Retirees pick Branson for golf amenities

The city, along with the northwest Arkansas region, was named to the 2006 list of the Top 18 Emerging Golf Retirement Regions by Golf Digest and BusinessWeek magazines.

Several factors were considered for the listing, including the number of new golf courses since 2000 and courses under construction, and quality-of-life issues such as safety, weather, culture, health care and airport accessibility.

A story published in the Nov. 13 issue of BusinessWeek, cites more than 47 courses in a 95-mile area from Branson to Fayetteville, Ark. Among the courses that top the magazine’s list: Branson Creek and The Club at Porto Cima in Lake Ozark.

“We’re starting to see an influx of both East Coast and West Coast people who just want to get out of the rat race,” said Mark Ophoven, general manager and head golf professional at Branson Creek. “We’re seeing them moving here because housing is so much more affordable. People on the West Coast are used to living within a golf course development, and Branson is starting to develop those by leaps and bounds.”

Ophoven also cited other positive factors, such as the longer playing season, as draws for golfers.

Branson Economic Development Director Mike Rankin said the area is increasingly a destination for golf enthusiasts, due not only to the area’s current courses – which also include Pointe Royale, Top of the Rock in Ridgedale and Ledgestone Country Club in Reeds Spring – but also to new courses under construction, including the $20 million Murder Rock at Branson Creek and the $20 million tribute course to Payne Stewart at Branson Hills.

“I can tell you that it’s bringing a clientele that didn’t necessarily have Branson on its map several years ago, and while they’re here, they shop and do other things. It just opens the portfolio even further.”

Top Emerging Golf Retirement Regions

1. Glenwood Springs/ Breckenridge, Colo.

2. Hawaii (the Big Island)

3. Hill Country, Texas

4. Plymouth County, Mass.

5. Montgomery County, Texas

6. Douglas County, Colo.

7. Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

8. Fort Walton Beach/ Panama City, Fla.

9. Greene, Morgan and Putnam counties, Ga.

9. St. George, Utah/ Mesquite, Nev.

11. Northwest Arkansas/ Branson, Mo.

Source: Golf Digest/BusinessWeek