DeFoes’ Big Cedar getaway

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Ott and Jennie DeFoe share one last evening together at Table Rock Lake near the headquarters of Bass Pro Shops. The DeFoes spent four days at Big Cedar Lodge -- the longest she’s been away from their three children -- in conjunction with the Legends of Golf Champions Tour event. <p> <em>All captions: Mike Suchan</em>
Ott and Jennie DeFoe share one last evening together at Table Rock Lake near the headquarters of Bass Pro Shops. The DeFoes spent four days at Big Cedar Lodge — the longest she’s been away from their three children — in conjunction with the Legends of Golf Champions Tour event.

All captions: Mike Suchan

Ott was among the Bass Pro Shops anglers who took VIPs out on fishing excursions. Kevin VanDam was another, and here he, golfers Mark O’Meara and Scott McCarron, and his wife, Jenny, show off their catch. “These pro golfers know their way around a lake!” KVD posted.
Ott was among the Bass Pro Shops anglers who took VIPs out on fishing excursions. Kevin VanDam was another, and here he, golfers Mark O’Meara and Scott McCarron, and his wife, Jenny, show off their catch. “These pro golfers know their way around a lake!” KVD posted.
Edwin Evers, who reported he caught a few brown ones on Table Rock, was among the group of Elite anglers that included Tim Horton and Chris Lane among others. Ott explained, “Our involvement is primarily down at the lake, taking sponsors, company representatives and Bass Pro employees out fishing and spend some time with them on the water.”
Edwin Evers, who reported he caught a few brown ones on Table Rock, was among the group of Elite anglers that included Tim Horton and Chris Lane among others. Ott explained, “Our involvement is primarily down at the lake, taking sponsors, company representatives and Bass Pro employees out fishing and spend some time with them on the water.”
Evers posted this group shot, saying “There is a lot of fishing knowledge in this group!” That’s an understatement. Ott DeFoe said each of the anglers invited went out twice each day with VIPs, working to put them on good fish and “give them a 3-hour window into what our days are like.”
Evers posted this group shot, saying “There is a lot of fishing knowledge in this group!” That’s an understatement. Ott DeFoe said each of the anglers invited went out twice each day with VIPs, working to put them on good fish and “give them a 3-hour window into what our days are like.”
Long-time friends Mark Zona and Kevin VanDam use their lunch break to catch up. The Michigan anglers rarely have much free time to spend together, so it was appreciated even if it only for a short time.
Long-time friends Mark Zona and Kevin VanDam use their lunch break to catch up. The Michigan anglers rarely have much free time to spend together, so it was appreciated even if it only for a short time.
KVD (back right) and wife, Sherry (front center), enjoy the golf pairings party with some of their friends from Toyota at the scenic Top of the Rock clubhouse. B.A.S.S. CEO Bruce Akin and Chase Anderson, Executive Vice President/Director of B.A.S.S., attended the party along with numerous other Bass Pro Shops vendors and sponsors like Toyota, Carhartt and Mercury. Akin said, “Top of the Rock, there’s just absolutely beautiful views from up there.” It is the highest point in Taney County, Mo. Left to right is, Phil Teeple (Saatchi & Saatchi), Tyler McBride (Toyota North America), Sherry VanDam, Jamie Schneider (Saatchi & Saatchi), KVD, Brent Marrero (Toyota North America).
KVD (back right) and wife, Sherry (front center), enjoy the golf pairings party with some of their friends from Toyota at the scenic Top of the Rock clubhouse. B.A.S.S. CEO Bruce Akin and Chase Anderson, Executive Vice President/Director of B.A.S.S., attended the party along with numerous other Bass Pro Shops vendors and sponsors like Toyota, Carhartt and Mercury. Akin said, “Top of the Rock, there’s just absolutely beautiful views from up there.” It is the highest point in Taney County, Mo. Left to right is, Phil Teeple (Saatchi & Saatchi), Tyler McBride (Toyota North America), Sherry VanDam, Jamie Schneider (Saatchi & Saatchi), KVD, Brent Marrero (Toyota North America).
While Akin said he didn’t cross paths with too many golfers, Johnny Morris, emceeing another fete at the Big Cedar Shooting Academy, laughs it up with B.A.S.S. legends Roland Martin and Jimmy Houston, Hall of Fame golfer Gary Player, who designed the Mountain Top course at Big Cedar, country music artist Chris Janson and comedian Larry the Cable guy.
