Hospitality

Big Cedar Names Jeff Steen Director of Agronomy

Steen to Oversee the 5 Courses at America’s Newest Premier Golf Destination

Ridgedale, MO – Big Cedar Lodge today announced that Jeff Steen has been appointed as the Director of Agronomy to oversee the resort’s five world-class golf courses.

Steen has more than 24 years experience managing premier golf resorts, including 16 years with the famed Pebble Beach Company. Steen has a Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture and Turf-grass Management from Olds College in Olds, Alberta.

“We are thrilled to add Jeff Steen to our team at Big Cedar Lodge. Our founder Johnny Morris’s goal has been to create one of the world’s great golf destinations. With courses designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player and Tom Fazio, the world of golf knows that Big Cedar has to be experienced to be believed.  It will be Jeff’s job to help us maintain and grow our reputation for great golf in the beautiful Ozarks,” said Debbie Bennett, President of Hospitality for Bass Pro Shops.

Primary responsibilities for Steen will include oversight of all golf course operations, the management of 4 Superintendents, directing the landscape plans for the five facilities and supervision of the staff in the Golf Grounds Department.

“Joining the team at Big Cedar is a true dream come true,” said Steen. “Johnny Morris is not only one of the most generous conservationists of our times, he’s also one of the most imaginative and successful promoters of golf in America today. Everyone in the golfing world has the same reaction when they play one of his courses – sheer amazement. I can’t wait to get started,” Steen added.

In concert with Jeff Steen’s appointment, Big Cedar also announced the promotion of Steve Johnson to Senior Golf Course Superintendent. Steve is a graduate of Mississippi State University and has managed golf courses for more than 34 years including the last 14 years with the regional golf courses.

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About Big Cedar Lodge
Located in the heart of Missouri’s Ozark Mountains, Big Cedar Lodge is America’s premier wilderness resort. A passion of Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris, the 4,600-acre lakeside retreat connects families to the outdoors with a variety of nature-based experiences including fishing, boating, hiking, spa and wellness offerings, hosting 2.4 million guests annually. Signature attractions include Top of the Rock, home to world-class golf, dining, and entertainment; and Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, a 10,000-acre nonprofit wildlife nature park. Named “Number One Resort in the Midwest” by the readers of Travel + Leisure, the resort offers genuine Ozarks hospitality and a convenient location just south of Branson. Learn more at www.bigcedar.com.

About Big Cedar Golf
Founded by Bass Pro Shops’ Johnny Morris in 1987, Big Cedar Lodge is not only a family-friendly wilderness resort, but also a coveted world-class golf destination. In the fall of 2020, Payne’s Valley, Tiger Woods’ first public access course with his firm TGR Design, opened for play. Payne’s Valley joins the four existing and top-rated courses at the resort – Buffalo Ridge (Tom Fazio), Ozarks National (Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw), Mountain Top (Gary Player) and Top of the Rock (Jack Nicklaus). These “Missouri’s Best” courses bring to life Morris’ vision to create an unparalleled golf experience in the Ozarks, attracting visitors from across the world, and solidifying it as “America’s Next Great Golf Destination.” To book tee times or rooms for your next visit, go to https://bigcedar.com/golf/