News Summary
The Lake of the Ozarks area is emerging as a premier golf destination with the addition of new courses and significant tournaments scheduled. The Oaks Golf Course in Osage Beach is a highlight, featuring a challenging par-71 layout and community engagement initiatives. Big Cedar Lodge is expanding its offerings with the upcoming Cliffhangers par-3 course and the “Internet Invitational” tournament, which promises to attract influencers and enthusiasts alike. These developments aim to enhance the region’s reputation while promoting golf accessibility and enjoyment for players of all levels.
Lake of the Ozarks Hosts New Golf Courses and Major Tournament Announcements
Osage Beach, Missouri — The Lake of the Ozarks area is set to become a focal point for golf enthusiasts this year, with new course openings and upcoming high-profile tournaments that promise scenic play and substantial prizes. The region’s expanding golf scene offers a variety of options for players of all skill levels, along with events designed to attract visitors and promote the sport locally.
New Golf Course: The Oaks Golf Course Enhances the Area’s Golf Offerings
The Oaks Golf Course, situated in Osage Beach, is one of the area’s marquee developments. Originally a historic building formerly known as the Tan-Tar-A ski lodge, the site has been transformed into a premier golfing destination. Designed by noted golf course architects Robert Von Hagge and Bruce Devlin, The Oaks features a par-71 layout renowned for its challenging waterways, trees, and rolling landscapes that demand accuracy from players.
Managing the course since 1989, Director of Golf Paul Leahy has played a vital role in shaping the golf experience at The Oaks. Originally from Iowa, Leahy has been instrumental in fostering the local golf community, including the creation of a junior golf association that promotes youth participation.
Facilities and Playing Options at The Oaks
The Oaks Golf Course emphasizes precision, with fairways being critical due to limited rough areas, increasing the importance of accuracy for low scores. The course’s undulating greens and natural obstacles provide a challenging game for all skill levels. Visitors can enjoy daily rates, replay options, and nine-hole rounds, with club rentals, golf lessons, and fittings available to enhance the experience.
Additional amenities include a beverage cart that operates daily through the fall and the Oaks Bar, which offers snacks, coffee, and drinks from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Golfers also have the opportunity to purchase a 2025 membership that features unlimited golf, waived league fees, and discounts. Membership options are designed for families, singles, and juniors, making the course accessible to a diverse range of players.
Weekly Leagues and Community Engagement
The Oaks hosts three regular golf leagues: a men’s league on Thursdays, a women’s league on Wednesdays, and a couples’ league on Sundays. These leagues foster community engagement and provide structured competitive and social opportunities for local golfers.
Upcoming Developments at Big Cedar Lodge
At the nearby Big Cedar Lodge, excitement is building around the upcoming opening of Cliffhangers, a new par-3 course scheduled for July 4. Designed by Johnny Morris and his son, this course is expected to be the most dramatic par-3 in the world due to its steep mountain trails, waterfalls, and stunning vistas. This addition will complement Big Cedar Lodge’s existing lineup of five distinguished golf courses, including Ozarks National and Top of the Rock.
Major Golf Tournament Set for August
Big Cedar Lodge has also announced the hosting of a high-profile golf event, the “Internet Invitational”, organized by Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy. Scheduled for August 12-16, the tournament will feature a prize pool of at least $1 million and is invitation-only targeting golf influencers and content creators.
The format emphasizes a fun and inclusive atmosphere, encouraging participants to embrace mistakes as part of the entertainment. The event aims to create buzz and showcase the scenic, challenging courses at Big Cedar Lodge, which has been recognized as the No. 1 golf resort in the United States according to Readers’ Choice Awards.
Conclusion
The Lake of the Ozarks region continues to expand its reputation as a premier golf destination with new courses, engaging community leagues, and marquee tournaments. These developments not only enhance the area’s reputation for scenic and challenging golf but also attract visitors seeking competitive events and recreational opportunities at one of the country’s top golf resorts.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Golf.com: Big Cedar Lodge Cliffhangers
- OzarksFirst: Top Golf Courses in Missouri
- News-Leader: Barstool Draft Show Golf Tournament
- Travel & Leisure: Gwen Stefani & Blake Shelton Ozarks Vacation
- Lake Expo: Golf Cart Crash in Lake of the Ozarks
- Wikipedia: Lake of the Ozarks
- Google Search: Big Cedar Lodge
- Google Scholar: Golf Tournaments at Lake of the Ozarks
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lake of the Ozarks
- Google News: Golf in Missouri
Author: STAFF HERE VIRGINIA BEACH WRITER
VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER The VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREVirginiaBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, East Coast Surfing Championship, and the American Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Virginia Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Virginia Beach, plus leading businesses in tourism and defense that power the local economy such as the Virginia Beach Convention Center and Northrop Grumman. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
