Murder Rock Golf and Country Club near Branson, Missouri: Golf that sounds sounds scarier than it is

HOLLISTER, Mo. -- Murder Rock Golf and Country Club was named after the legend of a stagecoach robber who killed several of his victims in the mid-1800s. Today, it's a top-notch golf course woven around an Ozark mountaintop.

You might find some of the holes murderous, particularly No. 15, where you can't see the green until you're less than 100 yards from it, or No. 4, where the tips are tucked below the middle tees. Tougher still are the sloped and undulating greens.

But overall, you'll find wide fairways carpeted in zoysia that cradle your ball for some great wood and iron shots. The choice of several tees enables you to bite off the right amount of course for you.

No matter how you play, you can reward yourself with a delicious lunch in a swanky clubhouse offering stunning views in every direction.

Murder Rock sounds much scarier than it is.

Murder Rock Golf and Country Club - No. 11

The hues at Murder Rock Golf and Country Club follow a links palette of greens and browns.

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Murder Rock Golf and Country Club - No. 13

Water appears for the first time at Murder Rock Golf and Country Club on the 13th hole.

Lisa Allen/TravelGolf, No. 13

Murder Rock Golf and Country Club - No. 14

Favor the right side on the 14th fairway at Murder Rock Golf and Country Club and benefit from a few mounds.

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Murder Rock Golf and Country Club - No. 15 green

The 15th green at Murder Rock Golf and Country Club stays hidden until the last minute. Don't be short.

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Murder Rock golf course - No. 16 green

The 16th green at Murder Rock Golf and Country Club has an almost pastoral setting.

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Murder Rock Golf and Country Club - No. 17

The par-3 17th hole at Murder Rock Golf and Country Club punishes short shots.

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Murder Rock GC - No. 18

The 18th fairway at Murder Rock Golf and Country Club is fraught with bunkers.

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Murder Rock Golf and Country Club - No. 3

The par-5 third hole at Murder Rock Golf and Country Club pairs an elevated tee with an elevated fairway.

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Murder Rock golf course - No. 4 green

Make sure you get to the green on the fourth hole at Murder Rock Golf and Country Club.

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Murder Rock Golf and Country Club - No. 4

There is a fairway off in the distance on the fourth hole at Murder Rock Golf and Country Club. Yes, it bends left.

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Murder Rock Golf and Country Club - No. 7

The seventh hole at Murder Rock Golf and Country Club, a par 3, puts the trouble on the left.

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Murder Rock Golf and Country Club - No. 9

The par-3 ninth hole at Murder Rock Golf and Country Club adds a splash of pot bunkers near the green.

Lisa Allen/TravelGolf

Murder Rock Golf and Country Club - Ozarks

Murder Rock Golf and Country Club is a links-style course on a mountaintop.

Courtesy of Murder Rock