Tiger Woods designed a new public golf course near Branson. Here’s how you can play it

Golfers are about to get a chance to play at least some of the holes at the first public golf course designed by Tiger Woods.

Payne’s Valley, which is being designed by Woods and his firm, TGR Design, will open for preview play Friday (March 6) at Big Cedar Lodge, which is located near Branson in Hollister, Missouri.

Golfers will able to play 13 the holes that are ready. Carts will be required, and golfers will be allowed to use them to see the course’s unfinished holes.

The remaining holes on the new track are expected to open later this year. The course will include a 19th hole intended to be used for settling wagers.

During a visit to the course last year, Woods said he doesn’t want golfers to find it too difficult.

“I want to see a lot of birdies made here,” Woods said. “I have always felt that golf is about bringing people together and this has served as my inspiration to design fun and playable courses. ...

“I have wide landing areas, open green fronts, and tightly mowed green surroundings. Wide landing areas off the tee means less lost golf balls, making the game more enjoyable and helping to speed up play. Open green fronts allow for golf balls to be bounced up onto the greens, adding to the available shot options and giving shorter hitters an alternative to the high shot with lots of spin.”

The course is named for the late Payne Stewart, a Springfield native who won three major championships before he died in an airplane crash in 1999 at 42.

The greens fee during the preview is $195 per person for adults, with a $130 replay rate, and $55 for juniors.

Tee times can only be booked by calling 800-225-6343.

This story was originally published March 5, 2020 at 5:16 PM.