Summer golf, entertainment in Branson, Missouri

It’s hard to believe that Memorial Day is almost here, which means summer is just around the corner. It also means everybody’s open for golf, including a destination I just returned from, Branson, Mo.

This G-rated entertainment Mecca has a pretty decent golf scene. It isn’t vast, but the quality is good and so is the value. In fact, it’s getting even better. There are discounts for military, free golf for juniors and packages that include entertainment and lodging.

You can read about my recent trip to Branson here.

In the meantime, here are some special golf deals you can get in Branson:

– Beginning on Memorial Day and good on Mondays through the 2012 season, Murder Rock Golf Club is extending a substantially discounted rate – $39 plus tax, which is roughly 40 percent off the normal rate – to all active and retired military service personnel, fire, police and EMT. Players must present their professional ID to receive this special rate.

– Branson Creek Golf Club, designed by Tom Fazio and among the top two or three public courses in the state, is offering a stay-and-play package with the Clarion Hotel at just over $125 per night.

– Junior golfers age 15 and under can play the Ledgestone Country Club, with no restrictions on play days or times. They just have to be accompanied by a paying adult.

– The Thousand Hills 2012 Platinum Experience runs through Dec. 31. It combines lodging at a condo or log cabin, entertainment and golf at Thousand Hills Golf Course. To book, call 1-877-262-0430.

For more information on any of these deals and others, go to ExploreBranson.com and click on the courses to find packages offered for each.