Play a Round at the Top 5 Golf Courses in Branson

Branson is known for its bevy of shows, attractions and lakes but there are also a number of world-class golf courses located in this Southwest Missouri hamlet.  The courses appeal to the novice golfer just learning his strokes to pro golfers looking for a challenge.  The natural beauty of Branson adds to the appeal of the courses.


Here’s a look at the Top 5 Golf Courses in Branson:

Murder Rock Golf Club

1) Murder Rock Golf Club:  Located a bit south of Branson, this course meanders through hills and valleys of the Ozarks creating one of the most challenging courses you’ll find in the Branson area.  Consistently rated as one of the top five courses in Missouri, this par-71 course is elevated by the fact it is surrounded by the pristine, scenic beauty of Branson.  Rates are as low as $42 during winter months and are around $72 during the summer season.

Branson Creek Golf Club

2) Branson Creek Golf Club: Designed by Tom Fazio, this parkland style course features numerous changes in elevation and is considered to be one of the region’s top courses.  In fact, Golf Magazine has named it the Top Public Golf Course in Missouri 11 years running. The par-71 course has rates as low as $48 in the winter and $90 in the summer season


Payne Stewart Golf Club

3) Payne Stewart Golf Club: Golfweek Magazine ranked this course as the No. 1 in Missouri for 2012.  The Ault Clark Parkland style course honors Payne Stewart, the famous golfer who hailed from Springfield, MO.  It is a very popular course, with each hole at the golf club interwoven with a story of Stewart’s life and golfing experiences throughout his career. The course was designed by Chuck Smith with design consultant and PGA Professional, Bobby Clampett.  Fees are around $50 in non-season and around $90 for in-season tee times.


Ledgestone Golf Club

4) Ledgestone Golf Club: Designed by Tim Clark, this upscale course features first-class service, facilities and conditions.  Described by Golf Digest as a “masterpiece of mountain golf architecture," Ledgestone's 18-hole championship layout offers the kind of golfing experience where "players don't want the round to end."  Normal rates are around $90, but if you golf after 3pm you can get a value rate of $50.

Thousand Hills Golf Resort

5) Thousand Hills Golf Resort: Located in the heart of Branson, Thousand Hills’ public golf course was rated 4-Stars by Golf Digest magazine in 2009 and was voted Best of the Ozarks for Branson Golf Courses by the readers of the Springfield News-Leader for the past two years in a row.  The par-64 course can prove a challenge but also features great rates.  For instance, Twilight play prices are only $25 and normal rates are $59.