Evan Schiller
Evan Schiller
Evan Schiller
Evan Schiller
Evan Schiller
Evan Schiller
Evan Schiller
Evan Schiller
Big Cedar Lodge: Ozarks National
Hollister, MO•Public
Awards
Panelists Score
Big Cedar Lodge: Ozarks National
1250 Golf Club Dr.
Hollister, MO 65672
United States
Telephone
Overview
The Ozarks of southern Missouri are not tall, but their ridge-and-valley topography provides a sense of heightened elevation. Ozarks National at Big Cedar Lodge takes advantage of the illusion with holes that run out along ridgetops and onto elongated fingers of land that fall off into wooded ravines. Formerly the site of a different, much narrower golf course, Coore & Crenshaw found ways to widen out many of the same spaces and added new holes on previously unused parts of the property. Though not as broad as is customary for the designers, the cant of the holes and the engaging fairway bunkering put a premium on shaping shots and hitting the correct line off the tee.
About
Golf Digest Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 Greatest / Best In State Scores
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“Amazing Campus"
Read More2026
Review
“A wonderful routing by Bill Coore across a challenging property leads the player atop ridges and through valleys with beautiful views throughout. The course condition was superb - among the best for a resort course. Great variety of shot options, shot shapes, etc. Just a great deal of fun!"
Read More2026
Review
“Coore and Crenshaw crafted a beautiful course in Ozarks National that flows for all 18 holes. Sweeping landscapes on a number of holes where the right line off the tee is rewarded."
Read More2026
Review
“Coore and Crenshaw crafted a beautiful course in Ozarks National that flows for all 18 holes. Sweeping landscapes on a number of holes where the right line off the tee is rewarded."
Read More2026
Review
“Payne’s Valley is a perfect resort course as it is beautiful and very fun to play and not too challenging. This is the perfect course to play first in the rotation. The 19th hole is also a blast."
Read More2026
Review
“Ozarks National is plays across hills and ridges on a very windy site. The back nine presents a series of difficult par fours that require lengthy, often uphill, shots into greens. Fairways are generous but hazards, including bunkers, can be very penal. The course is a great balance to Big Cedar's other two and feels like the "soul" of the resort."
Read More2025
Review
“Ozarks National is plays across hills and ridges on a very windy site. The back nine presents a series of difficult par fours that require lengthy, often uphill, shots into greens. Fairways are generous but hazards, including bunkers, can be very penal. The course is a great balance to Big Cedar's other two and feels like the "soul" of the resort."
Read More2025
Review
“Coore & Crenshaw's rugged design at Ozarks National presents a stern test of golf set along dramatic ridgelines with sweeping vistas of the surrounding countryside. The course demands precision and careful strategy, particularly in windy conditions which are common given its exposed, elevated setting. While the firm and fast conditions and numerous false fronts can prove challenging, the wide fairways provide reasonable landing areas off the tee. The minimalist design philosophy is evident throughout, with natural contours and subtle features that reveal themselves through multiple plays. The stunning 468-foot-long wooden beam bridge connecting holes 13 and 14 serves as an architectural highlight. Though it may not be as immediately engaging as its Big Cedar Lodge siblings, Ozarks National rewards thoughtful play and course management with a pure golf experience that grows on you with each round."
Read More2025
Review
“This is a rating for Payne's Valley. The web site lists multiple courses for Big Cedar so not sure what course will show up when I submit. A spectacular course with amazing views and rock formations. Not as challenging as Ozark National and Buffalo ridge but still has a lot of layout variety and shot options. Greens were firm and smooth. Many elevation changes."
Read More2024
Review
“Another great course at Big Cedar Lodge. Course sits up high so you get the chance for some amazing views and windy shots."
Read More2023
