Golf Weekend in Branson

Branson Airport Comes Online

Story/Tip

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Eight decades or more into the age of commercial air travel, there aren’t many brand new airports opening these days. A new one—and a privately funded one at that—just opened in the Ozarks, and I had the opportunity to fly out of the new Branson Airport this week, en route to DC.Branson sits about 45 minutes south of Springfield, MO, the home of competitor Springfield-Branson National Airport. The hyphen showed up about 10 years ago, when the booming music show business boosted Branson’s profile as a vacation destination for middle income mid-America. That only stalled local desire to give the country music mecca its own airfield, and in early 2009 the new, privately funded airport announc...Read More

Eight decades or more into the age of commercial air travel, there aren’t many brand new airports opening these days. A new one—and a privately funded one at that—just opened in the Ozarks, and I had the opportunity to fly out of the new Branson Airport this week, en route to DC.

Branson sits about 45 minutes south of Springfield, MO, the home of competitor Springfield-Branson National Airport. The hyphen showed up about 10 years ago, when the booming music show business boosted Branson’s profile as a vacation destination for middle income mid-America. That only stalled local desire to give the country music mecca its own airfield, and in early 2009 the new, privately funded airport announced that AirTran would begin daily service to Atlanta.

What’s it like? For starters, it was like having an airport to yourself. It's about 20 minutes southeast of Branson, and the last six miles are well off the highway. Parking in the nearly empty lot made it feel more like the air travel of my childhood days: not so many people flying, no lines, and little of the rushing and noise that characterizes terminals today. I parked in the long-term lot, within 60 yards of the door (I paced it off) and alongside only about 20 other cars, and then waited in line with five other people to belatedly add a checked bag to my online boarding pass. (For $15 extra, I was willing to give someone else the job of keeping an eye on my bag during a four-hour layover.) Everyone, from the counter clerk to the TSA agents, seemed a little distracted, trying to serve the few of us that were there with even fewer people. I was untying my shoes and putting my carry-on through the x-ray machine when the blue-shirted TSA woman rushed up to catch me and ask for my boarding pass and ID.

Nonetheless, I was happy with the quickest security clearance I’ve experienced in decades. Shoes retied, I exited the secure area and turned the corner into the terminal: part modern pole barn and part fake Ozarks storefront, right down to the recently weathered wood. The two real establishments—a Famous Dave’s BBQ, housed inside the shell of a pretend sawmill (complete with turning waterwheel) and a Bass Pro Shop’s ‘General Store’—compete visually with the signs for Goldie’s Sawmill, the White River Hotel, and Henry Sullenger’s Saloon. Only the latter made me look twice to see if they were open for business.

Why fly here? Service is pretty limited. AirTran operates one flight a day to Atlanta, which in the future departs at 1 pm (it becomes two flights in early April 2010). That might open up more options than the 2:45 flight I’m taking today, depositing me in Atlanta for almost four hours before heading on to Washington Reagan and arriving at 10:35. But it wasn’t the service that attracted me: it was the $238 fare (taxes included), which beat the flights out of Springfield by $300 during my nearly-too-late search for a ticket. Most compendia of travel tips don’t recommend booking a mere 10 days in advance, but it’s rare for a Springfield-DC round trip come in under $400 in the best of circumstances. In addition, I traded a 15-minute trip to Springfield-Branson for an hour drive, but it’s a nice one through the Ozark hills. Parking here is steeper than it should be: the long-term parking was $12/day, even higher than the $10/day at Springfield-Branson (which I always skip for the off-site parking and curbside service from the car rental companies a half-mile away; a bargain at $6/day).

If your destination is indeed Branson (or something close), this airport does make a lot of sense. It’s about 6 miles off of US 65, at the end of a dead-end road that winds through Troon Golf’s Branson Creek course and attending developments, plus John Daly’s more recent and oddly named Murder Rock course. Along the way, it will probably strike you that you’re not in the middle of typical airport terrain: the last two miles go up, down and mostly through some pretty impressive Ozark river bluffs, whose limestone still shines bright following the recent blasting that created a road here. It’s odd to find road signs warning you about steep hills and sharp curves as you cover the last miles to an airfield.

