YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
Last edited 1:57 p.m., March 6, 2017
Officials laid out the details of the new Gary Player-designed golf course this morning at Top of the Rock in Ridgedale.
The plans were put on display during an announcement of the April 19-23 Bass Pro Shops Legends of Golf at Big Cedar Lodge event.
Spokesman Michael Zerman said the course will not be open for the Legends event, but should be ready for players later this year. Zerman declined to disclose the cost of the new course at Top of the Rock. The Legends series is played on two courses: the main Top of the Rock course near Big Cedar and the nearby Buffalo Ridge. The Player course is in addition to the nine-hole, par-3 Top of the Rock course.
The new Player course comprises 13 par-three holes that are adjacent to limestone cave-like formations and reach varying levels of elevation.
“I’ve never seen a course this drastically stunning – playing here and observing the transitions between wonderful rock formations and breathtaking views will leave an indelible mark on every kind of golfer,” said Player, who was in attendance this morning, in a news release.
Forbes recently named the course as one of the most awaited this year, according to GaryPlayer.com.
Along with Bass Pro founder Johnny Morris, officials said 2017 marks the 40th anniversary of the Legends series, where older players are challenged by 54 holes.
A safe room and classroom addition at Willard Central Elementary School will be used by the music, arts and athletic programs for a district that had 4,536 students last year, according to Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education figures, but school officials say enrollment is projected to grow.