Gary Player's 13-hole par-3 course routed through Ozarks rock formations at elevation. Walking only, designed to be accessible across all skill levels.
Gary Player designed Mountain Top as a 13-hole par-3 course that occupies an elevated section of the Big Cedar property, and the unconventional hole count is the first signal that this layout operates on its own terms. Thirteen holes provide a round that is longer than the nine-hole format at Top of the Rock but shorter than a full 18, which creates a playing window of roughly two hours at a walking pace. The course opened in 2017 and has established itself 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 that play 150 yards or more, and the variety across 13 holes keeps the round from feeling repetitive. Player designed the course to be walkable and enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels, and the layout delivers on that intention without sacrificing the visual quality or the 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 pace of a walking par-3 round creates a rhythm that the cart-based courses do not quite achieve. For families, Mountain Top provides the opportunity for golfers and non-golfers to play together in a low-pressure setting where the emphasis is on the experience rather than the scorecard.
The green fee of $80 for resort guests at peak rates makes Mountain Top the most affordable course in the Big Cedar collection, and the non-guest rate of approximately $95 keeps it accessible for day visitors. The combination of the low price point, the manageable time commitment, and the walking-only format positions Mountain Top as a complement to the championship courses rather than a competitor. Golfers staying for multiple nights will find it a useful option for a rest day or an afternoon round after a morning on one of the 18-hole layouts. Book direct through bigcedar.com.
Tom Fazio's 18-hole design through rolling Ozarks grassland, where a resident bison herd grazes alongside the fairways. Ranked among Golf Digest's Top 100 Public.
Coore and Crenshaw's ridgeline routing through the Ozarks, featuring panoramic views and a 400-foot wooden bridge on the 13th hole. Golf Digest Best New Public 2019.
Tiger Woods' first public-access course, an 18-hole championship layout with a bonus 19th par-3 carved through Ozarks ridgelines above Table Rock Lake.
The only par-3 course ever used by the PGA Tour, a Jack Nicklaus design through limestone cliffs above Table Rock Lake.