News Summary
Lake of the Ozarks has introduced new golf courses and tournaments, enhancing its reputation as a premier golfing destination. The Oaks Golf Course in Osage Beach offers a par-71 layout designed by renowned architects, while Big Cedar Lodge will unveil the Cliffhangers course. Further, an exclusive ‘Internet Invitational’ tournament will attract golf influencers and enthusiasts, signaling a vibrant future for golf in the area.
New Golf Courses and Tournaments Announced at Lake of the Ozarks
Lake of the Ozarks has introduced exciting developments in the golf scene, with the unveiling of new golf courses and forthcoming tournaments. The area continues to attract golf enthusiasts, offering stunning views and challenging play opportunities, enhancing its reputation as a premier golfing destination.
The Oaks Golf Course, located in Osage Beach, is among the key highlights. Designed by renowned architects Robert Von Hagge and Bruce Devlin, The Oaks caters to golfers of all skill levels. The course, formerly a ski lodge known as Tan-Tar-A, combines challenging waterways and lush tree coverage, requiring precision for successful play. With a par-71 layout, it features rolling landscapes and undulating greens that make accuracy essential. The course has limited rough, emphasizing the importance of fairways for scoring.
Director of Golf Paul Leahy has been at the helm of The Oaks since 1989. Originally hailing from Iowa, Leahy has made significant contributions to the local golf community, including initiating a junior golf association. The Oaks offers various playing options, including daily rates, replay rates, and nine-hole rounds, ensuring that golfers can find a suitable fit for their schedule. Club rentals and golf lessons are also available for those looking to improve their game.
The Oaks Golf Course provides enticing membership options for 2025, featuring unlimited golf, waived league fees, and discounts, with plans available for families, singles, and juniors. Golf leagues further enhance the experience, with three weekly options: a men’s league on Thursdays, a women’s league on Wednesdays, and a couples’ league on Sundays. Moreover, a beverage cart operates daily through the fall, and the Oaks Bar serves snacks, coffee, and drinks from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., ensuring that golfers are well-catered during their rounds.
Cliffhangers Course at Big Cedar Lodge
In addition to The Oaks, Big Cedar Lodge is set to unveil a new par-3 course named “Cliffhangers” on July 4. Designed by Johnny Morris and his son, this course is touted as the most dramatic par-3 golfing experience in the world. It features steep mountain trails and picturesque waterfalls, offering a unique and thrilling challenge for players.
Big Cedar Lodge already hosts five recognized golf courses, including Ozarks National and Top of the Rock, and has received accolades as the No. 1 golf resort in USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Awards. To further celebrate its offerings, Big Cedar Lodge will host the “Internet Invitational” golf tournament from August 12-16, organized by Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy. This exclusive event invites golf influencers and creators for a unique competition.
The tournament’s prize pool is set at a minimum of $1 million, attracting a diverse group of participants. The format of the event is designed to foster a fun and engaging atmosphere, encouraging players that even bad shots contribute to the overall excitement of the competition. This approach underlines the desire to create a lively event that highlights not only the sport but also the camaraderie among participants.
Conclusion
The expansion of golf facilities and events at Lake of the Ozarks signifies a strong commitment to enhancing the golfing experience in the area. With The Oaks Golf Course providing an inviting atmosphere for players of all levels and the addition of Cliffhangers at Big Cedar Lodge promising breathtaking views, both venues are set to draw significant interest from golf enthusiasts. The forthcoming tournaments further exemplify the region’s role as a key player in the golfing world, making it a must-visit destination for avid golfers.
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Additional Resources
- Golf.com: Big Cedar Lodge Cliffhangers
- OzarksFirst: Top Golf Courses in Missouri
- News-Leader: Barstool Draft Show Golf Tournament
- Travel & Leisure: Gwen Stefani & Blake Shelton Ozarks Vacation
- Lake Expo: Golf Cart Crash in Lake of the Ozarks
- Wikipedia: Lake of the Ozarks
- Google Search: Big Cedar Lodge
- Google Scholar: Golf Tournaments at Lake of the Ozarks
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lake of the Ozarks
- Google News: Golf in Missouri

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