This is a great trip if you love college football, amazing food, Oklahoma, and golf. Karsten Creek Golf Club is Oklahoma’s premier collegiate golf showcase, a Tom Fazio masterpiece just outside Stillwater, home to the powerhouse Oklahoma State University Cowboys and Cowgirls golf teams (12-time national champs). This elite layout features dramatic terrain, a massive 110-acre Lake Louise in play on many holes, Tahoma-31 Bermuda fairways, and a reputation as one of America’s toughest and most respected public-access courses. With recent renovations enhancing its challenge, it’s pure bucket-list golf in the heart of the plains.

Quick Facts

  • Single championship 18-hole course: Tom Fazio design (1994, with Andrew Green updates in 2024\)
  • Brutal yet beautiful: Over 8,000 yards from the tips, slope up to 152, Lake Louise hazards, strategic bunkers, and undulating greens
  • Year-round play: Ideal spring/fall (mild temps); summer mornings to beat heat; peak conditions for visitors
  • Public access with premium feel: Guest play available (often via memberships or packages), high greens fees ($125-$300 including cart), but worth it for the pedigree
  • Accolades galore: Former Golf Digest Best New Public (1994), longtime fixture in America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses, top-ranked in Oklahoma, and elite collegiate venue (hosted NCAA Championships)

The State nickname for Oklahoma is the Sooner State. I would be pissed if I were OSU, your rival takes the state nickname for their name? It’s egregious, it lacks honor. Choose a different nickname. We are all sooners here.

Perfect For…

  • Guys’ Trips: High-stakes rounds on a tour-level test, post-golf analysis over beers, bragging rights on surviving the back-nine lake drama, and easy access to Stillwater’s college-town energy (OSU games, breweries)
  • Families: More forgiving forward tees make it playable; practice facilities and range for all levels; nearby Stillwater offers family-friendly eats and OSU campus vibes (non-golfers can explore town or relax)

Top Standout Course

Karsten Creek Course (Tom Fazio)

The only course here, and it’s a stunner, designed to push elite players (built for OSU recruiting/development). Front nine winds through open plains with strategic challenges; back nine brings Lake Louise into play on multiple holes, culminating in the epic 624-yard par-5 18th (downhill finish hugging the water). Iconic holes include the long par-4 16th (scenic approach to the lake) and risk-reward par-5s. Renovated for even more challenge, it’s often called one of the hardest public courses you’ll play. Rewarding precision and strategy.

Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots

  • Karsten Creek Lodges: On-site accommodations (lodge rooms with lake/course views, check-in flexible, complimentary drinks, quiet vibe); limited but immersive. Contact golf shop for availability and packages
  • Nearby options in Stillwater: Hotels like Hampton Inn or Airbnb/Vrbo homes for groups; pair with guest fees or membership perks for multi-round access
  • Packages often through the club (unlimited practice, preferred guest rates for members’ friends); no massive resort, but the focus is pure golf immersion

All Key Karsten Creek Golf Highlights at a Glance

  • Karsten Creek Course (Tom Fazio, elite collegiate/test track)
  • Massive practice range and facilities (open to guests)
  • Lake Louise drama (back-nine centerpiece)
  • Clubhouse with restaurant (lunch/brunch), pro shop, and Ping fittings
  • Tobacco-free, high-maintenance conditions year-round

Pro Tips

  • Book tee times early (up to 2 weeks in advance) via karstencreek.com or call 405-743-1658, guest play requires coordination; check for seasonal closures (e.g., winter maintenance)
  • Fly into Oklahoma City (OKC) 1-hour drive or Tulsa (TUL) for options
  • Pair golf with Stillwater classics: OSU Cowboys games (if in season), local BBQ/breweries, or campus tours
  • Play from forward tees unless you’re ready for the challenge; carts required on paths in certain conditions; embrace the wind and lake hazards

Time to test your game on one of America’s toughest public gems, chase birdies around Lake Louise, and reset with collegiate-level intensity. Karsten Creek is calling your escape.

