Golfweek’s Best 2022: Top public and private courses in Missouri

The best public-access courses in Missouri are gathered around Branson, with Big Cedar offering three must-plays.

Want the best public-access golf in Missouri? It’s simple: Head to the Branson area for Big Cedar Lodge and the independent Branson Hills. Each of the top four public-access layouts in the state lies not far from the southern Missouri border with Arkansas.

Golfweek’s Best offers many lists of course rankings, with that of top public-access courses in each state among the most popular. All the courses on this list allow public access in some fashion, be it standard daily green fees, through a resort or by staying at an affiliated hotel. If there’s a will, there’s a tee time.

Also popular are the Golfweek’s Best rankings of top private courses in each state, and that list for Missouri’s private offerings is likewise included below.

(m): Modern course, built in or after 1960
(c): Classic course, built before 1960

Note: If there is a number in the parenthesis with the m or c, that indicates where that course ranks among Golfweek’s Best top 200 modern or classic courses. 

* New to or returning to list

Best Theme Park Holiday Event: An Old Time Christmas

Welcome to An Old Time Christmas Silver Dollar City’s signature holiday event in Branson, Missouri. And four-time winner of the Readers’ Choice title of Best Theme Park Holiday Event. This holiday celebration features 6.5 million lights and an all new 8-story special effects Christmas Tree This park sure knows how to deck the halls!

Welcome to An Old Time Christmas Silver Dollar City’s signature holiday event in Branson, Missouri. And four-time winner of the Readers’ Choice title of Best Theme Park Holiday Event. This holiday celebration features 6.5 million lights and an all new 8-story special effects Christmas Tree This park sure knows how to deck the halls!