Nestled among beautiful Ozark lakes, the resort of BRANSON (year-round population 5000), forty miles south of Springfield on US-65, is one of the top auto destinations in the country. Over seven million visitors a year are attracted to what's become known as the "Ozark Disneyland" by thirty-plus music venues (almost all of a country bent), a few theme parks and lots of good ol' family fun.
"The Strip," until recently merely Hwy-76, looks like it was thrown together with a pitchfork – a hideous agglomeration of theme parks and theaters owned and/or performed in by big-name stars. The spectrum ranges from Japanese fiddler Shoji Tabuchi and ancient crooner Andy Williams, to banal mountain humor joints like Baldknobbers and Presleys' (not that Presley). Lesser lights include Russian comedian Yakov Smirnoff, and Jim Spiders and Snakes Stafford's place. Tickets for a two-hour show are fairly priced, at around $20, and there's no shortage of takers in summer for most, if not all, of the town's 57,000 seats – a figure said to exceed that of Nashville. Branson shows are firmly geared toward families; you won't find anything remotely progressive or avant-garde, although the new Ripley's Believe It or Not performance is a step in a new direction.
The Strip, once dubbed "the world's longest parking lot" because of the mass of cars that crammed here each night, has been somewhat eased with road improvements, but try to avoid driving at night. When you've had it with Branson, escape to nearby Table Rock Lake, a beautiful area offering hiking, biking, camping, water-skiing and world-class fishing.
If your group is seeking a first class golf trip experience, the Springfield/Branson area of Missouri’s beautiful Ozark Mountain region awaits your arrival. The Show Me state will inspire you with its natural beauty, greet you with its friendly hospitality and challenge you with its incredible golf courses.
The Springfield/Branson area has always been famous for its family entertainment and live music shows. Now it has become a golfer’s destination.
Branson Creek
P.O. Box 2273, Branson, MO
417-339-GOLF - 1-888-772-9990
E-mail: [email protected]
Web Site: www.bransoncreekgolf.com
Managed by Troon Golf, Branson Creek Golf Club was named by Golf Magazine and Golf Digest as one of the "Top 10 New Courses in the Country" in 2000. In its May 2005 issue, Golf Digest also named Branson Creek Golf Club the "Top Public Golf Course in Missouri" and #59 on its list of the "Top 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses in America". In 2004 Golf Magazine named Branson Creek Golf Club #69 on its list of the "Top 100 Courses You Can Play in America". In 2006 it earned the same honor at #74. Branson Creek Golf Club also holds a 4.5 out of a 5 star rating by Golf Digest. With those awards to its credit, Branson Creek Golf Club is considered by many as the centerpiece for golf in the Midwest. The facility plays host to any number of corporate outings and golf groups from around the country throughout the year. Branson Creek was designed by golf course architect Tom Fazio and features a challenging Par 71 championship layout, with 5 sets of tees, etched into the beautiful Ozarks landscape with a view second to none.
COURSE INFORMATION
TEE YARDAGE PAR RATING/SLOPE
Black 7,036 71 73.0/133
Gold 6,628 71 70.3/129
Copper 6,232 71 68.1/124
Silver 5,845 71 64.5/116 (men)
72.8/121 (women)
Jade 5,032 71 68.6/113 (women)
MURDER ROCK GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB
PGA Golf Professional/General Manager: Chris Meade
Address: Golf Club Drive
Hollister, MO 65616
Phone: 417 - 332 - DALY ( 3259 ) E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.murderrockgolf.com
There's a legend heard around the hollows of Branson Creek about Murder Rock, a place where Civil War bushwhacker Alfred Bolin and his gang were known to ambush travelers. Murder Rock is part of Branson Creek on the eastern edge of the property. John Daly's Murder Rock is an 18 hole semi-private golf course built in one of the most spectacular golf settings anywhere. The course was designed by Landmark Land Company, Inc., who for over three decades has been the leader in developing America’s best loved golf course communities including Oak Tree, La Quinta, PGA West and Kiawah Island.
COURSE INFORMATION
TEE YARDAGE PAR RATING/SLOPE
Championship 6727 71 72.0/129
Member 6189 71 69.2/124
Forward 5627 71 72.0/124
Front 4914 71 67.9/114
Branson Fishing Guide
Table Rock Lake offers great fishing! The area has attained national recognition as a top bass fishing lake.
Following are some of the local guides.
Bass & Crappie
Rick LaPoint - www.strikebass.com - 1-800-869-2210
Capt. Don House (Specializing in Large Groups & Families)
Branson Fishing Guideservice.com - 417-270-7157
Jim Van Hooks - www.hooksbass.com - 417-337-2277
Tim Page - 1-800-250-3275 or 417-337-1697
Bill Lawrence - 417-794-3349 or 417-335-1003
Jerry Sniders - 417-338-4559 or 417-739-4116
Jimmy Pierce - 417-334-2378
Busters - 417-561-2256 or Cell 417-335-0357
Earl Skeeters (Specializes in Families) - 417-598-1022
Bob Juneman- 417-338-2316
Tim Sainato (Gone Fishing & Co.) - 417-334-8113
Pete's Guide Service - hookedonbass.com -
1-800-882-1978
Davis Brother's Guide Service - bassprofishingguide.com -
417-818-8602-
Bill Babler (Catch & Release Only) - 417-332-7016
Steve Boillot - 417-887-0427
Green Naughs - 417-338-5531
Mike Webb - 417-425-7513
Bill Beck - 417-739-3066 Cell 335-1867
Chris Tetrick - 417-538-2639 Cell 417-239-7374
Jamie Kowalski - 417-230-6950
Eric Prey - 417-860-4743
Eric's Elite Guide Service - ericseliteguideservice.com - 417-234-6097
Trout
Branson Fishing Guideservice.com - Capt. Don House
(Specializing in Groups and Families)
417-270-7157
Main St. Dock - 417-334-2263
Fall Creek Marina - 417-336-4937
Fly Fishing (Drift Fishing Tackle Shop) - 417-332-0460
Chartered Waters Trout Shop - 866-362-1928
Branson Attractions
Branson features fun-filled adventures for the entire family. Located in the heart of the magnificent Ozark Mountains, Branson is ideally situated to entertain both the music lover and those who like to enjoy Nature to its fullest.
