There’s a new golf attraction in the Ozarks for Missourians who like to get away—and it gives a fantastic view of ancient limestone.
Big Cedar Lodge in Hollister, Missouri hosted a grand opening for their third golf course, Mountain Top Course, this August. The short 13-hole course, which showcases the natural limestone formations that lie under most of the Ozarks, is a collaboration between hall-of-fame golfer Gary Player and Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris.
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Steve Friedlander, vice president of golf at Big Cedar Lodge, says that while developing the course, they came across limestone outcroppings. Once they had gotten a glimpse of what was underneath, they started the excavation.
“A couple of [the croppings] are 25 feet below the top surface of the golf course,” Friedlander says. “You play above, next to, and beside them.” The limestone rock formations are around 300 million years old and turn what could’ve been a standard course into an unusual nature experience.
Mountain Top Course is walking only and has bridges where golfers can look down into the limestone rock between tees.
“As you walk by them and play around or over them, you can’t help but think, ‘They’ve been here millions of years, and here we are playing golf around them,’” says Friedlander. The bridge between the ninth and 10th holes winds up through natural limestone caves. “You’re within a few feet of these rock formations, and you’re experiencing nature at its best.”
Since retiring from golf, hall-of-famer Gary Player has made a business of developing golf courses, though Friedlander says there are many features in Mountain Top Course that sets it apart. “We’ve got incredible views on every hole. It’s a par three golf course, so it’s family and kid friendly and plays to all different skill levels. It’s very inviting place to come and play and still challenge highly skilled players just as much as the lesser skilled players.” Friedlander also plans to host professional tournaments at the new course.
Friedlander credits Morris of Bass Pro Shops for bringing the course to life. “Johnny has great vision and great objectives for golf at Big Cedar Lodge,” Friedlander says.
Big Cedar Lodge is planning two more golf courses, which should open within the next two years. One course is designed by famous retired golfer Ben Crenshaw and should open in 2018. The fifth golf course will be designed by Tiger Woods, be named after the late golfer Payne Stewart, and will open in 2019.
Mountain Top Course is open to the public. Visitors can choose to stay at the lodge, but it is not required. Adults can pay $75 per person to play on the course, and the junior fee (under 18) is $30. Both fees include a pull cart for player’s convenience. For more information on Big Cedar Lodge or Mountain Top Course, visit its website or call 800-225-6343.
