Tiger Woods’ first public course design, Payne’s Valley, is inching closer to completion

With all eyes trained this week on Tiger Woods at Torrey Pines, we turn your attention across the country to other Tiger-related news. Namely, to Payne’s Valley, the first public-access course designed by the 82-time PGA Tour winner and his firm, TGR Design.

Odds are you’ve heard a bit of buzz about Payne’s Valley, which is named after Payne Stewart and is slated to open later this year, at Big Cedar Lodge, in the Ozark Mountains of Stewart’s native Missouri. It’s possible you even caught a glimpse of the layout last November and December, when 10 holes were made available for preview play. Now, you have a chance to see a little more.

With work on Payne’s Valley drawing closer to completion, Big Cedar Lodge has started taking tee times for 13 holes of preview play, which will kick off on March 6 and continue until the full course opens at a yet-to-be determined date in 2020. As more holes are finished they may become available for play as well.

Preview play greens fees are $195 per person, with a $130 replay rate. The price for juniors is $55.

Because the course is still in construction, carts will be required, and golfers will be allowed to use them for self-guided tours of the unfinished holes. Among those holes is a bet-settling par-3 19th hole that was designed not by Tiger but by Big Cedar Lodge owner Johnny Morris, the billionaire founder of Bass Pro Shops.

For the time being, tee times can only be booked over the phone by calling 800-225-6343.