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OVERLOOKING TABLE ROCK LAKETop of the Rock Golf Course

Big Cedar Lodge has pushed the envelope in terms of changing the way golf resorts welcome guests with its shorter courses. Top of the Rock is a 9-hole par-3 course designed by history’s greatest golfer and accomplished designer, Jack Nicklaus. Overlooking Table Rock Lake, dramatic holes stretch to over 200 yards, with lakes, cliffs, exposed rock ledges and views so stunning that the course is the only par-3 layout ever used by the PGA Tour for a championship event!

150 Top of the Rock Road, Ridgedale, MO 65739

Open Daily Year-Round

Top of the Rock players, please use Ozarks National practice facility to warm up.

HOLE-BY-HOLE

Top of the Rock Golf Course - Hole 1 - Golf at Big Cedar Lodge

Hole 1 · Par 3

The first tee at Top of the Rock, located just steps from the Buffalo Bar patio, sets up a slight downhill par 3. From the first fairway, golfers can see the Chapel of the Ozarks and Jack's Cabin on the left along with sweeping views across Table Rock Lake. The first green slopes gently from left to right and is well-protected by a large oak tree on the right and bunkers along the left and right side.

Top of the Rock Golf Course - Hole 1 - Golf at Big Cedar Lodge
Top of the Rock Golf Course - Hole 2 - Golf at Big Cedar Lodge

Hole 2 · Par 3

Perched high atop the mountainside, golfers face a 100-foot drop to the second green and stare straight at the magnificent view of Table Rock Lake from the tee. The second green, sloped slightly from back to front, is surrounded by rhododendron flowers and other natural flowering vegetation. Golfers must pass through a unique rock tunnel to reach the back tee on this hole, where the view is well-worth the excursion.

Top of the Rock Golf Course - Hole 2 - Golf at Big Cedar Lodge
Top of the Rock Golf Course - Hole 3 - Golf at Big Cedar Lodge

Hole 3 · Par 3

After the last putt drops on hole two, golfers embark on a golf cart journey through flowering dogwoods and redbuds along the mountainside to reach the third tee. Number 3 is one of the most difficult holes on the course. The back tee is really elevated and golfers face a downhill shot to a green that's 30-yards deep and cut into a hillside. The green is also protected by large bunkers on both the left and right side of the green. One of the dramatic features of this hole is the huge oak tree that guards and frames the green on the right.

Top of the Rock Golf Course - Hole 3 - Golf at Big Cedar Lodge
Top of the Rock Golf Course - Hole 4 - Golf at Big Cedar Lodge

Hole 4 · Par 3

Golfers reach the first of three water features when they meander back up the mountain to hole number four near the decorative infinity pool that fronts the "End of the Trail" All-American Wine Cellar. A lake cuts across this slightly downhill par 3 and nestles up close on the right side. The green is protected by bunkers on both sides and surrounded by azaleas and an array of flowering plants and trees along the left side and behind the green. Golfers also experience their first stunning view of Top of the Rock's Osage Restaurant along with its incredible rock formations as they look back up the mountain.

Top of the Rock Golf Course - Hole 4 - Golf at Big Cedar Lodge
Top of the Rock Golf Course - Hole 5 - Golf at Big Cedar Lodge

Hole 5 · Par 3

A relatively short par 3, number 5 has a small and narrow green protected by deep bunkers along the entire front side. Golfers must hit a very accurate short-iron across a small valley to this narrow green and then negotiate its challenging pin placements to have a chance at birdie or par.

Top of the Rock Golf Course - Hole 5 - Golf at Big Cedar Lodge
Top of the Rock Golf Course - Hole 6 - Golf at Big Cedar Lodge

Hole 6 · Par 3

This island green is completely surrounded by water and fascinating rock formations. From an elevated tee, the shot must be precisely struck in order to find dry land. This hole offers a real challenge to even the most accomplished golfers.

Top of the Rock Golf Course - Hole 6 - Golf at Big Cedar Lodge
Top of the Rock Golf Course - Hole 7 - Golf at Big Cedar Lodge

Hole 7 · Par 3

After the island green, golfers must contend with another lake that runs in front of and along the right side of this undulated kidney-shaped green. In addition to the water hazard close to the right side, large bunkering protects the left. This is a difficult hole and par here is a good score.

Top of the Rock Golf Course - Hole 7 - Golf at Big Cedar Lodge
Top of the Rock Golf Course - Hole 8 - Golf at Big Cedar Lodge

Hole 8 · Par 3

Golfers get their second unobstructed view of Osage Restaurant as they look uphill to number 8, another very challenging hole. Protected by a false front, a huge towering oak tree on the right front and monstrous bunkers on the left and behind the green - this green is hard to hit and a difficult par 3, especially with all the tricky pin placements.

