Holiday Hills Golf Club Review

We have learned during our stay here in Branson, that there is a ton to do. From outdoor activities and natural wonders, to musical entertainment and dinner shows – it is nonstop for sure. So here we are, finishing up our stay in Branson and we suddenly realize we have some free time.

Guess what we decide to do? Take in a show? Explore one of the many caves in the area?

Nope – we play golf.

And our course of choice? The Holiday Hills Golf Club.

But first some history – long before Branson became the country music Mecca of the Ozarks, we learned visitors to the area would come to the Golf Ranch Country Club. Now known as Holiday Hills Resort and Golf Club, the Golf Ranch was a popular spot for golfing or just having fun in the rustic clubhouse for people from all walks of life. Today, this 18-hole golf course features hybrid bermuda fairways and tees, bentgrass greens, and over 40 bunkers, with water coming into play on six holes.

After checking us in, Bob told us we could start right away. He mentioned the Club’s Men’s League was playing a tournament today and the last foursome was on hole 5. Bob thought we had plenty of space between them and us. More on that later. So we headed to the 1st hole.

But….if I was going to be totally honest, what mostly caught my eye with this course, was that it is just a quick 5 minutes from our RV park.

Looking out over the fairway from the elevated tee, I found myself thinking how intimidating it looked because of the length and the water. There was water on the left and fairway bunkers and trees running down the right. I kept thinking, I just need to hit “Old Lady Golf” – straight up the middle. Unfortunately, I sliced to the right, but it was playable.

Thoughout our round, I noticed the track had a “Recreational Golfer’s” feel – flat to mildly rolling terrain with a variety of holes placed to challenge both of us. We both appreciated the wide, open fairways on more than a couple of our shots. When it came to putting, the undulating greens kept us on our toes.

Throughout the front nine, we noticed the beautiful landscaping, lakes, creeks, and waterfalls. Considering the course is 70+ years old, this all added to the welcoming feel of the resort.

We seemed to hum through the first 8 holes with no delays. But as we approached the 9th tee box, that all changed. We had caught the Men’s League foursome. And that foursome was waiting on the foursome in front of them, who were waiting on the foursome in front of them, who were waiting for the foursome in front of them….you get the idea.

At this point in the morning, we had noticed the winds were picking up and the clouds were beginning to become darker. Prior to starting our round, I had heard on the weather report that a pretty strong storm was heading to Branson this evening. Naturally we were concerned how this would affect our time to load up our RV prior to leaving in the next day or so.

With the weather report on our minds, and the delay in play waiting on the league players in front of us, we decided to only play 9 holes.

And you know what? Playing the front nine at Holiday Hills was a fulfilling way to enjoy the game. We were pleasantly reminded that golf doesn’t have to be 18 holes. It’s OK. The goal is to play golf.

And play golf we did.

Based on our golf scorecard, we give Holiday Hills Golf Club a Par.

As we exited the resort, we passed through the back nine and recognized we missed out on some beautiful and challenging holes. We are looking forward to a return chance to play the full course.

Fairways and Greens – We are 18 Holes and Counting

Written By: Kathy Festa

COURSE REVIEW SCORE CARD

Course:  Holiday Hills Golf Club

Type: Public/Resort

Date Played: 30 October 2024