Cliffhangers Par 3 Golf Course at Big Cedar Lodge to Debut on Independence Day, July 4th
Big Cedar Lodge's Cliffhangers: A Golfing Adventure in Missouri's Ozarks
On July 4th, Big Cedar Lodge will open its newest addition, the Par 3 Cliffhangers course, making it the first destination resort in the U.S. to boast three short courses. Originally envisioned as a practice facility, Cliffhangers transformed into an exhilarating, adventure-filled, 18-hole course.
Johnny Morris, the brains behind Bass Pro Shops and Big Cedar Lodge, describes Cliffhangers as "golf on the edge…literally"[1]. Carved into 50 acres of limestone cliffs, with a total descent of around 400 feet[4], this course offers a rugged layout that's nothing short of breathtaking. Situated adjacent to the Tiger Woods-designed Payne's Valley course, Cliffhangers takes adventure golf to new heights.
Traversing steep mountain trails and undulating greens, players will not only enjoy breathtaking Ozarks scenery but also encounter cascading waterfalls, swift-flowing creeks, and even a cave system[1]. The finishing holes might even rival the Instagram-famous, photo-worthy par 3 19th hole on neighboring Payne's Valley, with one tee shot possibly launching from inside a cavern through a gentle waterfall[2].
Cliffhangers stands out from Big Cedar Lodge's other courses, with its challenging elevation changes, stunning vistas, and holiday-themed design that sees holes clinging to cliffs and crossing over creeks[1]. While there are 18 holes, the course also features two "death-defying" cliffhanger tee boxes on the 1st and 10th holes, offering players an additional chance for a hole-in-one[4].
With Cliffhangers, Big Cedar Lodge cements its place as one of the premier golf resorts in the U.S. Its diverse collection of courses, which include regulation-length layouts such as Payne's Valley, Ozark National, and Buffalo Ridge, make it a must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts[1].
Inspired by his fond memories of the Ozark region, Johnny Morris has transformed Big Cedar Lodge into a year-round, 4,600-acre eco-friendly haven, connecting nature-lovers from across the Midwest and beyond with the great outdoors[3]. Although a keen fisherman and hunter himself, Morris recognizes golf's importance as a key part of the outdoor experience for millions of Americans, offering various physical, mental, and social benefits[3].
The diverse terrain and natural beauty of the Ozarks provide the perfect playground for innovative and dramatic golf designs. Johnny Morris and his son John Paul Morris have proven this through their previous designs: the pristinely manicured 9-hole Top of the Rock course and the picturesque 13-hole Mountain Top layout[1]. Cliffhangers is the latest example of their commitment to reimagining the golf experience and creating a sense of adventure on the course.
This new Par 3 course at Big Cedar Lodge, the Cliffhangers, is set to open on July 4th, offering a unique golfing experience with breathtaking Ozarks scenery, cliffhanger tee boxes, and challenging elevation changes. Beyond being a golf destination, Big Cedar Lodge is also a hub for sports enthusiasts, with the diverse range of courses including Johnny Morris's latest creation, Cliffhangers.
