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Golfing in Branson: Perfecting Your Game On Four Courses With PGA Pros

Program Number: 19413RJ
Start and End Dates:
10/6/2013 - 10/11/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Branson, Missouri
Price starting at: $875.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Golf
Meals: 14; 5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 5 Dinners    
Meal Options: Low Salt    

Against a backdrop of natural beauty, Branson has become the top golf destination in the Midwest and one of the Top Ten in the country. Take advantage of this exceptional opportunity to play on four master-designed courses with instruction by PGA pros. In addition to small group instruction focusing on your skill level, you’ll have a refresher course on golf history, etiquette, and fundamentals of play.




Highlights

• Learn in small groups from experienced PGA pros.
• Play 18 holes on four award-winning, master-designed courses and learn the history of each.
• Enjoy two live shows and see why Branson has become a favorite entertainment getaway.



Activity Particulars

Carts are provided, but can walk up to two miles during play.



Suitable for intermediate to advanced golfers. Limited club rentals available.



Coordinated by Ozark Adventures.




Branson

Located in the heart of the Ozark Mountains on the shores of Lake Taneycomo, Branson is a popular tourist destination, famous for its many live music theaters, clubs and other entertainment venues, as well as its historic downtown and surrounding natural beauty.
Accommodations
Comfortable hotel with indoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Sarah Klinefelter
Sarah Klinefelter is an expert on the history of Branson, Missouri and eagerly shares her knowledge with lifelong learners who seek to experience the city’s vibrant theater scene. As the former chairperson of the Division of Performing and Professional Arts at the College of the Ozarks, Sarah has long been immersed in the region’s dramatic arts. She holds degrees from William Jewell College, Drake University, and the University of Iowa.
 
Dan Lennon
Dan Lennon’s many high-profile positions have provided him with keen insight and a birds-eye view of the Branson music scene. On the promotional side, he is vice president of marketing for the local chamber of commerce and has been a marketing consultant to several Branson theaters. He also knows the entertainment side as co-producer and featured vocalist in the popular Lennon Brothers Swing Music Show in Branson.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Branson Towers
  Branson 5 nights
 Branson Towers
Type: Hotel
  Description: Fantastic View of the Branson valley with all the lights of the strip!
  Contact info: 236 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway
Branson, MO 65616 USA
phone: 417-336-4500
web: www.bransontowers.com
  Room amenities: Wi-Fi, Cable TV, Coffee/Tea Maker, Hair Dryer, Refrigerator (On Request), Microwave (On request with charge)
  Facility amenities: Indoor Pool / Hot Tub, Full Breakfast, Laundry, Game Room, Ice Cream Social Nightly
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Bathroom: Grab bars and shower seats if needed
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Call 417-239-0203 Please contact provider at 417-239-0203 to ensure the best rate and room concerns.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after: Call 417-239-0203 Please contact provider at 417-239-0203 to ensure the best rate and room concerns.
  Check out time: 12:00 PM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
4:30pm You will be staying at Branson Towers that night.
  End of Program:
11am You will be staying at Branson Towers the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Health & Safety Information Form that must be mailed to Ozark Adventures no later than three weeks prior to program commencement.
  Parking availability:
Plenty of space available
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Branson
  Nearest city or town:  Branson, Missouri
  Nearest highway: Highway 65
  Nearest airport:  Branson, Missouri
  From End of Program
  Location: Branson
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Springfield, Missouri

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Branson Coach
phone: 417-339-4888
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Check with shuttle service.
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

1 hour from Springfield 
   

PLEASE CHECK WITH LOCAL BRANSON AIRPORT FOR TICKETS BEFORE CONSIDERING THE SPRINGFIELD-BRANSON AIRPORT! They can be found at flybranson.com. In addition, while not required, we recommend to rent a car for your time here. This will assist you in getting around to other locations during free time. Normally, participants call when they make airline reservations, then confirm a day or two before flight.
 

Branson

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
phone: 417-332-CABS x2227
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$8-10 per car on average
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

15 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

10 Miles
   

Please visit flybranson.com for information on this very close airport. While it is not required, we advise renting a car to help with travel during free time opportunities. Unfortunately the hotel does not offer a shuttle service for the airport.
 
Driving Directions
  Branson Towers Regardless of your direction of arrival, (from the north if from Springfield, or the south, if from Arkansas) exit from HIGHWAY 65 at the MO-248/RED ROUTE/SHEPHERD OF THE HILLS EXPY; Keep RIGHT at the fork to go on MO-248 N/RED ROUTE/SHEPHERD OF THE HILLS EXPY; Turn LEFT onto SHEPHERD OF THE HILLS EXPY/RED ROUTE; 236 SHEPHERD OF THE HILLS EXPY is on the RIGHT
Equipment Requirements: Limited club rentals are available. There is a pro shop.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Arrival & Check-in, Registration & Orientation, Opening Dinner, Getting to Know Your Fellow Participants
(Sunday, October 6)
   
