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Branson (Fireball) 2016 gathering

BlueDevilRef said:
We gonna run out of golfing days if somebody doesn’t get this planned!!!
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How is early October up there? I'm thinking the weekend before Columbus Day (6th/7th).
 
BlueDevilRef said:
Last several years it has still been very warm even into the end of October. I’d bet that would be a great time to plan it.
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Plenty of rooms for me to reserve available right now at the Wyndham resorts up that way. If we get interest, I'll secure one or more. I just need to coordinate with my boss/wife.

I could reserve a 2br suite. It would probably have 2 King beds and 2 queen sleeper sofas (it's two 1br suites with a lockoff room between so it's rented as a 2br). It could handle up to 8, but if we're taking about no one sharing beds, then look at 4 people. Even at that, for 3 nights (Friday, Saturday, Sunday), it'd be $800 and if it's split 4 ways, you're still only talking about $65/night or so.
 
October days are typically pretty nice. AFAIK I'd be available that weekend and would like to join you all for a couple rounds if this happens. The Branson courses are in excellent shape and the nice rains we've been getting lately should ensure they'll be perfect this fall too. Too bad the Coore/Crenshaw won't be opened up then, Ozarks National https://golfbigcedar.com/golf-courses/ozarks-course/ A friend lucky enough to play it (and several holes on Tiger's new course - 2019 opening) absolutely loved it but it isn't opening up until 1 Nov. Riskier to assume nice days that late and with DST kicking in it's tougher to get in multiple rounds before sundown.

If this happens, I won't need lodging.
 
Assuming you guys that don't need lodging are close enough to drive to the course. Anyone care if I pitch a tent in your yard?
 
I actually would probably have room for two guys in my cabin, one on a futon and one on a throw down twin mattress. We could probably pitch a small cabin tent as well. It would be on some rough ground though ......

My family has a very small cabin at one of the lakeside “resorts” that is only a few miles from Top of the Rock facility, and the Branson Creek complex where Buffalo Ridge, and thee two new courses are going in.

I’m buddies with the pro at Ledgestone so I’d hope I could get somewhat cheaper rounds there as well but can’t promise anything. I’m a bit of a homer for his course and I consider it the finest in the area but he would hurt me if I didn’t say that!!!
 
I'd be up for a THP gathering!!!
 
Daddio said:
October days are typically pretty nice. AFAIK I'd be available that weekend and would like to join you all for a couple rounds if this happens. The Branson courses are in excellent shape and the nice rains we've been getting lately should ensure they'll be perfect this fall too. Too bad the Coore/Crenshaw won't be opened up then, Ozarks National https://golfbigcedar.com/golf-courses/ozarks-course/ A friend lucky enough to play it (and several holes on Tiger's new course - 2019 opening) absolutely loved it but it isn't opening up until 1 Nov. Riskier to assume nice days that late and with DST kicking in it's tougher to get in multiple rounds before sundown.

If this happens, I won't need lodging.
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I just made a reservation at the Wyndham in Branson from Nov 17-21. I'm hoping to get a round in on Sunday the 18th or Monday the 19th, pending weather.

Whadday think?
 
OGputtnfool said:
I just made a reservation at the Wyndham in Branson from Nov 17-21. I'm hoping to get a round in on Sunday the 18th or Monday the 19th, pending weather.

Whadday think?
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If weather is decent I would come down and play.


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OGputtnfool said:
I just made a reservation at the Wyndham in Branson from Nov 17-21. I'm hoping to get a round in on Sunday the 18th or Monday the 19th, pending weather.

Whadday think?
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sposey013168 said:
If weather is decent I would come down and play.


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Same here. Do you have a favorite or have you played any of the Branson courses OGPF?
 
Daddio said:
Same here. Do you have a favorite or have you played any of the Branson courses OGPF?
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Never. I'm a Branson virgin.
 
Daddio said:
October days are typically pretty nice. AFAIK I'd be available that weekend and would like to join you all for a couple rounds if this happens. The Branson courses are in excellent shape and the nice rains we've been getting lately should ensure they'll be perfect this fall too. Too bad the Coore/Crenshaw won't be opened up then, Ozarks National https://golfbigcedar.com/golf-courses/ozarks-course/ A friend lucky enough to play it (and several holes on Tiger's new course - 2019 opening) absolutely loved it but it isn't opening up until 1 Nov. Riskier to assume nice days that late and with DST kicking in it's tougher to get in multiple rounds before sundown.

If this happens, I won't need lodging.
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So, I just looked at this. I'd absolutely LOVE to play that Coore/Crenshaw design, but I don't think my game is up to paying $150 for a round. Course looks awesome. Maybe some day...
 
