August 2025

Midwest Golfing Magazine

Summer Issue

The Summer Issue of Midwest Golfing Magazine opens with a centerpiece feature on the highly anticipated Kettle Forge, a new private course set just outside Milwaukee that is already generating buzz ahead of its 2028 debut. The story explores the vision behind the project, the design intent, and how Kettle Forge is positioned to become one of the most talked-about modern additions to the region’s private golf landscape.

From there, the issue shifts north to Green Lake, Wisconsin, with individual features on two cornerstone properties: the historic Lawsonia and the iconic Heidel House Resort & Spa. Together, they highlight the enduring charm of one of Wisconsin’s most beloved golf destinations, balancing Lawsonia’s classic and modern architecture with Heidel House’s lakeside hospitality and long-standing role in shaping the area’s summer golf culture.

MGM then heads east to Michigan, spotlighting the region widely known as Michigan’s “Summer Golf Capital,” where rolling terrain and lakefront layouts define the seasonal experience. Featured alongside this is a deep dive into A-Ga-Ming Golf Resort, a Northern Michigan favorite celebrated for its variety of courses and sweeping views of Lake Michigan, reinforcing the state’s reputation as a premier summer golf destination.

Rounding out the issue are Wisconsin-based features on Sand Valley, as Editor-in-Chief details that 2026 is another huge year for one the nation’s most preeminent properties. Our own Grant Taebel, who just passed his Playing Aptitude Test (PAT) in hopes of becoming a PGA Professional one day, explores the underrated Janesville/Edgerton corridor near Madison. For the last three years, Grant has enjoyed a buddies weekend there, and every year his experience gets better! We then head north and south of that region for features on the always popular Trappers Turn Golf Club in Wisconsin Dells and the beautiful Abbey Springs in Fontana, which is celebrating the five-year anniversary of its remarkable renovation and renewed playing experience.

A Business Profile on Bridgestone Golf by Lead Staff Writer Matt Tevsh adds industry perspective, while recurring favorites like Chip Shots, Ask Annex, our Summer Gift Guide, Daniel Romero’s Pro Page, and the always entertaining Turk’s Takes round out an issue that blends destination storytelling, instruction, equipment, and personality in classic Midwest Golfing Magazine fashion.

Make Some Birdies,

Jay Royle, Publisher

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Branson Golf Destination Reaches New Heights

Growing portfolio, critical recognition statewide and nationally make Southwest Missouri Ozarks a must-visit venue

Branson, Missouri has long entertained visitors with a mix of iconic and ever-growing attractions, from lakes and live entertainment theatres to family friendly venues including Silver Dollar City theme park. Now, world-acclaimed golf is increasingly luring guests to Middle America’s most popular destination.

Branson Golf has again invigorated its portfolio this summer with the opening of Big Cedar Lodge's astounding new 2-acre Top of the Rock Putting Green & Putting Course on July 4, expanding the destination's portfolio to 12 distinct golf experiences while earning widespread national acclaim in Golfweek's latest course rankings.

The new putting complex was designed by Johnny and JP Morris, joining a masterful collection of destination layouts that includes eight 18-hole courses and three Par-3 courses. All lie within 20 minutes of one another and were designed by a who’s who of golf icons, including Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Tom Fazio, Bill Coore, and Ben Crenshaw.

“Branson Golf’s remarkable growth, fueled in large part by Big Cedar Lodge, has elevated the destination into the upper echelon of golf experiences worldwide,” said Glen Turk of Midwest Golfing Magazine, who has been visiting and playing golf in the region for nearly two decades. “Every time you think the destination has reached its peak, another extraordinary, one-of-a-kind experience raises the bar yet again.”

Further validation of the area’s remarkable playing venues came earlier this month from Golfweek course raters, who voted three Branson destination layouts to its “2026 Top 100 Public-Access Courses in the U.S.” To wit:

- Ozarks National – No. 57
- Buffalo Ridge – No. 70
- Payne's Valley – No. 87

Golfweek's “2026 Best Courses by State” rankings further underscore Branson Golf’s must-play allure. Five destination courses rank among Missouri's top 10, including the state's top four:

- Ozarks National – No. 1
- Buffalo Ridge – No. 2
- Payne's Valley – No. 3
- Branson Hills – No. 4
- LedgeStone – No. 7

“The continued evolution of Branson Golf’s course inventory ensures unforgettable experiences for every type of golfer,” said Heather Hermen, Explore Branson, Senior Vice President/Chief Marketing & Communications Officer. “Whether visitors are planning a buddies’ trip, girls’ getaway, couples’ escape, or family vacation, there simply aren't many destinations in North America that can offer this level of variety and quality so conveniently.”

The destination's 12-course lineup now includes:

Ozarks National (18 holes)
Buffalo Ridge (18)
Payne's Valley (18)
Branson Hills (18)
LedgeStone (18)
The Pointe (18)
Thousand Hills (18)
Holiday Hills (18)
Mountain Top (13 holes, par 3)
Top of the Rock (9 holes, par 3)
Cliffhangers (18 holes, par 3)
Top of the Rock (putting course)

All 12 destination courses are located near dozens of restaurants, scores of lodging options, and a plethora of after-golf things to see and do. Branson regularly garners top-rated tourism destination status in America from Trip Advisor.

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