Buffalo Ridge Golf Course
Set against the scenic backdrop of the Ozarks, Buffalo Ridge Golf Course offers an 18-hole layout rich with water features and natural terrain. This public course challenges golfers with fast greens and a unique old-western atmosphere, complete with roaming bison and immaculate conditioning.
Course Overview
Buffalo Ridge Golf Course offers an 18-hole journey through the rolling terrain of the Ozarks, combining natural beauty with a layout that challenges both strategy and precision. Located within Big Cedar Lodge near Hollister, Missouri, this public course invites golfers of varying skill levels to test their game along well-maintained fairways framed by native grasses, mature trees, and striking water hazards. The course’s character embraces an old-western ambiance, amplified by occasional glimpses of roaming bison visible from several holes, adding a rare and captivating element to the experience.
Players will find themselves navigating a blend of gentle rises and subtle elevation changes that require thoughtful club selection and shot placement. Water comes into play consistently across the layout, demanding accuracy off the tee and careful approach shots. Bunkers guard many of the greens, their soft sand providing fair but firm challenges to skillful short-game efforts. The greens themselves are fast and receptive, rewarding thoughtful putting while punishing misjudgments with swift breaks and true rolls.
Buffalo Ridge’s conditioning stands out, with impeccable fairways, tee boxes, and greens maintained to championship standards. The course environment supports walking, encouraging players to soak in the natural surroundings, though sturdy footwear is advised to handle occasional uneven lies and natural underfoot conditions. On-site amenities include a well-stocked pro shop offering quality apparel and equipment, as well as a practice range where golfers can hone their swings before teeing off.
Though the setting captures the serene spirit of the Ozarks, golfers should anticipate a pace of play that can vary based on course traffic, especially during peak times. A caddie is strongly recommended; knowledgeable guides enrich the round with local insight and assist in reading complex greens and hidden hazards.
For those seeking a vibrant golf experience where challenges meet distinctive scenery, Buffalo Ridge Golf Course delivers a blend of nature, skill-testing design, and friendly service that makes every round memorable and encourages return visits.
Course Highlights
The course’s design showcases water features that actively influence play, coupled with bunkers filled with playable sand. Several holes provide views of natural bison herds, enhancing the course’s distinctive atmosphere. Fast, true greens demand precision, while the surrounding Ozark landscape offers a blend of gentle hills and native vegetation, creating both aesthetic appeal and strategic challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Bryan Myers
As an avid golfer, Buffalo Ridge was probably my favorite course to play of the three 18 hole courses available at Big Cedar. It didnt have the views of Ozark and certainly not Payne's, but it did have some holes with beautiful views. The water features are Amazing and it has an old school western town type of feel. The water features are very much in play on many holes. The bison that you can see from various holes are a very neat addition to the atmosphere. The facilities are excellent, as to be expected based on the others we visited. The practice range is amazing as well. The course itself is immaculate. Fairways, greens, and tee boxes were all excellent and the landscaping is also immaculate. It amazed me that when we played all three courses we did not see one weed, piece of crab grass, burnt spot, or damaged area. Bunkers were on par with the other courses and filled with nice sand that you could actually play out of. THE GREENS were by far the fastest of the three 18 hole courses. If you didn't land the ball in the right place on the green you could pay a price. For the most part they did hold pretty well and the ball always rolled true on puts. It wasn't a situation where you would land on the front of the green and it would bounce and roll off. Accuracy was a premium playing here which dedicated golfers really appreciate. We loved it. If you're playing it for the first time I would highly recommend taking a caddy. It will help with target lines on some blind holes and definitely with the approaches. The staff were Amazing as were all courses and really seem to enjoy their jobs. What an epic experience and we cant wait to go back!
Andy Burczyk
The course is in great shape with a unique and challenging layout. The pace of play wasn’t monitored very well. We followed two foursomes that were part of a bachelor party. There were multiple mini liquor bottles, cigar wrappers and half smoke cigars around the greens and tee boxes. Even though we had to wait to tee off on number 10, the ranger told us to speed up on hole 11 as he said he talked to the groups in front of us. By hole 14, there were three groups backed up on the hole and the rest of the day was a hot, slow grind.
Mike Jacobs
Beautiful course. Challenging without beating you up.
Andy Burczyk
The course is in great shape with a unique and challenging layout. The pace of play wasn’t monitored very well. We followed two foursomes that were part of a bachelor party. There were multiple mini liquor bottles, cigar wrappers and half smoke cigars around the greens and tee boxes. Even though we had to wait to tee off on number 10, the ranger told us to speed up on hole 11 as he said he talked to the groups in front of us. By hole 14, there were three groups backed up on the hole and the rest of the day was a hot, slow grind.
Lance Maxwell
The great: Just an absolutely special golf facility with excellent conditioning and fantastic topography/views. Challenging in places, but certainly fair. Another Fazio track I could play every day and never get tired of (if money was no object :)). Golf shop and F&B staff were welcoming and very helpful and in one instance, went out of their way to locate a merchandise item in storage I was hoping for. The subpar: Only 4 stars for this particular review because of some rather unrealistic expectations of pace of play and a couple of missteps by both marshal staff and maintenance crew during the round, including being irrationally threatened by the marshal we would be forced to skip a hole after having to wait 10 minutes on 7 tee box (never having made the group behind us wait and catching back up to the group in front of us by 12 tee). Irrigation on the 7th tee was engaged by maintenance staff in the fairway as we were preparing to tee off (soaking us and everything in our carts). Certainly something that shouldn't happen for a $300/round facility. For a course of this flare and stature, with a fully maximized tee sheet and undulating greens rolling 12 on the stimp, a 4:45 minute round is about right. And honestly, you aren't trying to rush through a round here anyway -- it's an experience course, not your local muni.
Adam Toalson
My son played a tournament practice round at Buffalo ridge. The course was fantastic and every staff member we encountered was very friendly and helpful. The views are second to none! Highly recommended!
Kyle Glander
Absolutely fantastic course in great shape! The views are breathtaking and the active wildlife adds a super neat aspect to the course. Super friendly staff kept everyone on pace and outfitted with cold mint towels to keep us cool on a hot day! One of my favorite courses that I have ever played and would recommend it to anyone.
casey davis
Daniel Nottke
Beautiful golf course!! I have played here twice now, every time the course is pristine and challenging. The pro shop has a great selection of the highest quality golf apparel, and the staff could not be more friendly. I look forward to playing here on every family get away in Branson!!
Jason Wapnick
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Course Details
Access & Location
1001 Buffalo Rdg Blvd, Hollister, MO 65672, USA
Big Cedar Lodge Clubhouse featuring full-service amenities and a pro shop
Walking is welcome; wear comfortable shoes suitable for varying terrain with some moderate elevation changes
Open to the public with tee times recommended in advance, especially during peak seasons
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