Top of the Rock: A Par-3 Masterpiece with PGA Tour History

A par-3 course in the spotlight of the global golf scene: Top of the Rock in the idyllic Ozark Mountains (USA) is far more than just a well-maintained course for the short game. This spectacular course holds a record in golf history that remains unmatched to this day: Between 2014 and 2019, it served as the permanent host venue for the Bass Pro Shops Legends of Golf at Big Cedar on the PGA Tour Champions. This makes it the only par-3 course in the world to have ever been part of a professional event officially sanctioned by the PGA of America.

This sporting significance comes as no surprise when you consider the high-caliber architectural duo behind it: While major champion Jack Nicklaus designed the nine unique holes, none other than Arnold Palmer is responsible for the design of the expansive practice facilities. Following a comprehensive renovation by Johnny Morris between 2005 and 2014, the course now stands as a scenic masterpiece that combines all the signature elements of the Ozarks: dramatic elevation changes, rugged rock formations, strategic water hazards, and postcard-perfect views.

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Holes 1 through 5: Rocks, a Chapel, and Augusta-Style Charm by the Water

The course demands the utmost concentration and precise club control from players right from the start. The opening hole, No. 1 (up to 171 yards), sets the tone: passing a small chapel, you hit toward a green framed on both sides by massive Bunkers and rugged rocks. Things get truly spectacular on the second hole (maximum 114 yards), which runs steeply downhill. Anyone who gets too caught up in the magnificent view of the lake here and hits their tee shot too far past the target will inevitably lose their ball in the densely wooded slope behind the green.

At 202 yards carry over a dip and featuring a treacherously undulating green, Hole 3 represents the true test of skill in the first half of the round. Right in front of the clubhouse terrace, Hole 4 (up to 191 yards) presents a challenging shot over a large pond, where the significant elevation change heavily influences club selection. Water also plays a major role on Hole 5 (maximum 123 yards): After a precise shot over a pond, the ball must come to a stop immediately on the crosswise-laid green to avoid disappearing into the sand traps located behind it.

Holes 6 through 9: An island green and the finale in front of the spectators

Passing through a narrow rocky gateway, you finally reach the course’s signature hole: Hole 6 runs a maximum of 121 yards steeply downhill to a true island green, accessible via a bridge in the unmistakable Augusta style. The same water hazard on Hole 7 (a maximum of 152 yards) also requires a pure carry shot over the pond. Although the penultimate hole measures 183 yards and runs slightly uphill, anyone who comes up short here will inevitably end up in a massive Bunker featuring a prominent green island on the right side.

Now the course climbs once more toward the thrilling finale on hole 9 (up to 163 yards). You enter the tee through an imposing gate carved from the region’s rocks and look directly out onto the mountain scenery and the vast Table Rock Lake. The final green is bordered—like an island green—by no fewer than seven Bunkers and a massive rock face. Steady nerves are an absolute must here, as the hole lies directly below the terrace of the Buffalo Bar —so you’ll almost always be making your final Putt under the critical and knowledgeable gaze of numerous restaurant patrons.

A Canyon Experience and Scottish Traditions for a Sundowner

Top of the Rock has long since become a popular destination that captivates visitors even beyond the game of golf. Non-golfers enjoy using the grounds to take a spectacular loop through the bizarre rock formations of the Ozarks in rented buggies. Because Morris was able to purchase additional land, the canyon area in front of the clubhouse is currently being expanded and redesigned once again.

An absolute highlight for those who appreciate tradition takes place every evening: a festive sundowner event featuring a bagpiper and a real cannon shot sets a festive tone as the sun sets—an emotional tribute to Scotland as the true home of golf.