5 Best Public Golf Courses-Enjoy!
1. Buffalo Ridge Golf Course1001 Branson Creek Blvd., Hollister, 417-339-5430, topoftherock.com/buffalo-ridge-golf-courseDon’t be surprised if you find yourself sharing a tee time with a free-roaming buffalo at this Branson golf course. The greens here have played host to the PGA Tour Bass Pro Shop Legends Tournament, been voted the No. 1 public course in Missouri by GOLF magazine and been named one of the top 10 courses in Missouri every year since 2001 by Golf Digest.Cost of One Round: Rates from $70
2. Rivercut Golf Course2850 W. Farm Rd. 190, Springfield, 417-891-1645, rivercut.com/rcgolf.aspStaying true to its name, Rivercut Golf Course meanders along the James River just south of Springfield. The 18-hole municipal course was designed by Ken Dye and hosts several qualifying rounds for tournaments such as the Governor’s Cup and the City Championship. Cost of One Round: Rates from $42 to $52
3. Branson Hills Golf Course100 N. Payne Stewart Dr., Branson, 417-337-2963, bransonhillsgolfclub.comFormerly named Payne Stewart Golf Course, Branson Hills Golf Course was ranked the No. 1 golf course in the state for four consecutive years by Golfweek magazine and is also home to the Magnolia Grille restaurant. The Chuck Smith-designed course is one of the most difficult in the area, but multiple-distance tees cater to players at any level. Cost of One Round: Rates from $59 to $100
4. Ledgestone1600 Ledgestone Way, Branson West, 417-335-8187, ledgestonegolf.comLedgestone Golf Course is one of Branson’s best-kept secrets. The scenic course was designed by Tom Clark and is nestled into the Ozark Mountains. Rock outcroppings, creeks, ponds and stunning scenery weave through the 18-hole course, which was named one of the top five best courses in Missouri and one of the best resort courses by Golfweek magazine. Cost of One Round: Rates from $59 to $89 5. Bill & Payne Stewart Golf Course1825 E. Norton Rd., Springfield, 417-833-9962, parkboard.org/1043/Golf-CoursesNamed for local golf legend Bill Stewart and his PGA Championship–winning son Payne, this Perry Maxwell–designed course opened in 1947 and is the oldest public course in Springfield. The available PGA Professionals love the unique character—or “flavor” as they call it—of the undulating greens, which force players to be dedicated and focused. Cost of One Round: Rates from $26 to $37
DISCLAIMER: The information in this article was fact checked and accurate at press time, but 417 Magazine cannot guarantee its accuracy indefinitely.
Source: 5 Best Public Golf Courses – 417 Magazine – March 2016