 

This is your chance to become the Huckleberry Finn of Golf, and float down the mighty Mississippi to Fallen Oak. Fallen Oak Golf Club is the crown jewel of Mississippi golf. A Tom Fazio masterpiece located in Saucier (about 30 minutes north of Biloxi), designed exclusively for guests of the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino. Often called the “Shadow Creek of the South,” it delivers elite private-club treatment with gated entry, personalized service, pristine conditioning, and a natural, rolling layout through forests, wetlands, ponds, and thousands of majestic oaks. It’s consistently ranked as Mississippi’s #1 public-access course, offering luxury resort golf with that high-roller MGM vibe.

Quick Facts

  • One championship 18-hole course: Tom Fazio design (2006), par-72, up to 7,487 yards from the tips
  • Natural beauty: Gently rolling terrain, tree-lined fairways, wetlands, streams, ponds, and over 4,000 oaks/magnolias/pines; five sets of tees for all levels
  • Year-round play: Mild Gulf Coast weather (great winter escape, warm springs/falls); limited rounds keep it uncrowded (~14,000/year)
  • Exclusive access: Must stay at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino (AAA Four Diamond); greens fees $200-$300+ (often included in packages)
  • Elite status: Top-ranked casino course in the U.S. (Golfweek #2), #1 public in Mississippi (Golf Digest/Golfweek), with exceptional service and conditioning

There’s some states that just feel like “America” and Mississippi is one of them. The river for which it’s named is one of the country’s most natural stunners. The country wouldn’t be what it is without Mississippi.

Perfect For…

  • Guys’ Trips: Premium rounds with caddies, post-golf casino action, steaks, cocktails, and Biloxi nightlife; feel like a private-club member without the membership
  • Families: Luxe resort amenities at Beau Rivage (pools, spa, shows, dining); non-golfers enjoy gaming, beaches, or shopping; course playable for varying skill levels

Top Standout Course

Fallen Oak (Tom Fazio Design)

The only course, but what a stunner. Dramatic elevation changes, strategic bunkers, large contoured greens, risk-reward holes, and natural wetlands integration create engaging, memorable golf. Front nine offers wooded charm; back nine brings more openness and drama (signature 18th finishing hole is a standout). Exceptional from tee to green, with personalized lockers, frozen watermelon at the turn, and staff who know your name: pure luxury experience.

Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots

  • Beau Rivage Resort & Casino: MGM’s flagship Gulf Coast property: luxury rooms/suites, multiple pools, spa, fine dining, entertainment, and casino; direct access to Fallen Oak (shuttle available)
  • Stay-and-play packages via Beau Rivage include lodging, rounds (often with cart/range balls), breakfast credits, and perks; book early for priority tees and specials (resident discounts possible)

All Key Fallen Oak Golf Highlights at a Glance

  • Fallen Oak (18 holes, Tom Fazio masterpiece)
  • Exclusive to Beau Rivage guests
  • Plus top-tier practice facility, pro shop, and personalized service

Pro Tips

  • Book stay-and-play packages early via beaurivage.mgmresorts.com or call 877-805-4657; includes golf access, lodging, and extras; blackout dates/resident specials apply
  • Fly into Gulfport-Biloxi International (GPT) 30-45 min drive, or New Orleans (MSY) for more options
  • Pair golf with Gulf Coast classics: fresh seafood, casino gaming, Biloxi beaches, or nearby Beau Rivage shows
  • Advanced reservations required; proper golf attire mandatory; use caddies for strategy and local tips; forward tees make it enjoyable for all

Time to experience elite Fazio golf with Southern hospitality and casino flair. Fallen Oak is calling your escape.

The Caddy Shanks Team

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Oh Boy The Ozarks: Why Missouri’s Big Cedar Lodge Has To Be Your Next Big Golf Trip

The Ozarks is among the best destinations for a Golf trip. Millions of activities for you and the family or you and the boys to partake in outside of golf. But the golf to be had there is truly epic. And there’s no better place for you to do all that than Big Cedar Lodge. Big Cedar Lodge is America’s premier wilderness golf resort. 4,600-acre masterpiece in the Ozark Mountains near Branson, Missouri, created by Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris. Designer of pyramids and golf courses, not too bad. With world class courses designed by legends like Tiger Woods, Tom Fazio, Jack Nicklaus, Coore & Crenshaw, and Gary Player. Voted #1 Golf Resort in America by USA TODAY readers, it’s a bucket-list escape blending epic golf with outdoor immersion.

