Branson/Tri-Lakes News: Payne Stewart Golf Club attracts celebrity tournaments

All 18 holes are now open at The Payne Stewart Golf Club, Branson's latest asset as a golf destination.

The club in Branson Hills is managed by Hilton Golf, and several major tournaments already have been scheduled, including four managed by the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in Springfield, said Hilton Branson Convention Center Marketing Director Bill Tirone.

Among the tournaments are the Vince (Gill) and Woody (Jim Woodward) Charity Pro-Am Tournament Aug. 9 to benefit the Women's Center at Skaggs Regional Medical Center.

Groups coming to the Branson Convention Center also are adding golf events to their itineraries, and the recent opening of Branson Airport will be incentive to golfers, Tirone said.

Hall of Fame events

The quality of the course and its dedication to Payne Stewart are among the reasons the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame scheduled four pro-am events there this year, said President and Executive Director Jerald Andrews.

The first is the Skaggs Classic presented by CenturyTel on June 15 to benefit the Skaggs Foundation of Skaggs Regional Medical Center.

On the Saturday before the tournament, there will be a reception and auction sponsored by the Beaver Creek Elk and Cattle Ranch, he said.

One of two new tournaments the hall of fame will manage at the Payne Stewart course is the Aug. 8 Special Olympics of Missouri "Be A Fan" Pro-Am, in which teams will be able to play with a professional golfer or a Special Olympics golfer.

The Integrity Home Care Charity Pro-Am, also in August, will benefit the interdenominational Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

The fourth Missouri HOF-run tourney set is the eighth annual Stan Musial Hall of Fame Championship presented by Dr. Pepper. The elite event will pair HOF golfers with amateurs on 20 teams.

Amenities

Andrews said he recently played the new club, "and it's a marvelous golf course," he added. "And the clubhouse is wonderful for inside and outside activities."

Payne Stewart, he said, was instrumental in bringing the PGA tournament to Springfield 20 years ago when it was called the Ben Hogan Tour.

"There are only four in the world that have been around 20 years," Andrews said. "Only two have played at the same golf course for 20 years and that's Highland Springs (Country Club). And this is one of the reasons we're now producing five pro-ams in Branson."

The Payne Stewart Golf Club also offers a spacious restaurant called the Many Faces of Payne Grill that is open to the public 7 a.m.-8 p.m. daily.

The grill's menu was created by Hilton Executive Chef Nathan Read, who oversees operations at all Branson's Hilton properties.

The club with tennis courts and swimming pools offers membership choices. Though memberships are available, public tee times are offered 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily, according to www.paynestewartgolfclub.com.