Payne's Valley Course
Hollister, MO, USA
Payne's Valley, the first public-access course designed by Tiger Woods' TGR Design, is a testament to the Ozark Mountain landscape it calls home. Carved into the rugged terrain of southwest Missouri, the course presents a modern aesthetic, cleverly using exposed rock outcroppings and dramatic elevation changes to both challenge and inspire. Fairways generally run wide, a friendly gesture on a demanding layout that ultimately favors a strategic approach rather than brute force, a feature intended to honor the late Payne Stewart. While still relatively young, Payne's Valley quickly captured attention for its stunning 19th hole, a breathtaking par-3 island green nestled at the base of a towering limestone cliff. This signature hole has become a visual icon, emblematic of the course's commitment to blending world-class golf with the natural beauty of the region. Its design seeks to test while also showcasing the dramatic landscape for a memorable finish. Adding to the course's unique character are the contributions of Johnny Morris, the visionary behind the larger Big Cedar Lodge resort. Morris's passion for conservation and his commitment to honoring the legacy of Payne Stewart are woven throughout the Payne's Valley experience. The course serves as a tribute to Stewart's enduring impact on the game, not just in design, but in spirit.
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
Public: #116
Best in USA
Public: #50
Best in MO
Public: #1
Golfers say Payne's Valley delivers a memorable experience anchored by dramatic Ozark views, wide fairways, and standout features like the cliffside 19th hole. Most praise the course's conditioning—noting pristine greens, bunkers, and fairways—and appreciate the forgiving layout designed for fun, though some find it lacks strategic challenge and memorable holes beyond a handful of standouts. Reviewers consistently highlight the exceptional service, impressive clubhouse perched atop the mountain, and the overall spectacle of the setting, with rock formations and waterfalls adding to the visual appeal. While a few feel the Tiger Woods design is overrated from a pure golf perspective and that other Big Cedar courses offer stronger layouts, nearly all agree the experience and atmosphere make it worth the visit.
8.6
145 players
My wife and I spent our honeymoon at Big Cedar and my best man decided to surprise me with a round at Paynes Valley as a wedding gift, and what a gift it was. Payne’s Valley is a gem, it was such a joy to play. The course features wide fairways , stunning views at every turn, and is right in front of you if you hit the right shots. It’s meant to be fun and the finishing hole is incredible. We cannot wait to go back and play again someday soon.
Played December 31st so the course was definitely not what it normally was but every turn has a view and a tough shot. Loved the track and hope to play it in mid season form.
Not my personal favorite from the Big Cedar Lodge collection, but definitely their “star of the show”. From the clubhouse and locker room, to the infamous 19th hole, it is an overall golf experience you will not forget or get anywhere else. Do I think the actual course its-self is slightly over rated from a pure golf perspective? Yes (sorry Eldrick). Do I think it is worth the trip? 100%
Paynes Valley is in great shape… but it may be the easiest course ever. You can hit the ball 80 yards each direction and be in the fairway.
I will not act like this wasn’t a blast to play. Huge and broad and very beautiful up perched on the ozarks, but you have about 5/6 memorable holes and then a ton of holes I cannot remember for the life of me. Course was manicured perfectly and the service was cool, but I just don’t think Tiger knows how to design a good strategic and memorable golf course. Slapping his name on it drives the cost way up though. Still a boatload of fun though, but the other courses on property kick it’s a$$.
Big, bold, and built for fun. Tiger’s first public design swings through the Ozarks with wide fairways, dramatic elevation changes, and views that don’t quit. It’s forgiving off the tee but demanding around the greens, with enough risk-reward moments to keep you grinning or groaning. The walk-off 19th hole carved into the cliffside is pure spectacle. A fitting tribute to Payne Stewart and the spirit of Missouri golf.
What an amazing place to be! Driving up the clubhouse on top of the mountain you can see it from a few miles away. Once you are up there it’s almost like you are in another world. The vastness of this course is truly something special. The greens were spinny, bunkers were in perfect shape, and the fairways were also very spinny. PV wants you to drive carts on the fairways. I know some people might not like the course, but the overall feel here is truly special. You have large rock formations and also waterfalls everywhere. I loved the holes on the water and also the elevation on some of the tee boxes. Also the drive up to the 19th hole and being able to take a shot at a hole in one there was a very cool thing to do. Then you get the 5 minute cart ride back to the clubhouse. There is an awesome driving range and chipping area at Ozarks National which is a small golf cart ride away. The putting green is awesome here and they also have a 9 hole putting course as well called the Tom Watson putting course. I’m not sure you could have a nicer staff as well. Paynes might not be the greatest course out there, but the fun and experience of it all makes it all worth it!
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FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Payne's Valley has a Course Vaults score of 8.6 out of 10 based on 79 explicit golfer ratings.
Yes. Payne's Valley is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Payne's Valley is 72.
Payne's Valley plays 7,370 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Payne's Valley is 132.
Payne's Valley is a 18-hole course.
