Big Cedar’s Ozarks National named top public course

Golf Digest named Big Cedar Lodge’s Ozarks National the best new public course.

Designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw in partnership with Big Cedar and Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris, Ozarks National spans more than 7,000 yards with 18 holes, according to a news release. It opened to the public in April and was played that month by professionals via the Bass Pro Shops Legends of Golf at Big Cedar Lodge. Bass Pro announced in October it would not renew the tournament sponsorship.

“Our entire team put a tremendous amount of energy into Ozarks National,” Morris said in the release. “It was so inspiring to work alongside Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, who share our passion for connecting people to nature through the game of golf and other outdoor recreation activities.”

In ranking the best new public and private courses, Golf Digest relied on more than 1,600 people who played and evaluated them.

“The setting is incredible and the commitment to a golf destination is eye popping,” panelists’ comments on Ozarks National read on GolfDigest.com.