Buffalo Ridge Golf Course - Top Missouri Ozarks Par 3

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An Introduction to Buffalo Ridge Golf Course

Nestled in the beautiful Ozark Mountains lies Buffalo Ridge Golf Course, one of the premier golf destinations in Branson, Missouri. This par 3 course is part of the acclaimed Big Cedar Lodge resort and provides golfers with spectacular views and unique challenges on every hole.

Buffalo Ridge Golf Course is a creation by renowned golf course architect Tom Fazio. He took a piece of beautiful but challenging land and transformed it into a world-class par 3 layout. The course sits on sprawling hills overlooking Table Rock Lake and incorporates the natural landscape into the design. Mature trees, rolling fairways, deep bunkers and large sloping greens intersect with the rocky and drastic elevation changes of the terrain to create an unforgettable golf experience.

The par 3 layout and superb course conditions make Buffalo Ridge Golf Course a great place for golfers of all skill levels. With holes ranging from 98 to 185 yards from various tee boxes, the course allows players to challenge themselves without being too punishing. The smooth bentgrass greens and zoysia fairways promote quality shots that land softly on the putting surfaces. And with a fully-stocked pro shop, rental clubs, and experienced caddies available, Buffalo Ridge has everything a golfer needs for an enjoyable round.

Buffalo Ridge's Stunning Hole Designs

One aspect that makes Buffalo Ridge Golf Course truly special is the amazing holes carved right into the Ozark hills. Let's take a closer look at some of the standout par 3s golfers will encounter on their rounds:

The Picturesque 2nd Hole

The 2nd hole is a gorgeous 145-yard par 3 with a tee shot all the way across a deep ravine. The green sits well below the tee box and is protected by bunkers and drop off areas on all sides. Precision and club selection are paramount as this downhill hole plays significantly shorter than the yardage. The surrounding rock outcroppings, trees, and view of the fairway slicing through the rugged hills make it one of the most scenic holes on the course.

The Challenging 10th Hole

At 185 yards, the par 3 tenth hole is the longest on Buffalo Ridge Golf Course. It requires a tee shot over a rocky gorge to reach the elevated green guarded by a large front bunker. The two-tiered green slopes significantly back-to-front, bringing the front bunker more into play. Distance control is vital to set up a reasonable birdie putt. The back tee includes a stunning view across the gorge showcasing the waterfall that runs by the hole.

The Risk-Reward 13th Hole

Players are faced with a daring risk-reward scenario on the 182-yard thirteenth hole. From the upper tee box, the hole is all carry over a deep chasm to a narrow putting surface protected by bunkers. For those laying up short, a large sloping fairway awaits to set up a full wedge shot over the gorge to the green. Brave souls can take their chances over the ravine and be rewarded with an eagle opportunity.

The Picturesque 17th Hole

On the shortest hole on the course, length is thrown out the window in favor of scenery and challenge. At just 98 yards, the par 3 seventeenth hole plays down to a green situated on a rocky outcropping with Table Rock Lake as the backdrop. While short, the narrow green is surrounded by deep bunkers waiting to catch errant shots. The hole encapsulates the natural beauty and delightful playability that makes Buffalo Ridge Golf Course so enjoyable.

Practice Facilities and Pro Instruction

Golfers visiting Buffalo Ridge also have access to outstanding practice amenities to hone their games. The public driving range has multiple tiers and holes to practice every club in the bag, from wedges to drivers. There's also a short game area to dial in chips, pitches, and sand shots with practice bunkers protecting tricky pins. And for those desiring instruction, Buffalo Ridge has PGA professionals available for private or group lessons, clinics and club fittings.

Lessons and Clinics

The golf professionals at Buffalo Ridge conduct private lessons for golfers looking to improve all aspects of their game. Lessons can focus on the full swing, chipping and putting, sand play, course management and mental preparedness. Juniors and beginners are also welcome. Small group clinics are available that cover topics like driving, trouble shots, putting and more. And full game improvement packages of multiple lessons are offered. So whether you're a tour pro or brand new to the game, Buffalo Ridge has top instructors to help golfers advance.

