Payne’s Valley Golf Course
Course Name
Payne’s Valley Golf Course
Location
Branson, MO (Hollister)
Address
1250 Golf Club Dr, Hollister, MO 65672
Phone
Course Type
Public
Holes
18
Par
72
Quality/Cost Ratio (1 to 10)
8.5
Course Condition
9.5
Difficulty
8.5
Fairway Grass
Meyer Zoysia
Green Type
Bent
Rough
Fescue
Stimpmeter
10
Clubhouse
Large, rustic, fully equipped
Walkability
6
Slope
102 – 132
Yardage
4,957 – 7,370
Overall Rating (1 to 5):
Comments
After playing Buffalo Ridge a few years ago, I thought I had played the best course in Missouri. And, at the time, I had – but things change. Johnny Morris, the billionaire visionary behind the Bass Pro Shops juggernaut (and Buffalo Ridge), has outdone himself with the creation of Payne’s Valley Golf Course. Payne’s Valley pays homage to Ozarks-native and World Golf Hall of Fame member, Payne Stewart. It is the first public-access golf course designed by Tiger Woods and his golf course design firm, TGR Design.
By itself, PV would certainly be in the top 5 courses in the state but, what sets it apart from the rest of the field are all of the extras. Payne’s Valley is a cross between a world-class golf course, the log ride at 6 Flags and the cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde. PV is more than a golf course; it also offers guests a unique experience they will not find at any other course in the state or, quite possibly, the country. When you finish your round at PV, you leave with a sense of excitement; like you feel after attending the Cardinals winning game 1 of the World Series.
Even a bad round will be overshadowed by the experience of playing Payne’s Valley.
Since playing PV, I have had an on-going debate with one of my golf buddies who says the course is overdone. Too overdone to be ranked as the top course in Missouri. But, I hold firm in my conviction that PV’s course conditions, layout, grasses, etc. are just as nice, if not nicer, than the top courses in the state. It checks all of the boxes: Extraordinarily well-maintained course – check. Beautiful grasses – check. Challenging, fast greens that roll true – check. Interesting holes – check. Beautiful clubhouse and pro shop – check. Professional and accommodating staff – check. Stunning views – check. Check, check and check. But, then you have the extras, like the 19th hole, which you have seen in pictures, articles and television coverage. If you haven’t, look at the pictures in this posting.
The only knock on the course is the pace of play, but I am going to forgive PV for a 5 hour round since the overall experience more than compensates for this small inconvenience.
Most importantly, playing Payne’s Valley is simply Fun! Maybe more fun than I have ever had playing a golf course. If you have the opportunity to play Payne’s Valley Golf Course, take it. You will never forget it.