PGA returning to Big Cedar

Less than a year after Bass Pro Shops chose not to renew its sponsorship of the PGA Tour’s Legends of Golf circuit, professional play is returning to Big Cedar Lodge.

The Charles Schwab Series tournament is scheduled Aug 17-26 at the Buffalo Ridge and Ozarks National golf courses at Big Cedar, with a $3 million purse, according to a news release. It's part of the PGA Tour Champions circuit for golfers age 50 and older.

“We are excited to once again partner with Johnny Morris and the great team at Big Cedar Lodge to bring the excitement of PGA Tour Champions golf back to the Ozarks,” PGA Tour Champions President Miller Brady said in the release.

No spectators will be allowed at the tournament in Ridgedale because of COVID-19 restrictions. The event is scheduled to be aired worldwide on The Golf Channel.

Tournament play is scheduled Aug. 19-21 at Buffalo Ridge and Aug. 24-26 at Ozarks National. Practice rounds are planned Aug. 17-18 and Aug. 22-23, according to the release.

Bass Pro and Big Cedar announced in October 2019 that the five-year sponsorship of the Legends tournament would not be renewed. With the move, tournament Director Kirk Elmquist was terminated from his position, according to past Springfield Business Journal reporting.

A month later, Elmquist was hired as vice president of sports development for the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & Convention and Visitors Bureau.