Custom Club Fitting

To maximize performance on the course, it's important for golfers to have clubs tailored specifically to their swing and body. That's why Buffalo Ridge provides world-class club fitting that analyzes your swing using high-end launch monitors and recommends the ideal clubs from leading brands like Titleist, Callaway, Ping and more. They fit for all club specifications including loft, lie angle, shaft flex, grip style and length. Golfers who invest in a proper club fitting at Buffalo Ridge will gain accuracy, consistency, and distance.

More About Buffalo Ridge Golf Course

In addition to its incredible course and amenities, there are a few more things golfers should know about Buffalo Ridge Golf Course:

Part of Big Cedar Lodge

Buffalo Ridge Golf Course is one of several golf courses that are part of the larger Big Cedar Lodge resort complex. Big Cedar is a top-tier wilderness resort in the Missouri Ozarks that includes bass fishing, spas, restaurants, and other golf courses designed by names like Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Gary Player. Staying at Big Cedar provides the full resort golf package experience.

Top 100 Couse

Buffalo Ridge is recognized as one of the finest par 3 golf courses in the world. It's been rated 4 stars by Golf Digest and consistently ranks in the Top 100 Courses You Can Play by Golf Magazine. It's a beloved layout and bucket list destination for many avid golfers.

Great For Groups

With the par 3 layout, Buffalo Ridge is a fantastic venue for group golf events and tournaments. Scrambles, corporate outings and charity events with golfers across different ability levels can all be accommodated. And the excellent pace of play keeps foursomes moving briskly across this exciting 18 hole course.

Planning a Golf Trip to Buffalo Ridge

For golfers looking to plan a vacation or long weekend getaway to experience Buffalo Ridge Golf Course, here are some tips to make the trip a success:

Book Lodging Early

Lodging at Big Cedar Lodge can book up months in advance, especially for peak seasons like summer and fall. Book your room or cottage rental early to ensure availability.

Pack Proper Golf Attire

Buffalo Ridge is a resort course with a dress code - collared shirts, slacks or shorts, and golf shoes are required. Leave the jeans and t-shirts behind to meet the course policies.

Reserve Your Tee Time

Buffalo Ridge tee sheets fill up quickly, so calling or booking online well ahead of your trip is advised to get your preferred date and time.

Arrive Early

Show up to the course at least 30 minutes before your tee time to check in, warm up on the range, dial in your wedges, and be ready to have a great round on this world class track.

Enjoy the Experience

The natural beauty, exceptional course conditions, and Ozark hospitality of Buffalo Ridge combine to provide a truly memorable golf experience. Take it all in and have fun tackling this unique par 3 challenge.

Buffalo Ridge Golf Course - A Must Play Ozarks Golf Destination

When planning any golf trip to Missouri's Ozark Mountains, Buffalo Ridge Golf Course deserves a prominent spot on the itinerary. This imaginative par 3 layout fashioned by Tom Fazio out of the rocky, hilly terrain is both visually stunning and endlessly fun to play. With thrilling risk-reward holes, impeccable course conditions, and amenities galore, it's no surprise Buffalo Ridge ranks among the finest par 3 golf courses anywhere.

The next time your group is looking to experience golf's best par 3 course designs, or simply enjoy a scenic and entertaining round with friends, make sure to book your tee time at Buffalo Ridge. Its beautiful setting, outstanding facilities, and unique hole designs will provide excitement and delight for all. Let Buffalo Ridge become the next must-play golf destination on your list. Just be ready for the challenge, and bring your camera too, because you'll want pictures of the amazing vistas you'll encounter on every hole of this unforgettable golf experience.

FAQs

What is the yardage at Buffalo Ridge Golf Course?

Buffalo Ridge Golf Course plays between 98 and 185 yards per hole from the various tee boxes. It is an 18-hole par 3 course.

What types of amenities and services are available at Buffalo Ridge?

Buffalo Ridge has a fully stocked pro shop with rental clubs, caddies, PGA instruction, driving range, short game practice area, club fitting and more. The lodge also offers dining, spa, fishing and lodging.

How do I book a tee time at Buffalo Ridge?

You can book tee times at Buffalo Ridge Golf Course by calling the pro shop or booking online. Advance reservations are recommended as tee sheets fill up quickly during peak season.