 Afternoon: HOTEL CHECK-IN: from 4:00pm.
PROGRAM REGISTRATION at 4:30pm: After you have your room assignment, come over to the conference room to register with the program staff and pick up your arrival packet that will contain an updated schedule we'll review during orientation.
 Dinner: Wonderfully catered meal with entree, sides, desert, and drink will be served immediately after the first part of orientation.
 Evening: ORIENTATION: Following introductions, we’ll have an informative overview of the program and review the updated schedule, responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and any other administrative issues. We'll also have some fun get-acquainted activities.
Please be aware that local circumstances may require adjusting program elements. In the event of changes, we will notify you as quickly as possible. We appreciate your understanding.
You're about to begin a great learning experience on some of Branson's best golf courses as you work with PGA pros to perfect your game. You'll see first hand why Branson has become a golfing hot spot. Get a good night's rest to be ready for a full day of activity tomorrow.
   
Accommodations: Branson Towers
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Golf at Thousand Hills, Small Group Instruction, Guided tour of Branson and the area
(Monday, October 7)
   
 Breakfast: Wonderful breakfast at the resort with a great selection of hot and cold offerings and juices, coffee, tea.
 Morning: GOLF INSTRUCTION: Begin your work with theThousand Hills PGA professional. Golf Class #1: Practice Tee/Short Game Area. Break. Golf Class #2: Practice Tee/Short Game Area. Work on swing, chipping, pitching, putting and all aspects of short game.
 Morning: Lecture on the history of Branson Discover the shows that have made Branson the 'Live Entertainment Capitol' of the world. Look at how this sleepy little town is now host to over 100 shows, more theater seats than Broadway, and over 7 million visitors a year. The history will also include how Branson holds on to its roots while moving into the future. Presenter: Sarah Klinefelter, C of O Media Professor---
 Lunch: Great catered lunch with entrée, sides, dessert, and beverage.
 Afternoon: GOLF PLAY: Play 18 holes at the Thousand Hills golf course, rated 4-Stars by Golf Digest magazine in 2009 and recently voted Best of the Ozarks for Branson Golf Courses by readers of the Springfield News-Leader. Thousand Hills also has gained popularity from its ability to cater to all different golf skill levels. From novice to professional, three separate sets of tees will ensure that the course in Branson remains challenging yet fair for all golfers regardless of age or experience. As your Branson golf journey takes you through beautiful hardwood forests, past unique rock formations, and over Ozark streams, you would never guess that you are within a long iron from the 76 strip and Branson's world-famous live music shows.
 Dinner: Fantastic dinner at the resort with entrée, sides, dessert, and beverage.
 Evening: Performance: SIX Voted Entertainers of the Year in 2009, SIX delivers their brand of entertainment like no other musical group. You won't believe what comes out of their mouths! These SIX BROTHERS come from a family of 10 brothers. No sisters." SIX (aka The Knudsen Brothers) Have thrilled audiences from North America and from Europe to Asia. Rhythmic percussion, toe-tapping bass, and melodic vocals that intertwine seamlessly, are all produced live with the power of just SIX incredible voices. Dubbed an orchestra-of-human-voices this award-winning tour de force captivates audiences with SIX's pure harmonies, astonishing vocal ranges, and singing so robust, you'll swear you hear a full band.
   
Accommodations: Branson Towers
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Golf at Murder Rock, Small Group Instruction, Attend a performance of 'SIX'
(Tuesday, October 8)
   
 Breakfast: Wonderful breakfast at the resort with a great selection of hot and cold offerings and juices, coffee, tea.
 Morning: GOLF INSTRUCTION: Working with PGA professionals, continue developing your skills with focus on the shot game and putting techniques. Practice shot "chip" shots, practice putting from both long and short distances with further refinement of grip, stance, and alignment.
 Morning: Lecture on the history of Murder Rock and the history of Alfred Bolin by renowned historian Dr. Fred Pfister.
 Lunch: Wonderful catered lunch with entrée, sides, dessert, and drink
 Afternoon: GOLF PLAY: Play 18 holes at one of the most intriguingly named courses: Murder Rock. There's a legend heard around the hollows of Branson Creek about Murder Rock, a place where Civil War bushwhacker Alfred Bolin and his gang were known to ambush travelers. Designed by Landmark Land Company Inc., the 18-hole Championship Golf Course at John Daly's Murder Rock Golf and Country Club enhances the magnificent landscape of the Ozark Mountains, incorporating the natural beauty of the land with lush fairways and pristine greens. The course plays to a Par 71, and ranges in length of 6,600 yards from the Tournament Tees to 5,000 yards from the Forward Tees. You’ll be treated to a wonderful variety of golf holes by design, exciting Par 5's, challenging Par 4's and dramatic Par 3's.
 Dinner: Great dinner at the resort with entrée, sides, dessert, and beverage.
 Evening: FREE EVENING: Your opportunity to take in a show or other event in Branson on your own. For great ideas, visit www.explorebranson.com.
   
