Buffalo Ridge Springs

Ridgedale, Missouri

Designed by Tom Fazio

By Friday, I had found my rhythm — and Buffalo Ridge was waiting. Designed by Tom Fazio and draped over the rolling Ozark terrain, this course blends right into its surroundings. Long fairways, elevation changes, water features, native grasses, and wildlife — it had everything. Even a herd of buffalo roaming in the distance. No gimmicks, just raw, natural beauty.

This was my favorite round of the week.

The Range + Pro Shop

The clubhouse sits tucked into the hills with views overlooking the ridge and the roaming buffalo. The range is nearby and gets the job done — a calm start before the real fun begins.

Inside, the pro shop keeps it simple: logo gear, balls, gloves, and the usual golf trinkets. Memorabilia lines the walls, and there’s just enough charm to make it feel like a local hang without losing its polish. Grab a hat, load up the cart, and head out.

The Course

Buffalo Ridge is a stunner. Every hole felt like a postcard — wide fairways rolling through valleys, elevated tee shots, natural water hazards, and just enough bite to keep your attention. It’s a course that rewards creativity without punishing the average swing. You can breathe out here. You can also double-bogey. I did both.

The front nine was decent — a few good swings, a few wandering drives — but I found something on the back nine. Started hitting fairways, made a few putts, and walked off 18 feeling like a golfer again.

More than anything, Buffalo Ridge was just fun. A pure golf experience surrounded by the beauty of the Ozarks.

The Group

I got paired with two couples — both guys playing, both girlfriends riding along in support. One couple was from Wichita, the other local — from nearby Morristown. The local was a cattle farmer and diesel mechanic. The guy from Wichita was a mechanical engineer. He could play.

It was a laid-back round. No pressure, just good swings, good stories, and the occasional laugh. We were all dialed into the moment, soaking in the views and taking the round for what it was — time well spent.

The Experience

Buffalo Ridge had it all: great views, smooth greens, natural design, and a peaceful rhythm that made four hours feel like a full day. It didn’t ask too much. It didn’t try too hard. It just showed up and let the land do the talking.

This was the round where it all came together — the weather, the swing, the group, the vibe. Every trip has one course that lingers a little longer in your mind.

For me, this was it.