If you’re visiting Springfield, an hour’s drive will get you to the center of the city, and may be what you’re used to in a larger Metro area. It will also give you a visual introduction to the Ozarks and its limestone that you might miss at the city’s airport on Springfield’s northwest side. And the more southern the location of the family, work, or hotel that brought you here, the less of a premium you’ll pay in transit time.

Don’t expect too many of the amenities available at other airports. Springfield’s new Midfield Terminal opened last spring (only partially in response to the new competition in Branson), and includes what many other airports forgot, or ignore: air travel involves not only passengers, but also people who meet them. There’s no space in Branson’s building for doing anything but checking in, and more than enough space in the ‘terminal’ for those who have. Thankfully, the designer chose to forego the standard airport chairs, opting instead for rustic-looking timber-and-upholstery individual chairs. My rear end was noticeably surprised at being comfortable in such a setting.

Above all, what stayed with me was the quiet and calm. (The few times that I’ve retreated to a frequent flier lounge, I’ve realized how rare that is in airports, and why some folks might pay $400 a year for what I previously thought of as free cookies and Diet Coke.) Of course, both the owner and new tenants of Branson airport are hoping it won’t stay that way, and it won’t. Either traffic will increase, and this bet will pay off, or it won’t, and the runway that’s wedged atop these hollers will go completely quiet. In the meantime, I’m adding it to my list of airports to consider. Hopefully, its presence will generate enough business to bring down fares at Springfield-Branson. Perhaps the hour’s drive will do what the three-hour trip to Tulsa, Kansas City, Northwest Arkansas and St. Louis has yet to accomplish for Springfield residents. Read Less

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Golf Weekend in Branson

Overview

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Yes, it's known for being Nashville west, but if the Baldknobbers, Mel Tillis, and company aren't your cup of joe, get out your clubs! There's a variety of courses here, from the highest end (Tom Fazio) to the lowest, and more are on the way. The best course in the area is Fazio and Troon Golf's Branson Creek, open for 5 years now and always ranked as Golf Digest's top course in Missouri (see my IgoUgo review). A second 18 is slated here soon. The site is beautiful, the course is fair but tough, and the experience is great. It's in season on weekends ( on week...Read More

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Wilderness Club at Big Cedar

Hotel

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The premier resort in the Branson area, Big Cedar Lodge opened this partnership with Bluegreen Vacation Club in the late 1990s. Located on the southern end of Table Rock Lake, it's just over an hour from the Springfield airport, but it feels like you've headed a lot further into the country. Having been to other Missouri destinations (such as Lake of the Ozarks), I don't think there's a place in the state that can top it. Rack rates here are pricey, but they work hard to make sure you feel it's worth it.Three large lodges are complete, with equal numbers of studio and one-bedrooms. There's also a few dozen two-bedroom stand-alone cabins, and three newly finished three-bedroom cabins. The w...Read More

The premier resort in the Branson area, Big Cedar Lodge opened this partnership with Bluegreen Vacation Club in the late 1990s. Located on the southern end of Table Rock Lake, it's just over an hour from the Springfield airport, but it feels like you've headed a lot further into the country. Having been to other Missouri destinations (such as Lake of the Ozarks), I don't think there's a place in the state that can top it. Rack rates here are pricey, but they work hard to make sure you feel it's worth it.

Three large lodges are complete, with equal numbers of studio and one-bedrooms. There's also a few dozen two-bedroom stand-alone cabins, and three newly finished three-bedroom cabins. The whole complex has a consistent, and nicely executed, wilderness lodge theme, with timber architecture and hunting and fishing decor. I don't hunt or fish, but I'm still comfortable with the design choices. (Your room will certainly have a deer head or two in it, though).

