Welp. Planned a family vacation to Hollister specifically to check a bucket list and play Payne's Valley. Decided to get a lake house for more family fun, which means I had to hit the 14-day window to book since we're not on property.

Based on internet lore, the play was hit the site promptly at 6A to try and book. I sat ready and willing at 5:30A this morning.

Primary Goal: Book Payne's.
Secondary Goal: Book Cliffhangers.
Tertiary Goal: Book Buffalo Ridge.

By 5:55A, I'm on and refreshing. 6A hits. No openings at Payne's. I pivot. No openings at Cliffhangers. I pivot. Nothing at Buffalo Ridge.

So I ended up grabbing Mountain Top so I can at least get on the property. Don't get me wrong, I'm excited to check Mountain Top out. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed, though. On the plus side, it's about a fifth the price of Payne's Valley.

I'm going to try again for Saturday, though I doubt it's any better given the Friday situation. I am wondering now if the 6A tip was right, or if the play is to hit it at midnight. Oh well.

I think I'm going to try and plan a day a Big Cedar for the family, though. Go and do the tour, play Mountain Top, and then see if we can stay for dinner or something. Any advice?

I'd call a week or so out. People will cancel as it gets closer. Also check out Ledgestone. Great course in West Branson at a much normal rate.

I played Top of the Rock in March. There's great restaurant at the course and really great Native American museum there as well. I was staying at Big Cedar Lodge but there was hardly anyone playing when my son and I played. Was great experience and great memories with my son.

Top of the Rock is an excellent 9 hole if all else fails. I played in March as well. Cold front hit about 20 minutes before my tee time so I ended up having the course to myself.

Buffalo Ridge is awesome

tur***gie24 said:

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Buffalo Ridge is awesome

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Might be my favorite out of all of them. Played there a few times - most recently after Arky game. Witnessed an ace on 17. My brother has a business partner that lives off 17.

Headed in a day early now and was able to score a Cliffhangers tee time.

why did you not try ozark national

Check every evening and morning for cancelations. We went on our way to ND and got on Buffalo Ridge just the afternoon before. They will often have groups scheduled for corporate deals that have no-shows and they will fill these with wait-list type people. You may have to play with people you don't know, but beats not playing.

CapCity12thMan said:

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why did you not try ozark national

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I did, actually. It was gone, too. It ended up working out because it's a golf trip masquerading as a family trip. Sneaking in a couple of Par 3s was easier to get past my auditor.

When are you playing? We'll be in the Ozarks the last wek of May and will probably play mountain top with my 11 year old.

We'll be in Norfolk so we might try a local course as well for a cheaper 9 holes.

Thinking Cooper's Hawk or Turkey Mountain.

This week, actually. Cliffhangers is tomorrow afternoon, Mountain Top this weekend.

Booked Mountain Top for 5/26.

Excited to hear your report.