Payne’s Valley: Tiger Woods’ Public Ozarks Course and the Big Rock 19th
Payne’s Valley combines Tiger Woods’ first U.S. public-access TGR Design with the natural drama of the Ozarks, finishing with an optional extra par-3 known as Big Rock.
Payne’s Valley is the first public-access golf course in the United States completed by Tiger Woods’ TGR Design. Set among the Ozark Mountains at Big Cedar Lodge, the 18-hole championship course was designed to be playable for a wide range of golfers while retaining strategic options for stronger players. The experience finishes at the dramatic Big Rock, an additional par-3 hole set against a towering limestone wall.
A public course built around the Ozarks
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TGR Design shaped Payne’s Valley around the exposed rock, ridges, streams and mature trees of the Ozarks. The fairways are deliberately broad, making the course welcoming from the tee, while angles into the greens and the contours around them preserve a strategic test. The layout is designed to bring families and golfers of different abilities into the same experience.
The Big Rock: an extra hole unlike the rest
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After the standard 18 holes, players can take on Big Rock, a dramatic par 3 set at the foot of a huge limestone formation. The green, water and rock walls create a memorable finale and a different kind of photograph from the usual resort-course finish. It is an extra experience rather than part of the traditional 18-hole scorecard.
Public access and resort planning
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Payne’s Valley is open to the public and offers direct tee-time booking through Big Cedar Lodge. The resort also publishes information on forecaddies, club rentals and seasonal aeration closures. Visitors should check the booking calendar, course status and any recovery periods before travelling, particularly when planning a multi-course stay at Big Cedar.
The 19th hole is not a gimmick—it is the Ozarks’ grand finale.
Big Rock gives Payne’s Valley a distinctive finish, but the 18-hole course earns its reputation through broad playability, natural contours and a design that welcomes more than one kind of golfer.
Book directly through Big Cedar Lodge
Big Cedar publishes tee-time reservations, caddie and rental information, and course maintenance dates. Confirm current rates, seasonal closures and any stay-package conditions before arranging the trip.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ
Who designed Payne’s Valley?
Tiger Woods’ TGR Design created Payne’s Valley, the firm’s first public-access course in the United States.
How many holes are there?
The championship course has 18 holes, followed by an optional extra par-3 known as Big Rock.
Is Payne’s Valley open to the public?
Yes. Big Cedar Lodge describes it as a fully public-access course and offers tee-time booking.
What is Big Rock?
Big Rock is the additional par-3 hole at the end of the experience, set against a large exposed limestone wall.
