Payne’s Valley Golf Course, located in the picturesque Ozark Mountains in Hollister, Missouri, is a stunning tribute to the late American golfing legend, Payne Stewart. Designed by renowned golf course architect, Tom Fazio, and professional golfer, Tiger Woods, Payne’s Valley offers a unique and thrilling golfing experience that both amateurs and seasoned players can appreciate. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the course layout, the design features, and the overall experience that makes Payne’s Valley a must-play destination for golf enthusiasts.
Course Layout and Design
Payne’s Valley Golf Course is an 18-hole, par-72 public course that spans 7,370 yards. The course features a mix of challenging and forgiving holes, with varying elevation changes, strategically placed bunkers, and water hazards. The rolling terrain of the Ozarks adds a natural beauty to the course, with native grasses and mature trees lining the fairways.
The design takes advantage of the natural landscape, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Each hole is uniquely crafted, ensuring that no two holes are alike, and players must use their creativity and skill to navigate the course successfully.
Signature Holes
Payne’s Valley boasts several signature holes that golfers should look forward to playing. One of the most memorable is the par-5, 7th hole, nicknamed “The Cliffhanger.” This hole is known for its dramatic elevation change, where golfers must navigate a tee shot across a ravine, followed by a blind second shot uphill to reach the green. It’s both a challenging and visually stunning hole that leaves a lasting impression.
Another standout hole is the par-3, 16th, known as “Payne’s Plunge.” Golfers are challenged with a daunting tee shot over a water hazard, with the green perched on the edge of a cliff, requiring precise club selection and accuracy to avoid a watery fate.
Amenities and Facilities
Payne’s Valley Golf Course is part of the Big Cedar Lodge, a premier golf destination that offers a range of amenities and facilities. The course has a fully-equipped pro shop, stocked with the latest golf equipment and apparel. The clubhouse features a restaurant and bar, where golfers can unwind after a round and enjoy a meal with stunning views of the course.
Additionally, the course offers top-notch practice facilities, including a driving range, chipping green, and putting green, allowing players to fine-tune their skills before taking on the course.
Environmental Commitment
Payne’s Valley Golf Course is dedicated to environmental sustainability and preserving the natural beauty of the Ozark Mountains. The course has been designed with a focus on minimizing its ecological footprint through careful water management, native plant restoration, and wildlife habitat preservation. Golfers can feel good knowing that their round at Payne’s Valley supports responsible stewardship of the land and its resources.
PGA Involvement
The Payne’s Valley Golf Course has garnered attention from the PGA, and plans are underway to host several prestigious tournaments in the coming years. This course’s inclusion in the professional golfing circuit is a testament to its challenging design and impeccable condition, ensuring that golfers can expect a world-class experience during their visit.
Stay-and-Play Packages
Visitors to Payne’s Valley Golf Course have the option to take advantage of the Big Cedar Lodge’s stay-and-play packages, which include luxurious accommodations, access to multiple courses, and various other amenities. With these packages, golfers can experience not just Payne’s Valley, but also other top-tier courses like Ozarks National, Buffalo Ridge Springs, and Mountain Top Course. This makes for a complete and memorable golf vacation in the heart of the Ozarks.
Instruction and Clinics
For golfers looking to improve their game, Payne’s Valley Golf Course offers instructional programs and clinics led by experienced PGA professionals. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the fundamentals or an experienced player seeking to fine-tune your skills, these programs provide personalized instruction tailored to your specific needs. Golfers can choose from individual lessons, group clinics, and multi-day golf schools to enhance their experience at Payne’s Valley.
Junior Golf Programs
Payne’s Valley Golf Course is committed to nurturing the next generation of golfers, offering junior golf programs aimed at introducing and developing young players’ skills. These programs, led by PGA professionals, provide a fun and engaging environment for kids to learn the game while fostering sportsmanship, integrity, and a lifelong love for golf.
Course Features
| Feature | Hole 1 | Hole 2 | Hole 3 | Hole 4 | Hole 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairway Type | Bent | Bent | Bent | Bent | Bent |
| Greens Type | Bent | Bent | Bent | Bent | Bent |
| Water Hazards | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Bunkers | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 6 |
| Doglegs | No | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Elevation Changes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Trees | Many | Few | Many | Many | Many |
| Cart Path Only | No | No | No | No | No |
| Walking Allowed | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate | Easy | Hard | Moderate | Hard |
Course Facilities
| Facility | Availability | Quality | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clubhouse | Yes | 5/5 | Spacious and modern, with a restaurant and bar |
| Pro Shop | Yes | 5/5 | Offers a wide range of golf equipment and gear |
| Driving Range | Yes | 4/5 | Grass tees, multiple targets |
| Putting Green | Yes | 5/5 | Large practice area, well-maintained |
| Chipping Area | Yes | 4/5 | Includes a bunker for sand practice |
| Locker Rooms | Yes | 4/5 | Clean, with showers and lockers available |
| Rental Clubs | Yes | 4/5 | Offers various brands and models |
| Golf Carts | Yes | 5/5 | Equipped with GPS, comfortable seating |
| On-Course Restrooms | Yes | 3/5 | Located every 3 |
| Beverage Cart | Yes | 4/5 | Offers snacks and drinks, frequent rounds |
Scenic Beauty
| Hole | Scenic Beauty | Notable Views |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4/5 | Elevated tee, views of the Ozark Mountains |
| 2 | 4/5 | Water feature, surrounding trees |
| 3 | 5/5 | Dramatic elevation changes, valley views |
| 4 | 3/5 | Rolling terrain, dense tree line |
| 5 | 4/5 | Lakeside hole, lush greenery |
| 6 | 3/5 | Tree-lined fairway, subtle elevation changes |
| 7 | 5/5 | Stunning waterfalls, rocky outcroppings |
| 8 | 4/5 | Challenging dogleg, beautiful surrounding landscape |
| 9 | 4/5 | Elevated green, panoramic views of the valley |
| 10 | 3/5 | Fairway bunkers, mountain backdrop |
Customer Reviews
| Category | Rating | Review Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Course Conditions | 4.5/5 | Well-maintained fairways and greens, beautiful landscaping |
| Pace of Play | 4/5 | Generally good, but can be slow during peak hours |
| Staff Friendliness | 4.5/5 | Professional and courteous, attentive to golfer needs |
| Value for Money | 3.5/5 | Slightly expensive, but worth the experience |
| Course Difficulty | 4/5 | Challenging but fair, suitable for various skill levels |
| Scenic Beauty | 5/5 | Breathtaking views, unique natural features, picturesque holes |
| Clubhouse | 5/5 | Modern amenities, excellent restaurant and bar |
| Practice Facilities | 4.5/5 | High-quality driving range, putting green, and chipping area |
| Overall Experience | 4.5/5 | A must-play course for golf enthusiasts, great design |
Final Thoughts
Payne’s Valley Golf Course is an exceptional golfing destination that offers a challenging and enjoyable experience for players of all skill levels. The course’s beautiful design, strategic layout, and captivating scenery make it an unforgettable golfing experience. Whether you’re a Payne Stewart fan or just a golf enthusiast looking for a fantastic round, Payne’s Valley Golf Course is well worth a visit.