Accommodations: Branson Towers
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Golf at Pointe Royale, Small group instruction, free time in the evening
(Wednesday, October 9)
   
 Breakfast: Wonderful breakfast at the resort with a great selection of hot and cold offerings and juices, coffee, tea.
 Morning: Lecture on the life and trials of being a golf course manager. Learn how and why decisions are made that affect you as a player and the course you love. Led by a local course manager.
 Morning: GOLF INSTRUCTION: Spend the first part of the morning with your PGA professional practicing the fundamentals of the full golf swing with woods and irons. Your PGA pro will also use practiced swing analysis to compare your golf swing to the top golf professionals in the game. The second part of the morning will be on-course in "real" playing conditions with your PGA professional
 Lunch: Wonderful catered lunch with entrée, sides, dessert, and beverage.
 Afternoon: GOLF PLAY: Pointe Royale is a true "shot-maker"course, lush bent grass greens and Bermuda fairways, with eight water holes, sand and grass bunkers, and tees for all levels of play, Pointe Royale is a world class golfing experience. This challenging 18-hole, 6,501 yard par 70 course is regarded as the original championship course in the Branson area and is maintained to a high level of standards. The course has 8 water holes and in all 12 out of the 18 have some type of water hazard. Overall the rolling fairways and mature trees offer quite a challenge to the average golfer, so remember, club selection and a good golf course strategy are a must. A large number of famous Branson stars live and play on the course so you never know who you will be teeing off next to!
 Dinner: Fantastic dinner at the resort with entrée, sides, dessert, and beverage.
 Evening: FREE EVENING: Your opportunity to take in a show or other event in Branson on your own. For great ideas, visit www.explorebranson.com.
   
Accommodations: Branson Towers
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Golf at the Ledgestone course, Small group instruction, Attend the Famous Legends in Concert show
(Thursday, October 10)
   
 Breakfast: Wonderful breakfast at the resort with a great selection of hot and cold offerings and juices, coffee, tea.
 Morning: GOLF INSTRUCTION: Spend the morning in a Q&A skill session with the PGA instructor to examine every aspect taught over the week, ask about new skill sets not touched on, and answer your questions. Prepare to amaze your friends back home with how far your skills have advanced in such a short time!
 Morning: Board a luxury bus for a drive by tour of Branson and the area. Included: The Lakes, the Chateau, Point Royal Housing (where the Branson stars live), College of the Ozarks, Downtown Branson.
 Lunch: Wonderful caterd lunch with entrée, sides, dessert, and beverage.
 Afternoon: GOLF PLAY: Play 18 holes at Ledgestone golf course. A Branson Golf Course unlike any other. Described by Golf Digest as a "masterpiece of mountain golf architecture," LedgeStone's 18-hole championship layout offers the kind of golfing experience where "players don't want the round to end." With panoramic vistas of the ancient Ozark Mountains and the spectacular natural beauty of serene water, faultless Bent Grass greens and tree-lined Zoysia fairways, LedgeStone inspires Branson golfers and non-golfers alike. LedgeStone's 15th hole has achieved signature status as a renowned Par 3.
 Dinner: Fantastic dinner at the Grand Plaza Restaurant with an amazing view of Branson and the Ozarks!
 Evening: Performance: Legend in Concert Internationally acclaimed Legends In Concert is known as the pioneer of live celebrity impersonator shows and possesses the greatest collection of celebrity impersonators ever assembled. Legends in Concert has earned entertainment industry awards including "Show of the Year," and "Entertainers of the Year" proving this is the world’s greatest live tribute show. The live impersonator show with music legends, such as Elvis Presley, The Blues Brothers, Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw, Rod Stewart, Tina Turner, Cher, Madonna and many more celebrities that appeal to music fans of all ages making Legends in Concert a must see live concert show.
   
Accommodations: Branson Towers
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Wrap-up, Program Concludes, Farewells
(Friday, October 11)
   
 Breakfast: Wonderful breakfast at the resort with a great selection of hot and cold offerings and juices, coffee, tea.
 Morning: Goodbyes to our new friends with a wrap up discussion!
 Morning: Talk with a touring PGA pro about the life and conditions they endure to play.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Insiders' Guide to Branson and the Ozark Mountains


Author: Dr. Fred Pfister


Description: For more than twenty years, the Insiders' Guide® series has been the essential source for in-depth travel and relocation information—from true insiders whose personal, practical perspective gives you everything you need to know. With more than forty theaters on and around its famous Strip, Branson is proudly called the Live Music Capital of the World. But there's more to this year-round vacation destination than its shows and stars: World-class golf, theme parks, and historic sites are all within easy reach. This authoritative guide shows you how to navigate the glitz and glitter of Branson as well as the natural beauty of the scenic Ozark Mountain country. • Countless details on how to live and thrive in the area, from the best fishing holes to the lowdown on real estate • The inside scoop on the top shopping, seasonal festivals, and live entertainment offerings • Comprehensive listings of restaurants and accommodations • Sections dedicated to children and retirement





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