A Hidden Gem in the Ozarks

By Ashlee Ciora, CEO & Founder / Women on Fairways, LLC

There’s a place where your daily morning routine is replaced by a sunrise on your patio. Where the sounds of life turn into peaceful sounds of nature, and where rustic luxury meets pristine fairways and greens. It’s a golfer’s hidden gem in the middle of Missouri's Ozark Mountains.

In August, Women on Fairways took a group of 12 ladies to Big Cedar Lodge on a Swing & Sip Golf Experience – golf trips designed for women. A first-time visit for all, the group was amazed by the beauty of the Ozarks and the quality of the five award-winning courses. A short drive from Branson and an hour from Springfield/Branson National Airport, golfers have been filling up tee sheets and the destination has quickly become a bucket list experience.

The group stayed at Falls Lodge, a building perched high on the hillside, with views of the sprawling property and Table Rock Lake. We highly recommend the sought after Falls Lodge, with its rustic luxury feel, the rooms include the necessary comforts from home. This lodge has the most upgraded amenities and offers private balconies, bath amenities, refrigerators, and gas fireplaces. Don’t be surprised by the array of mounted animals in your room or in any the public spaces!

The golf courses welcomed my group with scenic beauty, awe-inspiring fairways, challenging blind spots, and some interesting short-game shots. The rounds were close to five hours, even with GPS carts and a forecaddie, but the courses still exceed the group's expectations. Payne’s Valley back nine leading to the 19th hole is an unbelievable experience you won’t find on any other golf course. Buffalo Ridge was a favorite, where buffalos roam green pastures and water features present a pleasant surprise. Ozark National was the toughest of them all, even with a forecaddie to ease course management. To top it off (no pun intended), the par-3 Top of the Rock is a must-play for any golfer. This nine-hole course can be played under two hours and is a showstopper with panoramic views of Ozark Mountains and Table Rock Lake.

Designing experiential golf trips for women, Women on Fairways combines amazing golf with unique experiences enjoyed off the fairways. Golf was the anchor that brought this group together, but the off-course activities added another level to this memorable golf trip. A sunrise yoga class, a sunset dinner cruise, wine cave tastings, evening dinners, Scottish bagpiper, cave trail ride, and a private dinner at Osage Restaurant. A hidden gem golf itinerary designed for women by women.

We have already confirmed October 16-20, 2024 for our next Swing & Sip Golf Experience to Big Cedar Lodge. The rooms are booked at Falls Lodge and tee times secured at Payne’s Valley, Ozark National, Buffalo Ridge, and Top of the Rock. We can’t image what fall golf will look like in the Ozarks and are excited to bring a group of women in 2024. To book a spot on this golf trip visit Women on Fairways at www.womenonfairways.com/golf-trips or contact aciora@womenonfairways.com.