Cottages at Buffalo Ridge add to stay-and-play options for Big Cedar Golf

The addition of 20 new cottages perched above the Tiger Woods-designed Payne’s Valley has added to the stay-and-play options for those wanting to sample the offerings at Big Cedar Golf near Branson.

Perched above Payne’s Valley – Woods’ only open public course design in North America (this is its first full season) – they are amenities of Big Cedar Lodge and its five acclaimed golf courses. They are appointed in a style best defined as rustic natural luxury.

The timing is ideal for these golf cottages to open. The sport has been white-hot since the pandemic began, and no place has been hotter than Branson and Big Cedar. Both had record years in 2020, and 2021 has continued their ascent. The cottages are located by several of the destination’s acclaimed golf courses, a much-desired component that traveling golfers covet.

The cottages range from one to four bedrooms, each bedroom has its own private bathroom. Bathrooms have large walk-in showers and often oversized soaking tubs. One-bedroom cottages have kitchenettes, while larger units have full kitchens and living rooms. All have wood burning, hand built, river rock fireplaces and expansive decks with amazing views and gas grills.

The cottages have lockers for sets of clubs near their entryways, a unique touch that adds to the golf experience. Exposed wood beams, hand-hammered copper, and handsome leather furniture abounds throughout the units. While any of them are ideal for two or more golfers, couples, or friends, the pinnacle is “John’s Cabin,” named for resort owner and Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris. With extremely high ceilings, the four-bedroom masterpiece has a commercial-style kitchen, large bar, immense patio, a plunge pool, and a private putting green.

Better yet, there are two more John’s Cabins opening August 1. Both are located below the other cottages, near the tee of Payne’s Valley’s signature 19th hole – “The Big Rock.” The otherworldly hole features an island green surrounded by towering limestone formations and waterfalls cascading down them.

While booking a tee time at Payne’s Valley has been a challenge this summer, the destination’s other nine courses combine with it to make Branson a coveted location for traveling golfers.  Branson courses include Buffalo Ridge Springs (Tom Fazio/Johnny Morris), Branson Hills (Chuck Smith/Bobby Clampett), Ozarks National (Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw), Ledgestone (Tom Clark), Top of the Rock (Jack Nicklaus), Mountain Top (Gary Player), Thousand Hills (Bob Cupp), The Pointe, and Holiday Hills.

“Branson provides a first-class collection of golf courses,” said Lynn Berry, Branson CVB Director of Communications. “Adding Big Cedar’s luxury cottages makes the golf destination instantly better.”

For more information, visit ExploreBranson.com/golf, or Facebook.com/BransonGolf