Payne’s Valley

USA

GF: $225

Par 72, 6,876 yards

Opening fully just last September, Payne’s Valley is the first public-access golf course designed by Tiger Woods. This is only his third creation, and it is the newest addition to Big Cedar Lodge Resort, a complete golf destination situated in the Ozark Mountains in the south-west of Missouri. One of five courses here, it is named after the much-missed Payne Stewart, who was raised a few miles to the north.

The grand opening featured a high-profile match in which Woods partnered Justin Thomas to victory over Rory Mcilroy and Justin Rose. And while it can test the games of the world’s finest, playability and fun are key to the Woods design ethos.

Rocky outcrops, mountain ridges, beautiful water features, generous fairways and fabulous far-reaching views feature heavily. There is even a 19th-hole challenge waiting at the end of your round played to an island green. According to the 15-time Major Champion, “I couldn’t be prouder of how it turned out. I want to see a lot of birdies made here.”