28-06-2025
Did Tiger Woods contribute to the new Big Cedar Lodge course? Here's what we found
RIDGEDALE, Missouri — About five years ago, Tiger Woods walked the Ozark Mountains to showcase to the world "Payne's Valley," the first fully public-access course that he designed.
Woods unveiled it during the "Payne's Valley Cup," a made-for-TV event that also featured Justin Thomas, Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose, while also showcasing Big Cedar Lodge to a national audience.
Five years later, a new course opened adjacent to Woods' course, leading some to wonder whether the 15-time major champion had any involvement in its creation.
The answer? He did not.
"Cliffhangers" is a new par-3 golf course that opens to the public on July 4, and it was designed by Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris and his son, John Paul Morris.
More: Johnny Morris, Big Cedar Lodge give first look at stunning 'Cliffhangers' golf course
The pair said they initially set out to build a best-of-its-kind driving range to complement Payne's Valley in the space where they ultimately built the new course.
"A lot of it was just me and dad just driving our team nuts making changes," John Paul Morris said. "Over the years, with all of the courses and even working with Tiger, my dad loves views. He's not a giant golfer, but he loves nature and the views."
John Paul Morris said he and his dad worked with the golf designers to maximize the views, trying to conceal the different cart paths with the golf construction personnel they had on site to work on it.
The 18-hole course was unveiled during a private event on Tuesday, June 26, offering chances to tee off from several holes and drive around the course.
"We just hope people come and have a once-in-a-lifetime experience," John Paul Morris said. "We hope they make some happy memories that they'll never forget."
