Tiger Woods course announcement generates worldwide attention for Big Cedar Lodge – Ozarks
Excitement spreads to five continents, 2.8 billion views
RIDGEDALE, MISSOURI – News of Tiger Woods designing his first public access golf course at Big Cedar Lodge in Missouri’s Ozark Mountains is generating significant worldwide attention. The announcement of the collaboration between noted conservationist and Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris, Tiger Woods and the Payne Stewart family to establish a championship public golf course in the heart of America continues to spark global enthusiasm and excitement. According to global media analysis firms, more than 1,200 media stories have appeared around the world since the April 18th announcement exposing the news to an estimated audience of 2.8 billion, plus millions of conversations on social media.
Reporters on five continents covered the story, with news to establish Big Cedar Lodge as a premier golf destination appearing in China, the UK, Canada, France, India, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, The Philippines and more. In the US, several prominent national media outlets shared the news including ESPN, The New York Times, USA TODAY, Sporting News, Golf Channel, Golf Digest, CBS Sports plus coast-to-coast media and online coverage.
“We’re overwhelmed by the enthusiastic response for our partnership with Tiger Woods and the Stewart family and very grateful to the many media outlets and fans from around the world who are as excited about the collaboration as we are,” said Johnny Morris. “Partnering with an internationally acclaimed celebrity athlete like Tiger will significantly enhance our ability to connect people to nature by inspiring folks around the globe to experience the world-class golf and outdoor recreation amenities at Big Cedar Lodge in Missouri’s beautiful Ozark Mountains.”
Called “Payne’s Valley” in honor of the late Payne Stewart, the new course is just one component of the partnership between Johnny Morris and Tiger Woods. Beyond the championship course, there are plans for a future Woods-designed par-3 “short course” on Big Cedar property. It also calls for expanded youth engagement opportunities including additional access for nonprofits Kids Across America and The First Tee, both of which connect kids to nature.
The worldwide reaction comes as Big Cedar Lodge continues to earn a reputation as America’s next great golf destination. The surprise announcement kicked off the fourth annual Bass Pro Shops Legends of Golf at Big Cedar Lodge, broadcast on Golf Channel to more than 300 million households worldwide. As part of a new agreement with the PGA TOUR Champions, the resort will continue to host the event annually through 2021.
Payne’s Valley Course will be a fitting complement to the overall diverse golf, angling and shooting experience at Big Cedar Lodge, which is emerging as America’s next great golf destination. The new course will be located near the new 13-hole Mountain Top Course designed by golf legend Gary Player (opening in 2017) and “The Ozarks,” an 18-hole championship course designed by acclaimed architects Coore & Crenshaw (debuting in 2018). The courses will join Big Cedar Lodge’s existing golf offerings, the 9-hole par-3 course designed by Jack Nicklaus, Top of the Rock, a 16-hole practice facility by the late Arnold Palmer, a 6,000-square-foot Tom Watson “Himalayan” putting complex, and the 18-hole championship course designed by Tom Fazio, Buffalo Ridge. When combined with both future Tiger Woods courses, Big Cedar Lodge will offer its guests access to a golf and outdoor recreation destination unlike anywhere else in the United States.
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About Big Cedar Lodge
Located in the heart of Missouri’s Ozark Mountains, Big Cedar Lodge is America’s premier wilderness resort. A passion of Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris, the 4,600-acre lakeside retreat connects families to the outdoors with a variety of nature-based experiences including fishing, shooting, boating, hiking, spa and wellness offerings, hosting over 1.5 million guests annually. Signature attractions include Top of the Rock, home to world-class golf, dining, and entertainment; and Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, a 10,000-acre nonprofit wildlife preserve. Named “Number One Resort in the Midwest” by the readers of Travel + Leisure, the resort offers genuine Ozarks hospitality and a convenient location just south of Branson. Learn more at www.bigcedar.com.
Media Contacts:
Rachel Wille, Kemper Lesnik
Rachel.Wille@kemperlesnik.com or 507-403-9347