OGputtnfool said:
So, I just looked at this. I'd absolutely LOVE to play that Coore/Crenshaw design, but I don't think my game is up to paying $150 for a round. Course looks awesome. Maybe some day...
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Dang, thanks for pointing out that OZARK NATIONAL is at a $150 rate. I knew it was going to be pricey but I hoped for a better rate. I made a few calls this morning to check on mid-Nov rates at several nice tracks here. I also asked the hard question about Ozark National and that $150 rate is an introductory special and will be going up. So I'll be playing there before they go up, regardless, just to see it. I'm almost afraid to hear what Tiger's course will cost next season. It's his first design open to to the public. Some other local options in the order I personally prefer them:

BUFFALO RIDGE - I've played close to 500 golf courses, several much pricier than BR, and this is my favorite golf course anywhere. It's more visually spectacular in peak season with all the water features flowing and the bison herds roaming the course (they winter them elsewhere) but the course itself, even in Nov will be enjoyable, challenging, and you'll play every shot in your arsenal. This track is also pricey (shoulder season $115 + tax) but from experience you can't sniff a track like this for 2-3X the price in most regions. I wish they offered a local rate which is why the parking lot is dominated with out of state plates. It has appeared in the GD Top 100 courses recently too. The Legends and Champions play an event here each spring. If you scroll down the 1st link it gives a brief hole by hole run down, the 2nd link provides a great photo documentary/description of the course submitted by sposey#s in preparation for the 2015 HP gathering he organized. If you're interested you'll have to follow along through several pages as he describes the holes.
https://golfbigcedar.com/golf-courses/buffalo-ridge-springs-course/
https://www.thehackersparadise.com/forum/showthread.php/68225-Branson-June-26th-through-28th-unofficial-THP-gathering/page33

BRANSON HILLS - (used to be named 'Payne Stewart') is a difficult challenge. Mountainous, like all the Branson options, with perfect lightning fast greens. It's at a great rate in NOV too, $69 +tax, and when I talked with them today they said they'd offer you the local rate ($59+) so long as one local was in your group. You get a nice hole by hole 'yardage book' clicking each hole number on the link below:
https://www.bransonhillsgolfclub.com/golf-course/ you'll have to remove the 's' from 'https' for link to work

RIVERCUT - About 30 mins north of you toward Springfield. I'm a member here and really enjoy this course. It was awarded the #1 Municipal Course in MO a few years ago and has hosted WEB events. It doesn't have the severe elevation changes like the Branson options but you rarely get a level stance regardless, and you'll NEVER get one near a green. Those green complexes are great. Mounds, collection areas, steep bunkering everywhere. It would run you $55 on Sun, $45 on Mon, no tax. Infact if you're wanting to buy yourself a gift on this vacation there is no sales tax on any of the hard goods in the pro shop. If you click the 'course link on the left it provides a short description of eack hole:
https://www.parkboardgolf.org/rivercut-golf-course/

LEDGESTONE - another very nice Branson option. This one is the favorite Branson option of some THPers. Lot's of elevation changes too, some very scenic holes with great variety. Challenging because it's a 'target golf' track (not every hole, but several) and ranking it 4th isn't an insult. It's a great track too; $59 + tax winter rate. Nice hole by hole here:
https://www.ledgestonegolf.com/view-course/ you'll have to remove the 's' from 'https' for link to work

All of these courses have excellent zoysia fairways and fast undulating greens (unsure if they'll be bent or winter rye in NOV?) I don't remeber if Buffalo ridge has GPS in carts but I know the last 3 courses do.

Weather permitting, I'm good to join Sun, Mon, or both.
 
Daddio said:
Dang, thanks for pointing out that OZARK NATIONAL is at a $150 rate. I knew it was going to be pricey but I hoped for a better rate. I made a few calls this morning to check on mid-Nov rates at several nice tracks here. I also asked the hard question about Ozark National and that $150 rate is an introductory special and will be going up. So I'll be playing there before they go up, regardless, just to see it. I'm almost afraid to hear what Tiger's course will cost next season. It's his first design open to to the public. Some other local options in the order I personally prefer them:

BUFFALO RIDGE - I've played close to 500 golf courses, several much pricier than BR, and this is my favorite golf course anywhere. It's more visually spectacular in peak season with all the water features flowing and the bison herds roaming the course (they winter them elsewhere) but the course itself, even in Nov will be enjoyable, challenging, and you'll play every shot in your arsenal. This track is also pricey (shoulder season $115 + tax) but from experience you can't sniff a track like this for 2-3X the price in most regions. I wish they offered a local rate which is why the parking lot is dominated with out of state plates. It has appeared in the GD Top 100 courses recently too. The Legends and Champions play an event here each spring. If you scroll down the 1st link it gives a brief hole by hole run down, the 2nd link provides a great photo documentary/description of the course submitted by sposey#s in preparation for the 2015 HP gathering he organized. If you're interested you'll have to follow along through several pages as he describes the holes.
https://golfbigcedar.com/golf-courses/buffalo-ridge-springs-course/
https://www.thehackersparadise.com/forum/showthread.php/68225-Branson-June-26th-through-28th-unofficial-THP-gathering/page33

