Isn't it fun to play a brand-new golf course?
How about playing a brand-new golf course almost two months before the public gets to?
That was the case for about 25 avid traveling golfers at the latest Golf Advisor Getaways excursion to Big Cedar Lodge just outside Branson, Missouri.
Golf Advisor Editor-at-Large and Golf Advisor Round Trip host Matt Ginella and Senior Writer Tim Gavrich took the reins for Episode 2 of the Golf Advisor Podcast, which recapped that special experience and much more from one of America's emerging golf destinations.
Like many world-renowned properties, Big Cedar Lodge is the product of a passionate, singular vision. Its patron, Johnny Morris, founded and helms the massive Bass Pro Shops empire. On property, guests can take advantage of all sorts of outdoor recreation opportunities, including four golf courses (and a fifth being built).
Check out this latest episode below.
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Some highlights from the episode:
Matt Ginella discusses why Big Cedar Lodge holds a particularly special place in his heart.
Ginella talks about his friendship with Johnny Morris, noted conservationist and Big Cedar Lodge owner, and Morris' passion for the Ozarks.
Gavrich and Ginella compare notes on the brand-new Ozarks National Course, designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw.
Ginella details what makes Ozarks National unique among the Coore/Crenshaw portfolio.
The two also discuss Big Cedar Lodge's unique situation of having multiple short courses - Top of the Rock and Mountain Top - which manage to each have a wholly distinct character.
Gavrich and Ginella look back on the latest Golf Advisor Getaway, which brought more than 20 readers to one of America's premier golf resorts.
Had the chance to visit Big Cedar a few years ago. Which of Top of the Rock and Mountain Top is more player-friendly to beginners/families?
Brandon, I give Mountain Top a pretty significant edge here. A lot of MT holes can be played along the ground, while pretty much all the holes at Top of the Rock require an aerial attack. Also, the walking-only nature of Mountain Top encourages exercise in a way that Top of the Rock, being a cart course, doesn't quite. Both are fun experiences, but I would take a kid or new golfer to Mountain Top 10 times out of 10.