Big Cedar Lodge, Johnny Morris’ evergrowing wilderness resort, has unveiled details for Cliffhangers, an extraordinary new 18-hole, par-3 golf course.
Cliffhangers was created by visionary conservationist Morris and his son John Paul. The result of their efforts is an over-the-top, bucket list golf experience in the Ozark Mountains near Ridgedale, MO., What was originally planned as a practice facility exploded into the Cliffhangers course after Johnny and JP, continued walking the terrain, realizing just how stunning the land truly was.
Cliffhangers, is the sixth course at the award-winning golf resort and is located adjacent to Tiger Woods’ acclaimed Payne’s Valley. Cliffhangers will open on July 4, 2025. Reservations are available now.
John Paul )left) and Johnny Morris
The course lives up to its name with dramatic elevation changes, breathtaking views, and holes ranging from 60 to 170 yards, each meticulously carved into the region’s iconic limestone cliffs and flowing creeks.
“This is golf on the edge – literally,” said Johnny Morris. “We wanted to create something that celebrates the natural wonder of the Ozarks while delivering an unforgettable adventure for every golfer.”
Golfers will traverse steep mountain trails and lush zoysia approaches leading to undulating bent grass greens, each hole offering a new surprise. The course itself is a signature loop the likes of which have never before been seen in golf. Players will drive carts through cascading waterfalls, cross through swift flowing creeks, and journey into a dramatic cave system – culminating in a tee shot launched from inside the cavern through a waterfall!
“Cliffhangers reflects everything we love about nature, adventure, and golf,” said John Paul Morris. “It’s wild, fun, and unlike anything in the game of golf today. We hope you’ll come pay us a visit and play Cliffhangers and experience what true Ozarks hospitality is all about.’’
Cliffhangers’ Finishing Hole
Big Cedar Lodge has become a premier destination for golf by attracting some of the world’s leading course architects, including Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson, Tom Fazio, Gary Player, Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw.
Cliffhangers marks Big Cedar’s third par-3 course, joining the exclusive ranks of legendary Top of the Rock – the first-ever PGA Tour-sanctioned par-3 course designed by Nicklaus – and Mountain Top, a Player design known for its 13 scenic walking-only holes. Together, these courses highlight Big Cedar’s ongoing commitment to redefining the short course experience.
Photos Courtesy of Big Cedar Lodge