Showboat Branson Belle
Take your family on a fantastic lake cruise aboard the magnificent Showboat Branson Belle! Journey past lush Ozark Mountains on the crystal clear waters of Table Rock Lake where you'll experience elegant Branson dining and the best in Branson shows featuring Showstoppers, an exciting production starring a tremendously talented cast showcasing over 30 award-winning numbers. It's fun for the entire family - and kids are always half price! http://www.showboatbransonbelle.com
White Water
Raging River Rapids! White Water offers water-blasters, super-soakers, speed water slides, and a wave pool. Plus, Kalani Towers - the 6-lane Freefall and Racing thrill slide! Choose between two 75-foot freefall drop lanes or four mat racing lanes over 310-feet long. http://www.bransonwhitewater.com
Waltzing Waters
Frederick Antonio, a master pianist, performs three times a day while the water dances to the music that floats out of his two grand pianos. Thrill to the incomparable music of the only performing artist in the world who plays two grand pianos at the same time! Even...2 different songs on 2 different pianos at the same time!!!
Veterans Museum
The Veterans Memorial Museum is a national tribute to the brave men and women who defended our liberties during the 20th Century. As you wander the great halls of the museum you'll be captivated by the stories of these men and women who gave us so much. The museum is filled with the most incredible collection of wartime exhibits covering the heights and depths of human experience. http://www.veteransmemorialbranson.com
The Track Family Fun Parks
Fun in the Fast Lane, with five locations on Hwy. 76 in Branson. The Track Family Fun Parks offer wooden or classic go-kart tracks, water blaster-equipped bumper boats and themed mini golf. http://www.bransontracks.com
Silver Dollar City Theme Park
Silver Dollar City is one of Branson's top attractions. When you visit Silver Dollar City theme park you will step back in time to an 1880's craft village filled with crafts, thrill rides, family attractions and festivals. Silver Dollar City theme park hosts bluegrass festivals, craft festivals, family festivals and a Christmas festival against the backdrop of the Ozark Mountains. Good old-fashioned family fun surrounds you. http://www.bransonsilverdollarcity.com
Roy Rogers - Dale Evans Museum
Family photos dating back to Roy and Dale's childhood, colorful costumes, parade saddles, memorabilia from the silver screen and television can be seen at the museum. Also features artifacts from Roy's real-life safari adventures, fan mail, comic strips, Roy and Dale's Remington collection, tributes to his friends and sidekicks, and much more! http://www.royrogers.com/museum.html
Ripley's Believe It Or Not
The Most Photographed Building In Branson! Do you know why our building looks the way it does? Most people think California has had the worst earthquake, when actually Missouri holds the record. In 1812 an earthquake measuring more than 8.0 on the Richter Scale occurred at New Madrid, Missouri. Our building reflects that odd event, and Ripley's...Believe It Or Not!? http://www.ripleysbranson.com
Ride the Ducks
QUACK-TACULAR FUN! Everyone has fun aboard a Ride The Ducks sightseeing tour of Branson. It's a great way for families to enjoy Branson because they combine fun and music with history and sights.. The Ride The Ducks amphibious vehicle is based on the famous WWII DUKW amphibious design. http://www.bransonducks.com
Dogwood Canyon - guided tours
Open-air trams allow guests to ride in comfort across bridges and low water crossings. Experienced guides give an informative glimpse into natural and cultural history. As you cruise on the canyon floor, you'll be introduced to Indian Burial Cave and Great Spirit Rock Shelter. Reservations are strongly recommended. Trail rides on horseback are a bit more challenging than some and therefore, they have set a minimum age for riders at 12 years. The trails explore ridges and hollows that are not seen by tram. Reservations are required for this 1/2 hour ride. Trout fishing on Little Indian Creek affords a two-hour opportunity to catch. The stream is stocked periodically providing an exciting and challenging angling experience for individuals and families. Equipment is the responsibility of guest, with a maximum of 10 anglers at any given time. http://www.dogwoodcanyon.com
Celebration City
Branson's Nighttime Theme Park celebrates the best of the 20th-century America. Celebration City offers nightly adventures, highlighting some of the most colorful and entertaining years of the 20th century. A park with over 20 rides and attractions, including lights, music, games and 10-story wooden roller coaster called Ozark Wildcat. Each night enjoy a spectacular laser light show at park closing. http://www.bransoncelebrationcity.com
Butterfly Place
Beautiful floral garden with winding paths and over 1000 beautiful flying butterflies. This photographic and joyful experience happens every day in their climate-controlled atrium.
Branson Scenic Railway
Take a forty-mile round trip excursion thru Ozark foothills and tunnels. You will learn the history of the area as you cross bridges and trestles. Experience the luxury of rail travel from yesteryear. www.bransontrain.com
