Big Cedar Lodge’s Payne’s Valley named Number 1 Public Golf Course in America by USA Today 10Best

Big Cedar Lodge, America’s Premier Wilderness Resort, is thrilled to announce that Payne’s Valley has been voted the Number 1 Best Public Golf Course in the Country by USA Today 10Best. A partnership between Johnny Morris, Tiger Woods and the Payne Stewart Family, the course showcases the region’s natural beauty through a 19-hole championship course. The par-72, 7,370 course is the first public access design by Tiger Woods and his design firm, TGR Design and was ranked as the Number 3 Best Public Golf Course in the Country in 2025 by USA Today 10Best.

USA Today 10Best Best Public Golf Courses ranks courses based on being impeccably maintained, set amongst gorgeous scenery, and well-designed with challenging layouts and unique features that make for a rewarding round. USA Today cited Payne’s Valley “plentiful water features, expansive fairways and a bonus 19th hole — the Big Rock at Payne's Valley — which is flanked by waterfalls and a limestone wall,” as key features to the contributing to the golf courses ranking.

Big Cedar Lodge was also named the Number 2 Best Golf Resort in the country by the USA Today 10Best’s Readers’ Choice Awards.