Carved directly into the Ozark Mountains, Branson Hills Golf Club is a course defined by its dramatic, natural terrain. The 18-hole championship layout works with the landscape, not against it, incorporating native rock outcroppings, creeks, and waterfalls directly into play. Elevation changes are a constant factor here – the first hole alone has a 130-foot drop from tee to green. You’ll find Zoysia grass on the fairways and tees, with Bentgrass greens and bright white sand bunkers providing sharp contrast against the surrounding hardwood forest.
Originally opened as the Payne Stewart Golf Club, the entire course is a tribute to the Missouri-born golf professional. Each hole was conceived to tell a story, corresponding with a significant moment or aspect of Stewart's life and career. This theme continues inside the traditional clubhouse, where a glassed-in display called the Missouri Golfers Museum holds memorabilia from famed Missouri golfers like Stewart, Tom Watson, and Judy Rankin. Stewart’s Ryder Cup bags and a replica of his 1999 U.S. Open trophy are among the items on view. The clubhouse also contains the Magnolia Grille, a public restaurant and sports bar.
This is a beautiful but very difficult course that demands precision on nearly every shot. Blind approaches and severe elevation shifts are common, making it a serious challenge, not a casual round for beginners. There are six different tee boxes to accommodate a range of skill levels, with lengths from 5,323 to 7,324 yards. The golf carts don't have GPS, so purchasing a yardage book from the pro shop is a common and highly recommended first step.