Payne's Valley Golf Course: Everything You Need to Know
Payne's Valley opened in 2020 at Big Cedar Lodge near Branson, Missouri, designed by Tiger Woods's TGR Design firm as a tribute to Missouri native Payne Stewart, the two-time US Open champion who died in a plane crash in 1999. It was the first public-access course Tiger Woods had designed, and it arrived with enormous attention — a celebrity opening match broadcast on Golf Channel, a stunning Ozarks setting, and a 19th hole that immediately became one of the most photographed in American golf.
Three years on, the course has settled into its reputation: a genuinely excellent resort track with a few moments of genuine greatness, set in one of the most scenic landscapes in the Midwest.
The 19th Hole
The most famous feature of Payne's Valley is Hole 19 — a bonus par-3 played from a bluff over a natural waterfall to a green island surrounded by a swimming hole. It is not a regulation hole. It exists purely as a spectacle: a place to play a fun side bet after the round, take photographs, and marvel at the engineering involved in building something that looks this dramatic in the Missouri Ozarks.
The 19th hole has become genuinely iconic. It is the image most people see first when they search for Payne's Valley, and it is the reason many golfers make the trip. The hole plays to approximately 75 yards from the standard tee. If you miss the green, you're in the water. The scoring doesn't matter — the experience does.
The Course Itself
The main 18-hole layout plays through the rolling Ozark terrain with significant elevation change. TGR Design used the natural topography effectively — several holes offer panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, and the routing moves between woodland corridors and open ridge-line holes that change character completely with the wind.
The course plays to a par 72 at just over 7,200 yards from the back tees. It is a legitimate challenge from the tips but plays accessibly from the forward tees, making it appropriate for golfers of most ability levels. The greens are large, undulating, and reward approach shots placed in the correct sector rather than simply near the flag.
Big Cedar Lodge
Payne's Valley is one of five golf courses at Big Cedar Lodge, Johnny Morris's resort complex on Table Rock Lake. The other courses include Buffalo Ridge Springs (Tom Fazio), Top of the Rock (Jack Nicklaus), Mountain Top (Jack Nicklaus), and Ozarks National (Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw). The multi-course campus makes Big Cedar a legitimate golf destination that competes with major resort complexes nationally.
Staying on property at Big Cedar Lodge gives access to all the courses and is the recommended approach for a multi-day trip. The lodge itself sits on the lake with Ozark-style architecture, and the non-golf amenities — fishing, boating, dining — are extensive.
Getting There
Big Cedar Lodge is located near Ridgedale, Missouri, approximately 45 miles south of Springfield and 10 miles south of Branson. The nearest commercial airport is Springfield-Branson National, which has direct service from several Midwest and Southern hub cities. Branson also has its own small airport with limited commercial service.
Payne Stewart's Legacy
The course is named for Payne Stewart, who won the US Open in 1991 and 1999 and was one of the most recognizable figures in golf — famous for his plus-fours, his flat cap, and a demeanor that evolved from brash to genuinely beloved over the course of his career. His 1999 US Open win at Pinehurst No. 2, where he made a long putt on the 18th hole to win by one shot over Phil Mickelson, is one of the iconic moments in major championship history. He died four months later in a plane crash.
Big Cedar Lodge is located near his home state, and the course honors his memory through design elements including a statue of Stewart near the clubhouse and references to his career throughout the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Payne's Valley Golf Course?
Payne's Valley Golf Course is located at Big Cedar Lodge near Ridgedale, Missouri, approximately 10 miles south of Branson and 45 miles south of Springfield.
Who designed Payne's Valley Golf Course?
Payne's Valley was designed by TGR Design, Tiger Woods's golf course design firm. It was the first public-access course Woods had designed, opening in September 2020.
What is the 19th hole at Payne's Valley?
The 19th hole is a bonus par-3 played from a bluff over a waterfall to an island green surrounded by a natural swimming hole. It is approximately 75 yards from the standard tee and is not a regulation hole — it exists as a spectacle and side-game opportunity after the main round.
How do I book a tee time at Payne's Valley?
Tee times at Payne's Valley can be booked through the Big Cedar Lodge website. Resort guests receive booking priority; public tee times are available with advance reservation.