News Summary
Lake of the Ozarks is enhancing its reputation as a premier golf destination with significant developments in golf courses and tournaments. The Oaks Golf Course is expanding its features, while Big Cedar Lodge prepares to debut the dramatic Cliffhangers par-3 course. Additionally, the upcoming Internet Invitational tournament at Big Cedar Lodge promises to attract golf influencers with a substantial prize pool. These initiatives signify the region’s commitment to boosting its golf offerings and appeal to enthusiasts and tourists alike.
Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri – Major Developments in Golf Courses and Tournaments Announced
Recent months have seen significant updates regarding golf facilities and events at Lake of the Ozarks, highlighting the region’s growing reputation as a premier golf destination. These developments include the expansion of local golf courses and the announcement of high-profile tournaments, promising to attract enthusiasts and tourists alike.
New Golf Course Features Scenic Play and Challenging Layouts
The Oaks Golf Course, located in Osage Beach, continues to enhance its reputation with a course that offers both breathtaking views and a challenging playing experience. Designed by renowned architects Robert Von Hagge and Bruce Devlin, the par-71 course was once a historic ski lodge known as the Tan-Tar-A building. Surrounded by natural trees and featuring waterways, the course emphasizes accuracy and strategic play, with rolling landscapes and undulating greens requiring precise shots.
Since 1989, Paul Leahy, the Director of Golf, has managed The Oaks, contributing extensively to the local golf community. Leahy, originally from Iowa, has initiated a junior golf association, fostering youth participation. The course’s layout minimizes roughs, making fairway accuracy especially vital. Additional amenities include daily rates, replay options, and nine-hole rounds, alongside golf club rentals, lessons, and fittings.
Membership and League Opportunities at The Oaks
The Oaks offers various membership packages, including a 2025 unlimited golf membership that waives league fees and provides discounts, with options tailored for families, singles, and juniors. The course hosts three weekly leagues: a men’s league on Thursdays, a women’s league on Wednesdays, and a couples’ league on Sundays. Amenities such as a beverage cart operating daily through the fall and the Oaks Bar serving snacks and drinks from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. support a full-service experience for players.
Big Cedar Lodge Announces New and Exciting Golf Events
At Big Cedar Lodge, plans are underway to debut a uniquely dramatic new golf attraction. Cliffhangers, a par-3 course set to open on July 4, is designed by Johnny Morris and his son. This course promises to be the most dramatic par-3 course globally, featuring steep mountain trails, waterfalls, and challenging terrain that aims to provide a one-of-a-kind golfing adventure for players of all skill levels.
Big Cedar Lodge already boasts a portfolio of five high-quality courses, including the acclaimed Ozarks National and Top of the Rock. The addition of Cliffhangers further solidifies the site’s reputation as a top-tier golf resort destination.
Upcoming High-Profile Tournament and Events
An exciting addition to the golf calendar at Lake of the Ozarks is the upcoming Internet Invitational, scheduled for August 12-16 at Big Cedar Lodge. Organized by Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, the tournament will feature a minimum prize pool of $1 million. It is designed as an invitation-only event targeting golf influencers and content creators, aiming to generate high visibility within the golf and social media communities.
The tournament format emphasizes a relaxed, fun atmosphere, encouraging participants to embrace the unpredictability of golf shots, even those deemed less successful. This approach aims to make the event accessible and entertaining for both competitors and spectators.
Recognition and Regional Significance
Big Cedar Lodge has received national recognition, being named the No. 1 golf resort in the United States by Readers’ Choice Awards. The ongoing investments in new courses and high-profile tournaments demonstrate Lake of the Ozarks’ commitment to expanding its golf offerings and attracting both casual and serious players to the area.
With these developments, Lake of the Ozarks continues to position itself as an important hub for golf enthusiasts, combining scenic landscapes, challenging courses, and exciting competitive events in a region renowned for its natural beauty and hospitality.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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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
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
