Coore and Crenshaw to design new course at the Big Cedar Lodge
Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw have been hired to design a new golf course at the Big Cedar Lodge resort near Ridgedale, Missouri.
The two architects have been brought in by the resort’s owner Johnny Morris, who plans to turn Big Cedar Lodge into one of the leading golf destinations in the US midwest.
In the past year, Morris has helped reopen the Top of the Rock and Buffalo Ridge Springs courses in Ridgedale. Tom Fazio’s firm designed the Buffalo Ridge Springs course, while Jack Nicklaus’ firm were behind the design at Top of the Rock.
Located in the Ozarks region of the US, the new course will be built on land beside the Buffalo Ridge Springs course, which was formerly known as Branson Creek. Buffalo Ridge Springs was redesigned by Tom Fazio before its reopening in 2014.
“We have been in discussions with Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw over the past three years about creating a golf showcase in the Ozarks that highlights the changing terrains, distant views and wooded paths that make this region one of the nation’s most beloved natural resources,” said Morris. “Bill, Ben and I share a passion and appreciation for nature and a commitment to preserving the timeless landscape that serves as the leading signature for our region. The design of this new course should be a striking display for the senses and fitting tribute to a place we call home.”
Coore and Crenshaw bring vast architectural experience to the project, having worked together on numerous high profile jobs in the past, including the courses at The Sand Hills Golf Club, Streamsong Red and Bandon Trails.
“When we visited the site on Buffalo Ridge, we were immediately reminded of some of the terrain we have successfully worked in locations such as Clear Creek at Lake Tahoe and Old Sandwich Club in Massachusetts,” said Bill Coore. “The raw beauty of the views, meadows and elevation changes will serve as our creative motivation to deliver a golf experience that matches the Johnny Morris’ vision for Big Cedar Lodge.”