Big Cedar's 5 Courses or Mesquite/Utah Trip? Any Opinions?

[PATRICKW]

My dad and I are planning a 50th birthday golf trip for myself and him.  If we can not go to Bandon, our other options are Big Cedar in Missouri or doing a Mesquite/Utah trip.

Anyone been to both?  Which would you go back to?  Other ideas welcome.  Dad may need a cart for some rounds(medical)  Thanks in advance.

Patrick

[iacas]

For many of these types of things, I think that the "all inclusive" type things result in a better experience.

If you're building your own itinerary, spending money at multiple courses, you generally won't get the same service level and have the same quality of experience as if you're at one place. One place can be more accommodating for shifting tee times, dinner reservations, and so on.

[Ole Duffer]

If you go to Johnny's courses at Big Cedar/Ridgedale/Branson, MO, make sure you go when they are all open.  Ozark National has just opened, but Payne's Valley, Johnny and Tiger's tribute to local native Payne Stewart opens in September.  Johnny has a way of missing deadlines . . . Top of the Rock was closed for six or seven years, with every year being the date of re-opening.

While in the area, you should also play Branson Hills Golf Club, FKA The Payne Stewart Golf Club, and LedgeStone.

Ratings are likely to change this year, but in 2019 all were in Golfweek's Top Courses in Missouri:

1. Buffalo Ridge Springs, Hollister (m)
2. Branson Hills, Branson (m)
3. Swope Memorial, Kansas City (c)
4. Old Kinderhook, Camdenton (m)
5. Creekmore, Raymore (m)
6. Ledgestone, Branson (m)