Everything here has been done well: the rooms are spacious, the furnishings luxurious, and the lodges have been situated to give each room's balcony a view out over the lake. The 1BRs have a full kitchen (which we didn't use too much, given how late we finished golfing each day). Each room is provided with coffee, and the cookie lady stops by nightly just after dinner time (they'll be left on your bedstand if you're not in at the time). The staff are helpful and friendly. The lodges have several gas grills outside for use, and each cabin has one on its own private balcony.

I've stayed here a lot for short family trips, but this was the first time I came here for a golf trip. Three of us stayed in a one-bedroom and found it more than adequate. The living spaces are generous, the bathrooms large, and the towels fluffy. It made a great center for our two nights in the area, and is especially close to Branson Creek, the Troon Golf course that is one of the state's premier courses. If you stay at Big Cedar, you can get a 25% discount at Branson Creek, but you MUST book through Big Cedar (we didn't understand that, and paid full freight).

You won't be disappointed with the accomodations here. (A fire at Top of the Rock, the perfectly situated rock home atop the bluff that was a great restaurant, has knocked out the best dining option--it was about 2 miles away with free shuttle--but the on site restaurants are also good.) It isn't in Branson--that's a good 20 minutes away--but nothing in Branson is this nice. Once you're here, you'll won't want to leave. Read Less

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on January 24, 2006

Wilderness Club at Big Cedar
612 Devil's Pool Rd.
Branson, Missouri 65739
(800) 225-6343

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Branson Condo Rentals

Story/Tip

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As the whole country knows, this area has exploded in the last two decades. The Ozark Mountains made this, in many ways, a rather remote area for a long time, but the construction of Table Rock Dam and the resulting lake changed all that. Coupled with Branson's emergence as a national center for country music, it's a major vacationland.In response, dozens of timeshares and condos have been built in the area. I've stayed at four, including three with a golf course. All do a lot of daily rental business, and all are reasonable places to stay.Each has a kitchen, living room, separate bedrooms, Jacuzzi, cable TV, etc. That's especially nice if you're travelling with a family. Brans...Read More

As the whole country knows, this area has exploded in the last two decades. The Ozark Mountains made this, in many ways, a rather remote area for a long time, but the construction of Table Rock Dam and the resulting lake changed all that. Coupled with Branson's emergence as a national center for country music, it's a major vacationland.

In response, dozens of timeshares and condos have been built in the area. I've stayed at four, including three with a golf course. All do a lot of daily rental business, and all are reasonable places to stay.

Each has a kitchen, living room, separate bedrooms, Jacuzzi, cable TV, etc. That's especially nice if you're travelling with a family. Branson isn't a place to come for fine dining anyway (however, that's improving), which is largely in keeping with its target audience. Decor wise, it's a bit of a lottery, since you're staying in a place that's been decorated by an owner, according to their particular taste.

Pointe Royale: 158-A Pointe Royale Drive, Branson; (800) 962-4710
This is the oldest of the complexes, I believe, as well as the most extensive. It's also an RCI Gold Crown resort. The development and golf course wind around each other, and there are multi-floor, multi-unit condos as well as separate homes. The 1 bedroom unit we stayed in was pleasant enough, but nothing special. It will probably need updating soon. The rates here were roughly $110 per night in peak season. As a guest, you're entitled to nearly $20 off the standard rate of $65 for 18 holes. If you really want to play this course a lot, guests can play a week of unlimited golf with cart for $200.

Falls Village: 200 Creekside Road, Branson; (888) 318-3111
A Bluegreen Vacation Resort, Falls Village is located on the far west side of Branson. I stayed here in the summer, with a family group, in a combination 1 bedroom/studio combination. The construction is relatively new, and the rooms were in very good shape. The space was oddly divided, with the 1 bedroom almost too large, and the studio a little tight. The 1 BR featured a large screen TV, CD and DVD player, balcony, and very pleasant bedroom with a king-sized bed.

Thousand Hills: 245 S. Wildwood, Branson; (800) 864-4145
Thousand Hills is located in the center of Branson, with condominiums along the edges of the golf course. The 2 bedroom I stayed in was spacious, with a very nice kitchen, well-separated bedrooms, and a large living area. 1 bedroom in peak season start at around $110, and they have units as large as 4 bedroom that sleep 10.