Top of the Rock Golf Course - Hole 8 - Golf at Big Cedar Lodge
Top of the Rock Golf Course Hole 9 Golf at Big Cedar Lodge

Hole 9 · Par 3

A grand stone entrance and walkway unveils a majestic view of the 9th green and Table Rock Lake in the foreground. Those lucky enough to finish their round here at sunset are in for a spectacular treat! So have your camera ready! The final tee shot is downhill to a very difficult sloped green with severe bunkering surrounding the green. The ninth green also sits just to the right of the main Buffalo Bar terrace at Top of the Rock's Osage Restaurant, which is a great gathering spot for spectators to cheer you on.

Top of the Rock Golf Course Hole 9 Golf at Big Cedar Lodge

Course Information

Rates subject to change. Price does not include tax. Rates include golf cart, driving range balls, and bottled water on the course.

Through October 26, 2025
Resort Guest 9 holes: $135 | Public Guest 9 holes: $150
Junior 9 holes (17 & under): $75
Locals: $115

October 27 – November 30, 2025
Resort Guest 9 holes: $115 | Public Guest 9 holes: $130
Junior 9 holes (17 & under): $75
Locals: $105

December 2025
Resort Guest 9 holes: $90 | Public Guest 9 holes: $100
Junior 9 holes (17 & under): $65
Locals: $75

Non-golfer Cart Riding Fee – $30
Limit 1 rider per paying golfer

FORECADDIES AVAILABLE March – November!
Book your forecaddie by contacting our Caddie Manager at [email protected].

$50 per bag with suggested gratuity of $30 per bag. Cash payment only.

Rentals
TaylorMade rental clubs are available for $60, including two sleeves of golf balls.


Fall 2025 Aeration Dates:
September 15 – 17: Closed
Aeration Recovery: September 18 – 28


Top of the Rock Hole 9 with Lake in background and rocks in the foreground

Behind the Design

1995
1996
1997
2005-2014
2015
2024

A Vision from the Ozarks

Conservationist and outdoorsman Johnny Morris acquires 243 acres from College of the Ozarks president Dr. Graham Clark. Perched high above Table Rock Lake, the land becomes the canvas for a new kind of golf experience, where nature, history, and hospitality meet. 

Nicklaus Breaks Ground

Golf legend Jack Nicklaus begins work on his first par-3 design in Missouri.

The course, carved into limestone ridges and overlooking the Ozarks, reflects his signature architectural style while embracing the land’s raw natural beauty. 

An Ozarks Original

Top of the Rock opens to national acclaim.

With dramatic views, hand-laid stone bridges, and lush landscaping, the 9-hole par-3 layout quickly earns its place among America’s premier short courses, redefining what a par-3 can be. 

A Decade of Renewal

After a kitchen fire shutters the restaurant, Johnny Morris leads an ambitious reimagining of Top of the Rock. The facility reopens in 2005 with a lighted driving range and new putting complex. Over the next decade, new holes are sculpted, landscapes restored, and hospitality expanded.

In 2014, the course hosts the PGA TOUR Champions Legends of Golf, signaling its return to the national stage. 

From Sinkhole to Signature

A sudden sinkhole opens beneath the Arnold Palmer-designed practice range, draining a pond and exposing ancient Ozarks limestone.

What begins as a natural surprise becomes the spark for something greater, a bold new direction in course design and exploration. 

Stone by Stone

After ten years and 192,000 dump truck loads of excavation, construction begins on On the Rocks, a new putting course etched into the exposed terrain.

Set among dramatic rock formations and sweeping vistas, it embodies the spirit of Top of the Rock: unlike anything else in golf.

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Buffalo Ridge Practice Facility


The Buffalo Ridge Practice Facility is accessible for guests playing on Buffalo Ridge and Top of the Rock. It is also open to the public daily. The facility overlooks an expansive, sloping hillside and features Zyosia & Rye grass hitting surfaces. You might even see some free-range buffalo while you warm up. Sharpen your short game with sand bunkers and plenty of room for pitching, plus two putting greens.

Book Tee Time COURSE INFO

Dine at Top of the Rock

Wine and dine at Top of Rock, with options such as Osage Restaurant, Buffalo Bar and Arnie’s Barn. Bask in the spectacular views of Table Rock Lake and Top of the Rock golf course, and don’t forget to enjoy the wine and spirits available at End of the Trail All-American Wine Cellar.

Visit Top of the Rock Course


Address

150 Top of the Rock Road
Ridgedale, MO 65739

Hours of Operation

Open Daily Year-Round


Phone: 417-339-5344
Toll-Free: 1-800-BCLODGE

Mailing Address
612 Devil's Pool Road, Ridgedale, MO 65739

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