Nature created the view of Table Rock Lake from Top of the Rock restaurant and golf course.
But Johnny Morris and Arnold Palmer are getting credit for the newest sight from the scenic par-3 links.
Under construction since 1997, the Arnold Palmer Practice Facility -- designed by the golfing great's company -- is set to open by month's end. The center next to the Morris-owned golf course is designed with water features and synthetic grass to more realistically simulate conditions on a golf course.
"(It's) unlike any other in the world," said golf pro Jack O'Hara. Even the staff of designers from Palmer Course Design Co. in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., have been astounded by the project, O'Hara said.
"A lot of people will come just to see this," added property manager Tim Smith.
That's the idea.
It is the sort of attraction that complements Branson's goal of attracting new, younger and more affluent tourists to the area, O'Hara said.
"Five years ago, people came to Branson for the theaters," O'Hara said. "Now, the focus of visitors has shifted to the lakes, golf courses and outdoor activities."
Seven years in making
To create the practice facility, a canyon was remodeled. Rock was blasted away. Then, 25,000 loads of fill were strategically placed.
It took seven years to sculpt the 11 acres to match the vision of Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops and owner of Big Cedar Lodge and Top of the Rock.
It is a practice range for golfers of all skills levels.
From a tee area at the top of the canyon, golfers can drive shots onto 12 "target greens" ranging from 45 to 305 yards away. Like a patchwork quilt, three shades of green Tour Turf simulate the texture of fairways, greens and roughs. The turf -- in 15-foot sections -- is pinned to the ground and lies in seamless ribbons.
Golfers can try to land balls on a flat pad atop a rock pillar the size of a generous patio. They can shoot over the stream and waterfalls to reach more distant targets. Or they can land their ball in the center of the lake at 140 yards.
Another section of the training facility gives players practice hitting out of bunkers onto a green.
And retrieving all those balls will be done from an ATV equipped with a picker, O'Hara said.
While most traditional driving ranges are flat, the Palmer facility provides a better chance to learn the game or hone skills, O'Hara said.
The practice facility offers "the visual effect of a golf course" where players can drive the ball and watch it hit the greens or go astray, thus learning how to adjust their swing and choose the right club, O'Hara said.
"This allows golfers to hit all the different clubs to get consistent on what they want to hit," O'Hara said. "If you're a serious player, and you're going out to play that day, you might want to hit 25 balls just to loosen up. Others may spend one to three hours hitting balls."
He declined to give the cost of the new facility.
Practice rates for the site, which will be open to the public, have not been set.
More to come
The project is by no means completed.
Still to be finalized are plans for a clubhouse and new pro shop next to the practice area. It may be two or three stories tall for a panoramic view of the practice facility and lake. It may also include food service and spectator areas where people can watch practice sessions, Smith said.
The center will complement Top of the Rock's nine-hole course, crafted by the design firm of another golfing legend, Jack Nicklaus.
Last year, 15,000 rounds were played on the picturesque layout, 85 percent by visitors to the area.
In summer, the course sees a lot of families and children age 8 and up playing. In the fall, more retirees come, O'Hara said.
"We're seeing more people coming to the area and playing golf while they're here," O'Hara said. "We want to see more people coming for the golf, and then adding other things while they're here."
Golf destination
With the two golfing legends attached to the site, Top of the Rock is expected to draw interest from those who search out such activities. That fits into the strategy of Branson-area golf courses and resorts.
O'Hara and representatives from five other area golf courses cooperate to market Branson as a golf destination. Of the six members of the Branson Golf Council, only two others have practice facilities, O'Hara said.
The Golf Council publishes a guidebook that includes details about each course and contact information. It also produces brochures. This winter, representatives from the golf clubs will travel to golf shows around the country to tout the area's golf attractions.
"This facility could be a key component to enhancing the golfing experience in Branson," said Ross Summers, director of the Branson-Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce.
"Golfers are a great group," he said. "They stay longer, they come in groups and they don't mind spending a little extra money for what they enjoy."
Source: Springfield News-Leader (Springfield, Mo.)