Payne's Valley Golf Course — Local services in Hollister

More pros than cons. Played the couple par 3's and Buff, Payne, and Ozark. Pros: Service was excellent across the facilities and restaurants. We stayed a bit further away near camp long creek. I'd recommend staying closer. The fore caddy (Shane) we had was experienced, had a good attitude, and had a separate cart to get around to all four of us. These are not walking courses for the most part. Courses were all in pretty solid shape. If I had to rank them in order of how much I enjoyed them... OzarkBuffPaynes in that order. Paynes was 'neat' and maybe slightly gimmicky... as the 19th hole was cool, the drive up, wide fairways, etc. but nothing too special. After the construction, I could see me liking Paynes more but it still may not change the order for me. Ozark and Buff were more 'traditional' courses but they felt more carved into nature instead of plowing it to carve what you want. Branson is generally a nice area. Bag pipes at sun down at one of the restaurants with a cannon going off. Nice area to walk around if you have the time.

Cons: There is a lot of construction going on at Paynes, and while that happens... they don't mention it anywhere on the website, when you call, or (not expected) offer a small discount. They are making a really cool par 3 course on the side of the hill that will be complete in 2025(?). Paynes is around twice the cost as Ozark/Buff. The par 3 course prices don't make sense. The Top of the Rock is only 9 holes and was around $135. Mountain Top is 13 holes and $80. I guess the extra $55 was for carts... but $110 between 2 players to use a cart is steep... especially for 4 less holes and only 9 holes. Also, 4 years ago, there was a sinkhole that sunk the practice area at Top of the Rock, so no putting/chipping/short wedges before you're off playing 9 holes for $135. 4 years is awhile ago. To not have a small chipping/putting area and maybe a couple nets and turf area set up after 4 years is... odd. Again... no mention of this on the website or prior to showing up to the course. We showed up 40 mins before our tee time after getting off the plane to try to have some time to loosen up and... were told when we showed up.

That is probably the biggest con... anything that is negative or would turn people away... all the construction on the more expensive paynes course or the lack of practice area at an expensive par 3 course was not mentioned any time we called or more specifically, on the website. If a hotel has a bunch of construction going on, they typically have it listed on their website. You're out in nature and there is large heavy machinery making a lot noise on several holes you paid $350 to play at when you were hoping to hear the sound of golf + nature... and maybe your buddy swearing after shanking it...

I don't even know how to describe the beauty and condition of this golf course. It should be on every golfers bucket list of places to play. I actually played with friends who have played places like Pebble, Streamsong, Torrey Pines, and they said this was unlike anything they have played before.

The condition of the course is beyond immaculate. The zoysia fairways were like a high grade carpet and the ball sat up like it was on a tee. The greens were amazing and we went three weeks after aeration. They were firm but the ball held nicely. Speed wise they were not super quick and easy to play for less skilled golfers. For first timers, I would recommend taking a caddy. You will have an easier time knowing which parts of the fairways and greens to hit it to, and avoid. There is not one thing out of place on the entire course and not one weed, piece of crab grass, or anything out of place. The bunkers were filled with plush sand that was not hard to play out of. Fairways are generous although there are some hazards to make it a little bit of a challenge. They knew what they were doing during design with placement of fairway bunkers and green complexes.

The practice facilities followed along with the theme of second to none. They have an amazing range and a really cool short game practice facility. Practice greens rolled true to course conditions, which can be rare depending on where you are.

The 19th hole and the cart path leading back to the clubhouse are the perfect way to end an unbelievable round of golf. They provide you with a free picture of your group so you can long to go back every time you see it at your house or office!

The views and vistas of the course are second to none. Everywhere you look you want to take a picture. Water features are all across the course with amazing waterfalls and ponds. The staff was unbelievably professional and accommodating. Bryan from the check in/cart area went way above and beyond. When we were playing we didn't really have too much time to look around and shop the Crows Nest at the turn. They have some unique souvenirs there that you cant get in the clubhouse and we wanted to go back a few days later. He arranged for a staff member to take us all the way back down there and shop. Amazing!

The clubhouse was unbelievable. Such a warm and inviting place with the most unreal 360 degree panoramic views of the entire property. The Mountain Top Grill was an awesome place to get dinner after our round. It was reasonably priced and our waiter Robert was great. He knew a lot about the properties and answered all of our questions. He also made some great recommendations for places to spend time on property, including the Buzzard Bar.

What an amazing trip! We will...

Golf at Payne's Valley and Mountain Top 4 buddies on a 4 day golf trip at Big Cedar. An amazing course with spectactular views! All Big Cedar courses are very nice. Now for the info consumers need to know. If I am paying $225 to play I should not have to listen to jackhammering all day as they keep working on the rock cliffs there. Maybe a discount price like when it was less than 18 holes. LIke I mentioned, great course and views but the contstruction takes away from what should be a great experience and makes it a nice outing. Also for the price of 18, I would think the 19th hole would be included. We were very surprised to find out that you have to buy a one drink minimum to hit onto the 19th green but not allowed to putt out. It is a spectactular view and they do give you a poster of the 19th hole, but they should at least put the details of this on the website, not hide it from paying customers like they know they did. In addition, the staff seems to be still learning and not in a good way. After paying for Mountain Top, good luck knowing where to go for putting green and first tee. A dramatic lack of signs anywhere, not just my opinion but some of the staff also. Plus we were hungry after smelling the BBQ while playing only to find out they sold out of everything. Sure would have been nice to have a bite and drink while sitting on the deck with the great views. Might want to have Famous Dave's bring more food each day since they do not cook the food onsight. Not trying to be Debbie Downer, but wanted folks to know what to expect when going to a world class course. For the money, Big Cedar should listen and adjust so hard working people get the top notch experience this place can provide. I understand that after developing a place like this that Bid Cedar wants to start getting a return on their investment, but don't advertise and charge as if all is complete when all is not. I will play Payne's Valley again when all is complete and review again. Just wanted folks to know when their money is on the counter and taken, what they should honestly expect in return. P.S. Buffalo Ridge was our favorite course, staff and course...