BRANSON HILLS - (used to be named 'Payne Stewart') is a difficult challenge. Mountainous, like all the Branson options, with perfect lightning fast greens. It's at a great rate in NOV too, $69 +tax, and when I talked with them today they said they'd offer you the local rate ($59+) so long as one local was in your group. You get a nice hole by hole 'yardage book' clicking each hole number on the link below:
https://www.bransonhillsgolfclub.com/golf-course/ you'll have to remove the 's' from 'https' for link to work

RIVERCUT - About 30 mins north of you toward Springfield. I'm a member here and really enjoy this course. It was awarded the #1 Municipal Course in MO a few years ago and has hosted WEB events. It doesn't have the severe elevation changes like the Branson options but you rarely get a level stance regardless, and you'll NEVER get one near a green. Those green complexes are great. Mounds, collection areas, steep bunkering everywhere. It would run you $55 on Sun, $45 on Mon, no tax. Infact if you're wanting to buy yourself a gift on this vacation there is no sales tax on any of the hard goods in the pro shop. If you click the 'course link on the left it provides a short description of eack hole:
https://www.parkboardgolf.org/rivercut-golf-course/

LEDGESTONE - another very nice Branson option. This one is the favorite Branson option of some THPers. Lot's of elevation changes too, some very scenic holes with great variety. Challenging because it's a 'target golf' track (not every hole, but several) and ranking it 4th isn't an insult. It's a great track too; $59 + tax winter rate. Nice hole by hole here:
https://www.ledgestonegolf.com/view-course/ you'll have to remove the 's' from 'https' for link to work

All of these courses have excellent zoysia fairways and fast undulating greens (unsure if they'll be bent or winter rye in NOV?) I don't remeber if Buffalo ridge has GPS in carts but I know the last 3 courses do.

Weather permitting, I'm good to join Sun, Mon, or both.
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Knowing that, I might swing the $150 for the Ozark National, but it'll depend on what my game looks like as we get closer. I would definitely not mind playing the "Payne Stewart" course and I would likely do the "knicker" look just for the occasion. :clown:

Would be cool to get 3 or 4 (or more) of us together for this. Depending on where we play (not for $150), my 14 year old might join us, too.
 
haha, you might want to save those knickers for when you come back to play Tiger's course (Payne's Valley) in the summer. 4-5 years ago when I first played Branson Hills (then called Payne Stewart) it displayed an incredible collection of Payne's memorabilia throughout the facility. Worth visiting for Stewart fans, even if you weren't there to golf. A few months later 95% of that hommage to Payne was gone and the course had been renamed. Some kind of contractual falling out with Payne's family was the story. I now assume it likely was tied to future plans for the new course. My hope is that his memorabilia collection is ear marked to be on display at Payne's Valley.
 
Daddio said:
haha, you might want to save those knickers for when you come back to play Tiger's course (Payne's Valley) in the summer. 4-5 years ago when I first played Branson Hills (then called Payne Stewart) it displayed an incredible collection of Payne's memorabilia throughout the facility. Worth visiting for Stewart fans, even if you weren't there to golf. A few months later 95% of that hommage to Payne was gone and the course had been renamed. Some kind of contractual falling out with Payne's family was the story. I now assume it likely was tied to future plans for the new course. My hope is that his memorabilia collection is ear marked to be on display at Payne's Valley.
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I just went through Ledgestone hole by hole and it looks very, very challenging. That might be a good option when the time comes.
 
My buddy is the pro at Ledgestone. It’s my fave. It’s a bear from longer tees but it is a great track. It’s def on the list for sure
 
OGputtnfool said:
I just made a reservation at the Wyndham in Branson from Nov 17-21. I'm hoping to get a round in on Sunday the 18th or Monday the 19th, pending weather.

Whadday think?
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Looks like I'm driving back Monday night now so hoping to get the golf in on Sunday. Who all is in (obviously pending weather forecasts once we get closer)?
 
I'm in, any course you choose. I'm playing Branson Hills down there early next week, I'll try to remember to snap some pics.
 
Brrrrrr
 
Daddio said:
haha, you might want to save those knickers for when you come back to play Tiger's course (Payne's Valley) in the summer. 4-5 years ago when I first played Branson Hills (then called Payne Stewart) it displayed an incredible collection of Payne's memorabilia throughout the facility. Worth visiting for Stewart fans, even if you weren't there to golf. A few months later 95% of that hommage to Payne was gone and the course had been renamed. Some kind of contractual falling out with Payne's family was the story. I now assume it likely was tied to future plans for the new course. My hope is that his memorabilia collection is ear marked to be on display at Payne's Valley.
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The family wanted $250k to keep the name so the owner said heck with that and renamed it Branson hills


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