
Ozark's National Course
Big Cedar Lodge
About this course
Ozarks National, etched into the rugged landscape of the Missouri Ozarks, presents a raw and demanding test of golf that echoes the untamed spirit of the region. This modern marvel, sculpted from dense hardwood forest and exposed rock outcroppings, feels like a journey into a forgotten corner of the American heartland. The course favors players who can move the ball right to left, with numerous doglegs and strategically placed hazards punishing those who challenge the terrain without respect. Designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, Ozarks National deliberately avoids the manicured perfection of many contemporary courses. Instead, it embraces the natural contours and unpredictable elements of the Ozark Mountains. While not yet a stage for major championships, its challenging layout and breathtaking views have quickly garnered attention and praise within the golf community. The essence of Ozarks National is perhaps best captured by its iconic 13th hole. The tee box is perched atop a bluff overlooking a deep valley. A forced carry over a chasm to a narrow fairway framed by ancient oaks makes it one of the most visually intimidating and strategically compelling shots in the region. The clubhouse, known for its hearty, home-style barbecue, provides a warm respite after a round spent battling the course's inherent challenges.
Rankings
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.
Best in World
Best in USA
Best in MO
Quick facts
- Location
- Hollister, MO, USA
- Access
- Public
- Holes
- 18
- Par
- 71
- Length
- 7,036 yards
- Difficulty
- 131
- Course Vaults score
- 8.5
Getting there
Big Cedar Lodge is most readily accessed via Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF), a comfortable seventy-minute drive south through the rolling Ozark plateau, or Kansas City International (MCI), roughly two hours to the north - both gateways to the region's quiet, forested interior. For private aviation, nearby Branson Airport (BYG) sits just thirty minutes away, offering discreet arrival for those seeking seamless access to the lodge's sprawling grounds. The final descent into Hollister trades interstate efficiency for winding roads that slip through dense oak and hickory forest, the landscape gradually revealing itself as one of America's most storied resort destinations - a transition that mirrors the lodge's own philosophy of civilized retreat nestled deep within the Ozark wilderness.

FAQ
Common questions about Ozark's National at Big Cedar Lodge
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Ozark's National at Big Cedar Lodge has a Course Vaults score of 8.5 out of 10 based on 129 logged golfers.
Yes. Ozark's National at Big Cedar Lodge is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Ozark's National is 71.
Ozark's National plays 7,036 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Ozark's National is 131.
Ozark's National is a 18-hole course.





