A new golf course named in honour of the late professional golfer Payne Stewart has opened in Branson, Missouri, close to Stewart’s home town of Springfield.

Designed by architect Chuck Smith, with input from former PGA Tour player Bobby Clampett, Payne Stewart Golf Club is located in the Branson Hills residential community and managed by Hilton Golf.

The course held an official opening on 6 June. Director of golf TJ Baggett said: We are excited to host this grand event, as many people have anxiously been waiting our grand opening. Smith and Clampett have designed an outstanding course, the owners are providing first class amenities and the Hilton staff will provide a level of service equal to other high-end private golf facilities.”

The par 72 course measures over 7,350 yards from the back tees and has a plaque on each hole relating a specific event in Stewart’s career. The property features mature trees such as dogwoods and redbuds and several lakes. The club’s driving range will open next year.