Ozarks National Golf Course
Ozarks National Golf Course challenges players with a rugged, parkland-style layout embedded in the Missouri hills. Known for its rolling fairways, strategic bunkering, and large undulating greens, this 18-hole course offers a demanding yet scenic test for intermediate to advanced golfers.
Course Overview
Ozarks National Golf Course offers an 18-hole test set amid the rugged beauty of the Missouri Ozarks, inviting golfers seeking both challenge and natural scenery. The course layout carves through rolling hills and wooded valleys, delivering an experience that blends traditional parkland elements with the unpredictability of mountain terrain. This combination results in tight fairways framed by native trees and elevation changes that keep players engaged throughout the round.
While the course is located in the resort enclave of Big Cedar Lodge, Ozarks National operates as a public-access facility that aims to welcome golfers of varying skill levels. The design places a premium on shot precision, with generous fairways but unforgiving rough and strategically placed bunkers that test course management. Large greens present subtle breaks, requiring careful reading and a steady putting stroke, especially when winds shift unexpectedly in the hills.
Playability leans toward the intermediate and advanced player; those who miss fairways often face difficult recovery shots from dense rough or natural areas. The course length hovers around 7,200 yards with a par set at 72, making it a championship-caliber layout. Despite some reviews noting turf and tee conditions vary seasonally, the overall routing retains its strategic integrity and visual appeal.
Amenities include a well-maintained practice area featuring putting and chipping greens, allowing players to fine-tune their short game before setting out. Though the clubhouse itself is functional rather than lavish, the staff receives praise for their friendliness and attentiveness. Cart path-only policies are in place during wet conditions, making walking a variable depending on weather, while carts and pull carts are generally available.
Golfers preparing to play should bring appropriate footwear suited for uneven terrain and pay attention to course updates for maintenance schedules. Those seeking a challenging round with scenic vistas framed by Ozark hardwoods and ridge lines will find Ozarks National rewarding, particularly when approach shots land on its receptive, undulating greens.
Course Highlights
Ozarks National presents a distinct combination of parkland and mountainous influences, with tight fairways framed by dense woodlands and large, sloping greens demanding precision. Signature holes elevate challenge with natural elevation shifts and water hazards enhancing strategic options. The course’s integration into the surrounding landscape highlights the Ozarks’ dramatic topography without overwhelming complexity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Brady Crockett
Played there a week ago today. Our annual guys golf trip (8 of us) loved the course. It was cart path only which did stink but nobody can predict the weather, just be prepared to walk. Beautiful views and everyone on the staff were very friendly and helpful. Definitely will be going back.
Mike Jacobs
Another beautiful course. More of a challenge then Payne's Valley
Randy Johnson
I have no idea how this course has such high ratings. It’s in by far the worst shape of the three and has been every year we’ve gone to Big Cedar. It clearly doesn’t get the maintenance money that the other two do. Bare spots everywhere in the fairways. The fairways are like the crappy mini that your dad made you play when you were a kid. And it’s not because they had a bad winter or something either. It’s like that every year. Greens are on par with the other two big cedar courses, so at least there’s that. It’s also the worst layout by far. I’ve played a fair amount of C&C (course designers) courses and this is the worst use of the land of any of them. Don’t get me wrong, the hospitality of the staff is still second to none. It’s just a bad golf course. Our group goes every year and we’ve played our last round at ON. We keep hoping the conditions will get better at least (can’t do anything about the crappy layout), but Big Cedar doesn’t seem to spend the money on this course as they do on the other two. My advice: if you’re making just one trip to Big Cedar, play this course just once. If you only have time to play 2 courses, play PV and BR. If I were planning your trip and you wanted to play golf 3 times, I would do BR twice and PV once. BR is the best of the three. I would have given it one star if not for the hospitality of the staff. It’s on par with the rest of Big Cedar…top notch.
jay holt
Men’s trip to Big Cedar was great but NOT OZARK NATIONAL. Stick to Buffalo Ridge Payne’s and Mountain Top par 3 (beautiful and challenging). Ozark National plays like a municipal course with horrible fairways and 100 pitch marks on all greens. We were all confused at the course condition as the others are spectacular with first class service. By the way, ON charges $225 for that track.
Mike
Excellent and challenging course. Laid out nicely, quick greens, perfect fairways. Great practice area, friendly folks that work there.
Brian Hughes
As someone who often reads reviews, but rarely writes one. Played Ozark national in May, really enjoyed the course, but course conditions in incredibly poor. We went on a guy‘s golf trip that we have been doing to many destination golf locations. The condition of this course do not make it a destination, golf location. Much of the fairways are ground under repair or hard pan with no grass, tee boxes in poor condition. The course itself is nice, the conditioning is not anywhere it should be for the price charge. Also, not anywhere on property (stayed at big Cedar Lodge) to get a beer and watch NBA playoffs. Potential here but way behind other destinations…. Rooms themselves lower quality than a LaQuinta and not conducive to 2 males sharing.
Rene Manandise
I work security here
shawn U
We played Payne’s Valley, Ozarks National, Buffalo Ridge and Top of The Rock. Out of the 3 18 hole courses everybody has a different ranking of Ozarks. Some thought it was the best, others the worst but mainly just depended on who played what course well. I would say Ozarks was the most challenging of the 3. The fairways and greens are large but if you miss the fairway you are going to have a hard time finding your ball. We played 10 days after aeration and you couldn’t tell at all. The course was in incredible shape. The staff is amazing. The marshals have water and wet towels every time you see them which was great on a hot day. My only complaint would be the pro shop. No restaurant or breakfast food. You have to go the whole way over to Payne’s valley. There’s food out on the course but just hot dogs and snacks (all complimentary by the way). One toilet in the club house as well which was odd. But all in all amazing course, staff and views.
jay holt
Men’s trip to Big Cedar was great but NOT OZARK NATIONAL. Stick to Buffalo Ridge Payne’s and Mountain Top par 3 (beautiful and challenging). Ozark National plays like a municipal course with horrible fairways and 100 pitch marks on all greens. We were all confused at the course condition as the others are spectacular with first class service. By the way, ON charges $225 for that track.
Brian Hughes
As someone who often reads reviews, but rarely writes one. Played Ozark national in May, really enjoyed the course, but course conditions in incredibly poor. We went on a guy‘s golf trip that we have been doing to many destination golf locations. The condition of this course do not make it a destination, golf location. Much of the fairways are ground under repair or hard pan with no grass, tee boxes in poor condition. The course itself is nice, the conditioning is not anywhere it should be for the price charge. Also, not anywhere on property (stayed at big Cedar Lodge) to get a beer and watch NBA playoffs. Potential here but way behind other destinations…. Rooms themselves lower quality than a LaQuinta and not conducive to 2 males sharing.
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Course Details
Access & Location
1250 Golf Club Dr, Hollister, MO 65672, USA
Ozarks National Clubhouse – functional pro shop and practice facilities
Walking allowed with varied terrain; sturdy golf shoes advisable due to hilly layout; carts available but may be restricted during rain.
Open to resort guests and public play; tee time reservations recommended during peak season.
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