Quick Facts

  • Five standout courses (three 18-hole championship + two short/par-3) + putting course and massive practice areas
  • Ozarks magic: Massive elevation, limestone outcrops, ravines, waterfalls, and wildlife every hole feels connected to nature
  • Year-round appeal: Peak spring/fall for mild weather and green fairways (April-October best); summer mornings beat the heat
  • Luxury resort vibes: Multiple lodges, cabins, cottages, spa, pools, marina, dining, and shuttles between courses
  • Top acclaim: Multiple Top 100 public courses (Golf Digest/Golfweek); Payne’s Valley, Ozarks National, Buffalo Ridge all elite

You really can’t go wrong with a trip to the Ozarks. It’s fun for the whole family. Hit the links in the A.M. and get a buzz going on the lake in the P.M.. Maybe even get into spelunking. The Ozarks has an extensive cave system. Just spelunking, is for crazy people.

Perfect For…

  • Guys’ Trips: Multi-course epics (play 36+ holes), caddie-guided strategy, post-round steaks or cocktails with sunset lake views, and Branson-area fun
  • Families: Luxe accommodations, kids’ activities, marina, spa; forgiving short courses; non-golfers enjoy caves, trails, fishing, or yacht cruises

Top Standout Courses

Payne’s Valley (Tiger Woods/TGR Design)

Tiger’s first public U.S. course, bold, big, and breathtaking with dramatic elevation, pristine white bunkers, limestone walls, waterfalls, and a signature par-3 island green homage to Payne Stewart (with a 19th “bonus” hole). Mesmerizing visuals and fun for all levels; jumped onto Top 100 lists instantly.

Ozarks National (Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw)

Pure, thoughtful masterpiece on a mountaintop — wide fairways, natural contours, ridgetop drama, wooded ravines, and a stunning 468-foot wooden bridge (holes 13-14). Rewards strategy and grows on you; often ranked among the best for its seamless blend with the Ozarks landscape.

 

Buffalo Ridge Springs (Tom Fazio)

The original Fazio gem, rolling terrain, exposed limestone, long Ozarks views, burbling streams, and a herd of real buffalo grazing nearby. Visual flair meets excellent conditioning; challenging yet accessible with multiple tees. Many call it a hidden favorite.

Top of the Rock (Jack Nicklaus Signature, par-3)

9-hole (playable as 18) par-3 stunner, cliffside drama, panoramic views, and holes carved into the rocks with epic drops. Often recommended twice for its wow factor; part of the Legends of Golf event.

Mountain Top (Gary Player/Johnny Morris, par-3)

Walking only, short course with 300 million year old rock formations, insane elevation, and everchanging vistas. Fun, challenging, and one of the coolest short course walks anywhere, perfect for a wind-down or family play.

Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots

  • Big Cedar Lodge on-site Variety of luxury options: grand lodges, rustic cabins, lakeside cottages, Buffalo Ridge cottages overlooking Payne’s Valley
  • Packages include lodging, multiple rounds (priority tees on all courses), caddies, breakfast, practice access, book Champions or Best-of packages for full access
  • Complimentary shuttles everywhere; Ship Sticks for clubs

All Key Big Cedar Lodge Golf Courses at a Glance

  • Payne’s Valley (Tiger Woods, bold drama)
  • Ozarks National (Coore & Crenshaw, thoughtful natural gem)
  • Buffalo Ridge Springs (Tom Fazio, classic with bison)
  • Top of the Rock (Jack Nicklaus, cliffside par-3 icon)
  • Mountain Top (Gary Player, epic walking short course)
  • Plus Tom Watson Himalayan putting course and upcoming Cliffhangers par-3

Pro Tips

  • Book stay-and-play packages early via bigcedar.com for multi-course deals and all-inclusive options save big; peak season fills fast
  • Fly into Branson (BKG), Springfield-Branson (SGF), or drive (central U.S. access)
  • Pair golf with Ozarks classics: Table Rock Lake cruises, fresh Ozark eats, caves/nature trails, or Branson shows
  • Use caddies for local knowledge; forward tees for fun; embrace the wildlife and views, it’s as much adventure as it is golf

Take yourself to the Ozarks and Swing Stick. You will thank me later,

The Caddy Shanks Team

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