BUSINESS BRIEFS

Golf courses unite to promote Branson area

From Staff Reports

More than music is being played these days in the tourism mecca

BRANSON, Mo. (March 1, 2003) -- Taking a drive in Branson will never mean the same thing again. Six Branson area golf courses have united to form the Branson Area Golf Council. The cooperative partnership is an effort designed to promote the Branson area as a golf destination for the more than 7 million tourists who visit the region annually, and the throngs of others who may want to bring their sticks to town and tee it up for a day, or a weeklong visit in the near future.

Golfers visiting Branson can enjoy panoramic views of the Ozark Mountain landscape from some of the most spectacular golf courses located in the "Heart of America". These courses, designed by the likes of Tom Fazio, Jack Nicklaus, and Tom Clark among others, will challenge every skill level and the climate is suitable for golf year round.

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"As a group we are doing all we can to let people know there is some great golf to be played here in the Branson area," said Monte Schisler, marketing director at Branson Creek Golf Club. "This is a commitment we are proud of as a group, and it will hopefully lead to additional rounds of golf for all of our courses."

The Branson Area Golf Council is targeting golfers through advertisements in various newspapers and golf publications in the Midwest, as well as trying to reach potential visitors online through a new golf council website (www.golfbranson.com). The Branson Area Golf Council is also represented at various golf and travel shows throughout the United States. With the help of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau, a toll free number (800.427.1881) has been established for golf inquiries as well.

"Branson as a pure golfing destination is now a reality," said Ross Summers, executive vice president of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau. "When golf is combined with Branson's many other world class attractions, visitors have all they need to plan their trips".

The golf courses involved in the Branson Area Golf Council include Branson Creek Golf Club, Holiday Hills, Ledgestone Country Club, Pointe Royale, Thousand Hills, and Top of the Rock. The Golf Council produced a multi-page brochure highlighting each facility, as well as providing contact names and numbers for tee-times and other inquiries. The brochure is available from each individual golf course and the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and CVB.

"We are trying to provide as much information as we can to the golfing public," added Bob Allen, head golf professional at Ledgestone Country Club. "If we can just convince them to stay a little closer to home for their next golfing vacation, we have succeeded."