StoneBridge: 50 Stone Bridge Parkway, Branson West; (866) 332-1373
This was probably the nicest of the group, with stone fireplace, well-planned layout, the nicest view of the four, and also the best golf course (rain kept us from playing). Unfortunately, the accompanying timeshare sales pressure was also the most obnoxious. (I got to miss most of it, although my host suffered). Read Less

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on February 10, 2006

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Outback Steak & Oyster Bar

Restaurant | "Outback Steak & Oyster Bar"

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Apparently not affiliated with the national Outback chain, this restaurant/pub/hotel complex offers good steaks and seafood. One of the few places open past 10 in Branson, even on Friday, we had a good meal here. As the name says, the rough-hewn wood construction and decor, and the haphazard layout, are supposed to evoke the Australian backcountry. Who knows if it's authentic, but it didn't interfere with the food or service. We were all in the mood for a steak after golfing, and the rib-eyes and sirloins were good. There's a short list of American and Australian wines. Branson isn't teeming with terrific restaurants, and you can do a lot worse than this place. There's music in...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on January 24, 2006

Outback Steak & Oyster Bar
1914 W 76 Country Blvd
Branson, Missouri 65616
(417) 334-6306

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Branson Creek Golf Club

Attraction

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My group doesn't play the highest-end courses very often, but I was anxious to play here. A Tom Fazio/Troon Golf facility, it opened in 2000 to rave reviews and immediately topped Golf Digest's list as the best course in Missouri, a distinction it's never lost. By the time you get here (it's more than a few miles east of US 65, south of Branson), you realize you're not going to be in the middle of a big traditional golf community. Fazio and company picked out a wonderful piece of property and have made the most of it. Several vantage points on the course are the highest around and give you fabulous views over the layout and miles and miles besides.I've never had a better c...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on January 24, 2006

Branson Creek Golf Club
Maple St.
Branson, Missouri 65615
(417) 339 4653

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Thousand Hills Golf Resort

Attraction

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Right smack in the middle of Branson, this course does manage to make you forget that for a while. Laid out along a small river valley between two ridges, the course is pretty and well maintained. From many of the holes, you see nothing but the course itself--and the many rocks and trees that line its fairways.It's a par 64 layout of Zoysia fairways and bentgrass greens, with only one par 5. It's very tight throughout and values straight drives above all. If that's not a regular part of your game, you may find it frustrating and might just want to pass. If you hit the fairway regularly, your enjoyment will go up dramatically.It's well maintained and popular. The standard fee is...Read More

Member Rating 2 out of 5 on January 24, 2006

Thousand Hills Golf Resort
245 South Wildwood Drive
Branson, Missouri 65616
+1 417 334 4553

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Holiday Hills Resort & Golf Club

Attraction | "Holiday Hills Resort & Golf Club"

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This is the old Branson--a course on the east side of the river built in 1938 by a pro from Chicago who fell in love with the area and the land. It has some neat history, which is showcased in the pro shop and is an enjoyable, unpretentious, and reasonably priced place to play.The terrain here is relatively flat for Branson. It was expanded to 18 holes and rebuilt about 10 years ago. With the exception of two holes (11 and 12, I believe), the course is traditional, fair, and pleasant. Some holes run through the woods, others are fairly open, and a few have water in play. It's par 68/slope 118 and very playable.We ended up here on Friday afternoon, looking for a place to pl...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on January 24, 2006

Holiday Hills Resort & Golf Club
620 East Rockford Drive
Branson, Missouri 65616
+1 417 334 0852

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IgoUgo

Branson Journals

Golf Weekend in Branson

Branson Airport Comes Online

Golf Weekend in Branson

Wilderness Club at Big Cedar

Branson Condo Rentals

Outback Steak & Oyster Bar

Branson Creek Golf Club

Thousand Hills Golf Resort

Holiday Hills Resort & Golf Club

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