Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Bob Cupp, Bill Coore, Ben Crenshaw, Tom Clark, Chuck Smith, and Bobby Clampett combine for a diverse yet complementary array of playing options.

Several of the courses have been built in the recent past making the burgeoning travel venue one of the fasted-growing, most-compelling golf destinations in North America.

At the apex of the golf destination resides Big Cedar Lodge. The brainchild of Bass Pro Shops Founder and noted conservationist Johnny Morris, all five of its courses are designated as Audubon International Signature Sanctuary locations for the environmental and sustainability best practices.

While golf is thriving in Branson, it is made more appealing thanks to the destination's plethora of complementary other attractions as Tripadvisor listed.

"Branson is a favorite destination of visitors thanks to our wonderful hotels, resorts, restaurants and leisure activities," said Lynn Berry, Director of Communications, Branson Convention & Visitors Bureau. "We hope the Tripadvisor honor inspires travelers to choose Branson for a visit this year."

For more about Branson Golf: >> ExploreBranson.com/golf >> Instagram.com/@explorebransongolf >> Facebook.com/@bransongolf

About Explore Branson Golf Ozarks National, 800.225.6343 Mountain Top, 800.225.6343 The Pointe, 417.334.4477 Thousand Hills, 800.487.0769, 417.334.4553 Buffalo Ridge, 800.225.6343 LedgeStone, 417.335.8187 Top of the Rock, 800.225.6343 Branson Hills, 417.337.2963 Payne's Valley, 800.225.6343 Holiday Hills, 417.334.4838

About Explore Branson Branson is a one-of-a-kind family vacation destination nestled in the lakeside beauty of the Ozark Mountains - and an incredible value - with dozens of live performance theaters, three pristine lakes, an international award-winning theme park, dozens of attractions and museums, a Historic Downtown district, a Town Center-style shopping complex, a full range of dining options, and a host of hotels, motels, resorts, RV parks, campgrounds and meeting and conference facilities. Branson is less than one day's drive for one-third of America's residents. With low-cost flights to the Branson Airport (BKG www.flybranson.com) and nearby Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF), it has never been easier to access Branson. Call 1-800-296-0463 for help planning your next vacation, convention or reunion.

Towards the end of the week my sister and I were dying for some much needed pampering. While our vacation had been filled with adventurous boat rides, breath taking views while horseback riding, and refreshing swims alongside the resort pools we needed a special treat. Plus my husband and my father had been playing golf every morning so turnaround is fair play.

Like many vacation hot spots there is a tourism guide at every attraction and on every corner. In less than 3 second I found our personal oasis, The Spa Shiki at the Four Season Resort.

The Property and Spa Situated on 2,500 acres on Lake of the Ozarks, the Lodge of the Four Seasons has 360 guest accommodations, four restaurants, and two championship golf courses. Amidst the resort is Spa Shiki, a 15,000-square-foot spa accented with an outdoor Japanese garden designed by landscape artist Buffy Murai. "Shiki" means "four seasons" in Japanese, and the spa follows an Asian theme to bring guests a unique and unparalleled experience. Noted as one of the largest resort spas in the Midwest, Spa Shiki offers luxury, pampering and wellness for Lodge of Four Seasons' guests.

My Treatment In speaking with Spa Publicist, Jennifer Boundurant, she shared that Spa Shiki's top signature service is the Japanese Cleansing Ritual. The treatment features a marine body polish for a full-body exfoliation, hydrotherapy tub soak in essential oils and with fiber-optic color light therapy, and a detoxifying aromatherapy massage. The Japanese Cleansing Ritual induces complete relaxation and is essential for anyone who wants to rebalance the body.

While intriguing I was in need of a massage, so I opted for the Spa Shiki's Signature Swedish Massage. I was sold after reading the description. "Spa Shik'si staff are trained in a specialized protocol using the five different Swedish Massage strokes for this treatment that relaxes muscles, sedates the nervous system and induces total relaxation."

The massage started off great but my masseuse felt intense knots and tension in back. He recommended we switch gears and do a deep tissue massage. After the heavenly experience I was really impressed that my masseuse observed my body's needs and shifted his style.

View Spa Shiki Massage Menu

Recent Spa Shiki Awards Spa Shiki has been nationally recognized by NBC's Today Show, SELF Magazine, Spa Finder and more for its excellence and value. The 15,000 sq. ft. spa offers massages, body treatments, facials, and salon treatments, as well as a fitness center, steam, sauna and whirlpool.

Spa Shiki was named "The Best Spa For Groups in the Midwest" by the readers of Meetings Mid America Magazine (2006). The publication is driven by the reviews and recommendations provided by its readers, the nation's most discerning meeting planners. Click here to read the article from the magazine.

Other Things To Do at the Lodge of Four Seasons * Golf - Witch's Cove, a Robert Trent Jones, Sr. Signature Course, and Seasons Ridge, designed by Ken Kavanaugh * Four Seasons full-service marina * Four Seasons cinema Swimming pools, indoor and outdoor * Nature trails * Fishing, guide service, boat rentals * Trap shooting * Scenic excursion boat * Tennis courts * Japanese gardens * Supervised children's program (seasonal)

More Information Spa Shiki 315 Four Seasons Drive Lake Ozark, Missouri 800-843-5253 toll-free 573-365-8108 direct https://www.spashiki.com