The Ridgedale, Mo., property showcased its Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course to the public after seven and a half years of renovations, with the Legends of Golf Tournament less than a month away.
The public got a preview of a nine-hole golf course at Big Cedar Lodge in Ridgedale, Mo., designed by Jack Nicklaus, the Springfield (Mo.) Ozarks First reported.
In a month’s time, the Big Cedar Lodge’s Legends of Golf Tournament will be held at Top of the Rock and Buffalo Ridge. Former players like Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson will pair up in teams of two, tackling the newly renovated courses for three days in June, First reported.
After seven and a half years of renovations, the course is nearing completion. The resort also features at 70,000-sq. ft. putting green and driving range, designed by Arnold Palmer, First reported.
“Gary Player calls it the best par-3 golf course in the world,” said Tournament Director Kirk Elmquist. “You want to play 18 holes, play this twice.”
That’s exactly what the champions and legends will do on days one and three of the event, on day two they will play at Buffalo Ridge, formally known as Branson Creek, First reported.
With plenty of construction left to be done, and the tournament less than a month away, Bass Pro Shops owner Johnny Morris said he was a little hesitant about showing the media, First reported.
“My brother-in-law looked at me and he said, ‘some of these people know you a little bit, don’t worry about it, because they’ll be amazed that things are as far along as they are,’” said Morris.
Five-time major champion, and Legends of Golf Tournament player Lee Trevino falls in that category. “These things are unbelievable, it’s beautiful out there,” said Trevino.
The tournament will take place June 6-8, with the professional amateurs playing the 2-5. In-between events some of the pros will also try their hand at archery, fishing and other outdoor activities, First reported.
“I think it shows nature and the views that we can all get our arms around, golfing fishing and shooting,” said Elmquist. “It’s one way to showcase the state of Missouri and it’s tourism for sure.”
The tournament is expected to draw in close to 20 thousand visitors, and once play is finished, the course will be open to the public, First reported.
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