Branson, Mo., adding great golf to its wholesome setting

I spent a part of my youth in the Delta of northern Mississippi. I’ve lived the majority of my life in Texas. But I’ve never been anywhere more country than Branson, Mo.

This really is a trip back in time in so many ways.

Branson is simply a visit to a time that has left most of the country. The Strip, as they call, is like Las Vegas on a smaller scale and with a “G” rating. Last night, I got to check out Presleys’ Country Jubilee, the show, I’m told, that started it all in Branson.

This is family entertainment through and through. The Presley Family show was like Hee-Haw, except more entertaining. If you can’t appreciate pickin’ and grinnin’ with a little slapstick and Gospel, then this might not be your place. But if you’re looking to return to a more non-threatening era, then you’ll welcome this diversion.

The area, though, is changing to draw more visitors, and golf is a big part of that.

I opened this journey with a round at the new Payne Stewart Golf Club in the Branson Hills development. The course, which was designed by Chuck Smith, is plenty good, but what left the biggest impression on me is how the facility is dedicated to the memory of Stewart, who was raised in the area.

On each hole, you can read anecdotes of Stewart’s life, and in the clubhouse there are generous displays of artifacts from his career.

And beyond that, this is one heck of a golf course. Great views from the tees, plenty of babbling brooks and terrific, challenging greens are some of the highlights.

Stewart would have been proud.