5 Best 417-land Golf Courses

Beauty is important, but let’s focus on the game. Each course has its challenges and perks, and we’ve rounded up the very best of them in 417-land.

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There’s a lot that goes into a good golf club. There are gourmet restaurants and decked-out clubhouses. There are tennis courts and swimming pools. There are pretty views and hopping bars. But the best golf courses? Well that’s all about the golf. It’s all about the holes. Here are our picks of the five best golf courses in 417-land, with tips from their golf directors and pros on what sets them apart, what their toughest holes are and what events you can see at each spot year after year.

Branson Creek Golf Club

1001 Branson Creek Blvd., Branson; 417-339-4653
bransoncreekgolf.com
Open since: 2000
Length of course: par 71; 7,036 yards
Most-challenging hole/Trademark hole: 14

Mark Ophoven, director of golf and general manager, says this is a par 5 and more than 600 yards, so length is part of the challenge. “Every shot is intimidating,” Ophoven says. There’s water off the tee and a creek that runs along the right side of the entire hole. Plus, it’s narrow, it’s on a hillside and has a waterfall with raging water. “It takes three very good shots to navigate and have a chance for par,” Ophoven says.
Big events: Branson Creek hosts three pro-am tournaments (Cardinal Care Pro-Am, Silver Dollar city Pro-Am and White River Electric Pro-Am) in conjunction with the Price Cutter Charity Championship at Highland Springs Country Club.