Focus on ball roll and finish position, for a 18-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Practice Programs
Complete Golf Practice Blueprint for Top Of The Rock
Discover tailored practice programs for this course.
Total Programs
15
15 complete programs built for this course
Unique Drills
90
Total unique drills across all programs
Skill Pillars
12
Accuracy · Aim · Alignment · Dispersion · Distance Control · Green Reading
Session Durations
7
3 days , 4 days , 5 days , 6 days , 7 days , 8 days , 9 days
Top Of The Rock Practice Profile
We've mapped a comprehensive practice profile for Top Of The Rock, identifying the specific skills this course demands most. The skill distribution below shows which areas of your game will be tested most frequently based on the hole-by-hole analysis (hole handicaps, stroke index, yardage, etc.), while the handicap ranges indicate the typical player profiles who perform well here.
Focus your practice on these key skills to maximize improvement and lower your scores. Check the practice programs below for targeted drills that address these specific skills.
Skill Distribution
Handicap Performance Insights
The handicap ranges shown represent the typical performance levels for this course. Players within these ranges can expect competitive scores, while those outside may yield benefits or may need additional practice in the highlighted skill areas to perform at their best.
Top Drills
Featured Drills for Top Of The Rock
Most-used drills from for this course. Practice as standalone drills or scroll down for full programs.
Putting Aid: Chalk Line, 10/20
Make 10 out of 20 putts over the chalk starting line.
Flop | Parallel Piles | Multiple Targets
Align a bucket of balls (avg. bucket is 40 balls) into 10 equal parallel piles of 4 balls and stop flop shots close to multiple targets. Count the number of successes.
All Woods (Hy to Dr) | Club Swapping Challenge
Complete the Club Swapping Challenge using woods only. Hit one bucket of ~50 balls.
Putting Aid: Plane Board, Ball Gate, 10/20
Make 10 out of 20 putts through the ball gate, using plane board.
Putting Aid: String Line, 10/20
Make 10 out of 20 putts, underneath the hanging string line.
Stop the Ball: Inside the Field, in a Row [Long]
Stop 5 balls in a row - one inside each field - to complete the challenge. If miss, fall back two fields.
Course Details
Everything you need to know about Top Of The Rock.
Contact Information
Phone
+44 (0)1250 872622
Fax
+44 (0) 1250 872622
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Facilities
Location
190 Top of the Rock Rd, Ridgedale, MO 65739, USA
Course Description
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. To view current job openings or apply for a position please visit https://bigcedar.acquiretm.com/register_home_clean.aspxFor reservations or information call 1-800-225-6343 or visit http://www.bigcedar.com/
wilderness resort • table rock lake • missouri tourism • golf resort • luxury accommodations • lakeside cottages • private log cabins • family vacations • spa retreats • marina activities • dining experiences • wedding destination • group getaways • cliffhangers golf course • paynes valley course • ozarks national course • top of the rock course • mountain top course • long creek marina • cedar creek spa • nature experiences • outdoor activities • resort • family-friendly • wellness • golf • wildlife • hospitality
Course Information
Holes
9
Par
27
Type
Parkland
Architect
Jack Nicklaus
Opened
1996
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Programs
Skill-Based Practice Programs for Top Of The Rock
We studied the course layout and prepared practice programs to lower your scores. The programs are purpose-built for each tee to align with the course strategy. Each program consists of curated drills, with pre-defined modules designed to deliver results.
Filter programs by category (select one)
Showing 15 Programs
% match to course practice profilePractice uphill and downhill putts, for a 1-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Flop from sand, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Feel the green, for a 28-handicap player, ~20 minutes.
15 Week Flagship Program for Top Of The Rock
A complete and progressive long-term development curriculum mapped from easier to harder drills, specifically for Top Of The Rock. Start with the basics and work your way towards more challenging drills. Commit to 15 weeks of training and get in proper shape. Four days counts as a week.
Putting · 9 ft (3m) only
Pace Putts To Hole
Difficulty: Intermediate · Program HCP 17.0
Short Game · Bump'n'Run
Bump'n'Run From 5–10 Yds
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Driving Range · Woods (Hy,5W,3W)
Stop Missing 3-Wood Fairways
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Putting · 6 ft (2m) only
Focus Aim For 6 Foot Putts
Difficulty: Intermediate · Program HCP 11.0
Short Game · Flop
Land Flop Shots Near Hole
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Driving Range · Mid irons (7,6,5)
Shape it right: fade or draw with mid irons
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 30.0
Putting · 9 ft (3m) only
Focus Aim For Every 9 Foot Putt
Difficulty: Intermediate · Program HCP 11.0
Short Game · Chip
Stop Ball on Dime
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 28.0
Driving Range · Driver
Avoid trouble: set up par or birdie with your driver
Difficulty: Advanced · Program HCP 9.0
Precision 3-wood shots, for a 1-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Stay on fairways, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Unlock Your Golf Potential
Get personalized coaching and custom training programs tailored to your game.
Get StartedChoose a clear target, for a 11-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Trust your read, for a 11-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Focus on clean contact, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Flop over hazards, for a 16-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Approach from hazards, for a 16-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Land 2 feet away, for a 6-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Control the rollout distance, for a 17-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Control mid iron arc, for a 31-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Avoid trouble spots, for a 9-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Prepare for Tournaments at Top Of The Rock
Follow a complete multi-week structured practice program ahead of the upcoming events and arrive prepared.
No upcoming tournaments at this time.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Top Of The Rock
Get answers to common questions about playing Top Of The Rock and what to expect.
How difficult is Top Of The Rock for mid-handicap golfers?
Top Of The Rock presents a demanding test. The 120 slope rating keeps it accessible for developing players. The course rating of 70 reflects on scoring relative to par 27.
What tees should a 15 handicap play at Top Of The Rock?
A 15 handicap golfer should consider tees closer to 6000 yards. The back tees extend to 6500 yards, which makes approach shots longer and scoring more challenging.
What is considered a good score at Top Of The Rock?
With a course rating of 70 and par 27, a mid-handicap golfer would typically score in the mid to high 80s. Stronger players aiming to break 27 must manage approach shots and avoid penalty strokes.
How long is Top Of The Rock and how does yardage affect play?
At a full length of 6500 yards, it balances distance with positional strategy.
What type of course is Top Of The Rock and how should I play it?
Architecturally, it reflects a Parkland style. Overall, the setup will reward players who place the ball in safe positions far from hazards. Also, type of shot is more crucial rather than just trying to gain distance.
What features make Top Of The Rock strategically challenging?
The combination of a slope rating of 120 and yardage reaching 6500 yards creates consistent pressure on approach shots. You will need to balance risk and reward, especially on longer par 4s and protected greens.
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