Come July 4, Big Cedar Lodge in Missouri’s scenic Ozarks will unveil Cliffhangers, an audacious new 18‑hole par‑3 course envisioned by Johnny Morris and his son, John Paul. This isn’t your typical short course, it’s an adrenaline‑fueled adventure that clings to limestone cliffs, weaves through caves, and culminates in dramatic tee‑shots through waterfalls.
Originally intended as a basic driving range site, the cliffside property inspired the Morris duo to dream bigger. Their site walk revealed such dramatic terrain that the idea expanded into building an entirely new par‑3 course–a plan catalyzed by the land’s natural potential.
“Cliffhangers reflects everything we love about nature, adventure, and golf,” said John Paul. “It’s wild, fun, and unlike anything in the game of golf today.”
An Architect’s Playground
Cliffhangers offers a thrilling blend of shot-making challenges, with hole distances ranging from 60 to 170 yards. This design caters to both wedge enthusiasts and players who prefer a more controlled iron approach, ensuring that every golfer, regardless of skill level, finds moments of intrigue and difficulty.
The greens themselves vary greatly in size and slope, many of them strategically carved into the natural contours of cliff faces and embedded among dramatic geological features. These natural formations not only elevate the visual appeal, but also make each pin placement feel like a new test, keeping return play fresh and engaging.
Perhaps the most jaw-dropping moment on the course comes at Hole 3, known as the “Cave Tee.” Here, players enter a limestone cavern to tee off through a curtain of falling water–a surreal and cinematic experience that captures the essence of Cliffhangers’ adventurous spirit.
Beyond this standout moment, the course layout continues to impress with immersive cart paths that wind under waterfalls, thread through caves, and cross sparkling creeks. These pathways are more than mere transport. They’re integral to the course’s storytelling, making every transition from hole to hole feel like a scenic tour.
“We wanted to create something that celebrates the natural wonder of the Ozarks while delivering an unforgettable adventure for every golfer,” Johnny said.
The final three holes, 16 through 18, deliver a dramatic descent along the cliff’s edge. Golfers are treated to panoramic views as they play their way down toward the finish near Payne’s Valley’s iconic 18th and 19th holes. Elevated tee boxes perched above sheer rock faces bring both excitement and a bit of vertigo, offering a memorable conclusion to a course designed to dazzle at every turn.
Legacy and Lodge Context
Cliffhangers is Big Cedar’s sixth golf course and joins three full-length courses–including Tiger Woods’ famed Payne’s Valley, and two other par‑3s: Mountain Top (Gary Player) and Top of the Rock (Jack Nicklaus). The resort’s golfing portfolio now spans a rich diversity: each layout provides distinctive challenges and scenic beauty.
Johnny’s vision extends beyond golf: it’s about connecting players to nature, conservation, and outdoor adventure. Cliffhangers advances that mission by blending sport with spectacular geology.
“We’ve had a lot of people come through for preview play who aren’t very good at golf, but they’re having a lot of fun,” John Paul said. “I’ve been coming down to just watch guests hooting and hollering, and high-fiving. I’m just like, ‘Alright, we did it.’ That’s what this is all about. We’re just trying to have fun.”
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