BryanTweed16

The Good: The South Course at NCR Country Club is Midwest parkland golf perfection at its finest, which very interesting topography and some of the most challenging, beautiful green complexes I have ever played. This mid 1950’s Dick Wilson Dayton, OH area design has a “Dubsdread on steroids” feel to it with its large trees and demanding sightlines, but it’s very playable off the tee and I didn’t find the greens too outrageous. Has one of the best quartets of Par-5’s that I’ve played in the Midwest and a very fun, diverse group of Par-3’s. Unpretentious staff and extremely nice clubhouse with expansive bar and outdoor dining area. Practice facilities were comprehensive with large putting green right by the first tee and driving range. GPS on the carts was a nice touch. Very good pace of play despite being fairly crowded during a weekday afternoon round.

The Bad: If I have to nitpick, I am not a huge fan of so many dogleg right Par-4’s. A few of the pin placements were a little overboard, but considering the severity of the green complexes, this makes sense. The 18th hole is a bit of a dud compared to some of the other private clubs that I’ve recently played. A few trees could afford to be tomahawked.

The Verdict: NCR (South) is the best course in the great state of Ohio that I’ve played out of 50 or so total golf courses. A brilliant overall experience that has a great “walk in the park” aura. Several that I respect says that it meets or exceeds the experience at its neighboring Moraine Country Club.

Best Hole: The signature Par-5 10th hole is an absolute gem. While benign off the tee, there is a great reveal about 200 yards out to a downhill green guarded by several huge bunkers. Bring your camera! Doesn’t hurt that I nearly holed out and made birdie!

The Good: Fox Run GC is as challenging a golf course in the Midwest that you can play, and not just because this St. Louis suburbia Gary Kern and Ron Kern collaboration stretches past 8,100 yards from the back tees! This parkland design developed in the early 1990’s still has an “old fashioned” club feel with fairways enveloped with huge trees and rugged, demonic-looking sand traps. In a very good shape and the rough was extremely long, making hitting the thin fairways even more important. We played at Noon on a very warm Sunday and basically had the course to ourselves! Excellent Par-5’s and superb holes to close each nine. Decent Par-3 variety. The staff, as expected for a private club, were very accommodating and made sure that we had a great experience as unaccompanied guests. Great stylish clubhouse!

The Bad: Much too demanding of a golf course for a mid-high handicapper. While playing this course everyday would make me a better player for sure, I can’t imagine that type of daily punishment. The Par-4’s are mostly straightaway and I was wishing for more doglegs. Definitely needs a Leatherface style chainsaw massacre to many overhanging trees.

The Verdict: Fox Run is an unheralded club in the St. Louis area but it’s a very strong overall experience. If you can check your ego on the first tee, I highly recommend checking this place out if you get the invite.

Best Hole: The very long, challenging Par-4 3rd hole is a downhill masterpiece that requires precision off the tee to not hit it too far into a crossing creek and then an approach to a heavily guarded green.

The Good: While the newer Big Cedar courses have received a lot of the buzz, Tom Fazio’s Buffalo Ridge (formerly known as Branson Creek) is arguably the most complete golf course at the entire resort. More turbulent terrain compared to Payne’s Valley and more picturesque compared to Ozarks National, it has a playability and fun-factor that is unmatched in the Branson, Missouri area. Unfortunately, I was only able to play 9-holes due to heat stroke, but the holes I played (#1-#7 & #17-#18) were spectacular. Superb Par-5’s, excellent Par-4 variety, and multiple “grab your camera” Par-3’s. Significant elevation changes yet subtle, challenging green complexes that are in perfect shape. One of the most beautiful practice areas and driving ranges you’ll find, as well as a full-stocked clubhouse with a rustic barn feel to it. The staff was incredible in dealing with my nonsense, providing me free Gatorade, and ensuring that I still had a positive experience despite my illness. Easily the best value of the five Big Cedar courses.

The Bad: The clubhouse doesn’t have a full restaurant and bar, which is a bit of a downer compared to the other course’s excellent amenities. The course paired us up with a single (who happened to be a member) during our golf trip. The gentleman was fantastic, but we felt it was a slight infringement for our golf trip group.

The Verdict: Buffalo Ridge, to our group’s surprise, was the consensus best course at Big Cedar and a Top 10 public course that I’ve played of roughly 400 public courses in my lifetime portfolio. I only wish that I was able to play all 18 holes. An absolutely first-rate, classy experience without the “break the bank” price tag.

Best Hole: Of the holes that I played, the finale is a super Par-5 that the same design features of the Par-5 18th at Pebble Beach (obviously with no ocean view). A drive must avoid the rock cropping right of the fairway and then navigate huge bunkers and hazards left of the green. An awesome capper to a great round!

The Good: Ozarks National, another wizardly fun design from Coore & Crenshaw, is an excellent addition to the Big Cedar golf portfolio that is quickly becoming one of the best golf resorts in not just the Midwest, but the entire country. While not as flashy as Ozarks National nor as beautiful as Buffalo Ridge, it may be the best design of any course in the area. Wide, expansive fairways jet in strategically with tons of large, rugged sand traps and the green complexes are the most severe of any at the resort. Best compilation of Par-3’s in the greater Branson area, excellent Par-4 variety, and a couple awesome Par-5’s. Superbly conditioned considering it’s just a toddler learning to walk, it also possesses a modest practice area and very nice clubhouse area with full outdoor restaurant and bar. Nice halfway house and GPS on carts is nice touch.

The Bad: A very strategic golf course, yet it lacks the pizzazz of the other Big Cedar regulation courses. Overpriced at $250 during peak season. The staff was nice but weren’t quite as on their game compared to the other Big Cedar courses.

The Verdict: Ozarks National is the third best overall experience at the resort, but it’s the best routing and natural use of the land. A Top 10 Midwest public golf course that I’ve played.

Best Hole: The mid-length Par-3 8th is one of the most understated holes of the entire Big Cedar complex. An extremely large, yet challenging green complex is guarded by deep sand traps short.