Mountain Top Golf Course

Mountain Top is Gary Player's 13-hole par-3 course at Big Cedar Lodge, routed through Ozarks rock formations at elevation and designed to be walked. The unconventional hole count is the first signal that this layout works on its own terms. Thirteen holes give you a round longer than the nine-hole format at Top of the Rock but shorter than a full 18, which lands in a playing window of about two hours at walking pace. The course opened in 2017 and works as the most accessible entry point in the Big Cedar collection.

The routing threads through Ozarks rock formations at elevation, with natural stone outcroppings framing tee boxes and green complexes throughout. The holes range from short pitch shots to approaches of 150 yards or more, and the variety across 13 holes keeps the round from feeling repetitive. Player designed for walkability and enjoyment across skill levels, and the layout delivers without sacrificing the visual quality or strategic interest that distinguishes it from a typical resort par-3.

The walking-only policy matches the design intent. The terrain is moderate enough that the walk is pleasant rather than demanding, and the rhythm of a walking par-3 round is something the cart-based courses do not quite achieve. For families, Mountain Top is a low-pressure setting where golfers and non-golfers can play together and the emphasis sits on the experience rather than the scorecard.