Golf Destination: Branson, MO
By RON COBB

Just a few years ago, we couldn't have said this. But we can say it now: Branson is a golf destination.

As far as we're concerned, to qualify as a golf destination, one of two things is required. Either the area has to have an abundance of quality golf courses, or it has to have one or two that are must-play courses.

Branson meets the second requirement. Branson Creek, opened in 2000, and Top of the Rock, opened in 1997, are the kind of course that an avid golfer should experience at least once.

We're not exactly going out on a limb with Branson Creek, which Golf Digest rates No. 66 on its list of the top 100 public courses in America. But Top of the Rock is a nine-hole par-3 course, and we all know that real men don't play par-3 courses.

In this case, we strongly suggest that golfers swallow their pride and give Top of the Rock a look. If nothing else, pull off U.S. 65 and take a look at the view from the clubhouse and restaurant overlooking Table Rock Lake. You may not see a better vista on a golf course in the Midwest.

The course was designed by Jack Nicklaus — the only par-3 course he's ever done. The shortest hole plays 122 yards from the back tees, and the longest plays 186.

Golf shop manager Jack O'Hara says more than 15,000 rounds were played there last year.

"With men, we fight the stigma that it's a par-3 course," said golf shop manager Jack O'Hara. "It's been a struggle to get them out. They think it's a pitch-and-putt. I tell them, 'Come out and play, and then tell me what you think,' and they almost always enjoy it. Word of mouth is getting out."

The course sits a mile or so northeast of the upscale Big Cedar Lodge, a few miles south of the heart of Branson. Because it's a par-3, with less golf course to maintain, superintendent Toby Burkhart and his staff can manicure virtually every inch. With nice touches such as waterfalls and flowers, the course is landscaped like a garden.

This summer, Top of the Rock will open a new practice facility designed by Arnold Palmer. Why Arnold Palmer? For one thing, golf courses that want to be a cut above no longer are content to have golfers hit range balls into an open field. The trend is toward state-of-the-art driving ranges such as the one Palmer has designed for Top of the Rock. For another thing, owner John L. "Johnny" Morris, who also owns Big Cedar Lodge and Bass Pro Shops, believes in going first-class.

The facility will have eight to 10 target greens and a teeing area elevated some 80 feet. Recessed lighting will allow for night practice. The practice range will consist of Tour Turf, similar to the artificial turf that it going into some football stadiums. Neither water nor fertilizers nor chemicals will be needed.

"It's the closest thing I've seen to real greens," O'Hara said. "You can spin the ball off of it."

The restaurant at Top of the Rock offers inside and outside dining overlooking the lake. Its menu offers appetizers, salads, sandwiches, pasta, wood-fired pizza, steaks, chicken and fish.

Golf at Top of the Rock is a bit pricey, with rates ranging from $12.50 to $35 for nine holes, depending on the golfer's age and the time of day and time of year. Repeat rounds are 50 percent off. For more information, call 417-339-5312.

Branson Creek  
For all of Top of the Rock's positive qualities, Branson Creek is the course that put Branson on the map. In its four years of life, the course has been an award magnet, drawing accolades from several national golf magazines and virtually ending any debate over which public course in Missouri is the best.

An ownership group headed by Bill Morrow of Palm Springs, Calif., hired architect Tom Fazio and essentially gave him carte blanche to create an exceptional golf course. Troon Golf operates the course, along with about 150 other upscale courses around the world.

Fazio was fortunate to be able to work with an unspoiled expanse of hilly land on the outskirts of Branson. Much to his credit, his design allows golfers to enjoy vistas of the hills and distant ridges while still enjoying a sense of isolation, with foursomes rarely seeing other foursomes.

Generous fairways and a few well-placed banks give golfers a break off the tee, but at 7,036 yards the course can be as tough a test as you'd like. Only one tee shot is blind, and on nearly every hole the green is visible from the tee.

Although homes eventually may go up on the hills around the course, Branson Creek management says they will not intrude on the course itself. The new clubhouse is scheduled to be built next year, replacing the temporary structure currently in place, and a Marriott hotel will be constructed nearby. An airport scheduled to open in 2006 will bring in more visitors to fill those rooms.

Additional plans include expanding to 36 holes and possibly bidding for a Champions tour event. Rates range from $48 to $94 for 18 holes and cart, depending on the season and time of day. More information is available at 417-339-4653 and www.bransoncreekgolf.com. 
     
Other courses
      
The best of Branson's other courses is Ledgestone, a 6,724 yard, par-71 course located at Stonebridge Village, where lodging is available. Call 417-336-1786.

Pointe Royale is a tight, 6,167-yard par-70 course near the heart of Branson. Condos are in harm's way on several holes, and forced carries can be problems on some tee shots. Lodging is available. Call 417-334-4477.

Branson's other two courses are even shorter. Holiday Hills is a par-68, 5,771-yard course that opened in 1938 and was rebuilt in 1997. Consider it user-friendly. Call 417-334-4838 or visit www.holidayhillsgolf.com.  In the heart of Branson, Thousand Hills stretches only to 5,111 yards, with a par of 64. Call 417-334-4145 or visit www.thousandhills.com.
     
Showtime in Branson
         
 In Branson, days are for golf and nights are for shows. Golfers are out of luck if their golf-trip days aren't complete without a visit to a strip club, because wholesomeness reigns in Branson. But this year, Branson offers a record 116 shows at 47 theaters, with everything from Motown and '50s music to country and comedy.

One of the hot new shows this year is Jason Petty's "Hank and My Honky Tonk Heroes," a tribute to Hank Williams at the Moe Bandy Theater.  

For more information on the show schedule, visit www.explorebranson.com  or call 800-214-3661.