While Akin said he didn’t cross paths with too many golfers, Johnny Morris, emceeing another fete at the Big Cedar Shooting Academy, laughs it up with B.A.S.S. legends Roland Martin and Jimmy Houston, Hall of Fame golfer Gary Player, who designed the Mountain Top course at Big Cedar, country music artist Chris Janson and comedian Larry the Cable guy.
While they didn’t meet any of the Champions golfers, Ott and Jennie DeFoe did have a couple run-ins with celebrities. “We met Larry the Cable Guy and Chris Janson,” Jennie said. “Chris had played when we were here for the Wonders of Wildlife museum opening in October. He’s just an awesome musician. Of course that night, Luke Bryan was there and he was my main objective. I wanted my picture made with Luke.”
While they didn’t meet any of the Champions golfers, Ott and Jennie DeFoe did have a couple run-ins with celebrities. “We met Larry the Cable Guy and Chris Janson,” Jennie said. “Chris had played when we were here for the Wonders of Wildlife museum opening in October. He’s just an awesome musician. Of course that night, Luke Bryan was there and he was my main objective. I wanted my picture made with Luke.”
Ott and Jennie get a shot of the view from the Top of the Rock clubhouse deck, which overlooks what she thought was a rather prime wedding destination. Just to the right of the chapel are cannons. Akin was up close and videoed them being shot, which he said was among his favorite things during his trip.
Ott and Jennie get a shot of the view from the Top of the Rock clubhouse deck, which overlooks what she thought was a rather prime wedding destination. Just to the right of the chapel are cannons. Akin was up close and videoed them being shot, which he said was among his favorite things during his trip.
The DeFoes went inside the Chapel of the Ozarks to sightsee. Jennie, whose Facebook page states she’s a “stay at home mom and wife,” enjoyed her vacation in the region. While she does take a trip with some other Elite wives each year, Ott said his wife is only away from their children, Abbie, Parker and Lizzie, a couple times each year and hardly ever more than two days. This was her longest getaway, but of course she had big plans with the kids when she got home.
The DeFoes went inside the Chapel of the Ozarks to sightsee. Jennie, whose Facebook page states she’s a “stay at home mom and wife,” enjoyed her vacation in the region. While she does take a trip with some other Elite wives each year, Ott said his wife is only away from their children, Abbie, Parker and Lizzie, a couple times each year and hardly ever more than two days. This was her longest getaway, but of course she had big plans with the kids when she got home.
The DeFoes check out Table Rock Lake from the chapel windows. Jennie was fortunate to make the trip as everything fell just right, like Ott’s mother being available to get the kids to bed and take them to school and another friend helping with after school activities like soccer practice.
The DeFoes check out Table Rock Lake from the chapel windows. Jennie was fortunate to make the trip as everything fell just right, like Ott’s mother being available to get the kids to bed and take them to school and another friend helping with after school activities like soccer practice.
Like most of Johnny Morris’ projects, the Top of the Rock clubhouse was a sight to behold. “It’s pretty awesome,” Jennie said. “I’ve been to Big Cedar once, but it was 6 years ago. The twins were just babies. As far as seeing Top of the Rock, Dogwood Canyon, other than seeing it in pictures from Ott, it was my first time. It was amazing.”
Like most of Johnny Morris’ projects, the Top of the Rock clubhouse was a sight to behold. “It’s pretty awesome,” Jennie said. “I’ve been to Big Cedar once, but it was 6 years ago. The twins were just babies. As far as seeing Top of the Rock, Dogwood Canyon, other than seeing it in pictures from Ott, it was my first time. It was amazing.”
The DeFoes, along with other commenters on her Facebook page, were still trying to figure out how they got the truck and boat to appear as if it was floating on the water. They knew it was on a platform about an inch deep, but they questioned the “How” it was physically achieved.
The DeFoes, along with other commenters on her Facebook page, were still trying to figure out how they got the truck and boat to appear as if it was floating on the water. They knew it was on a platform about an inch deep, but they questioned the “How” it was physically achieved.
Jennie said Ott went fishing all day Tuesday and Wednesday before the couple went to “social dinners,” but they reserved Thursday “for just him and I. My first two days were equally as great. Stacy McClelland and I went out, hung out and had lunch. Sherry (VanDam) and I went to the spa Wednesday. I’ve had a great week.” Dogwood Canyon was Thursday’s husband/wife outing, and this is another chapel near its entrance.
Jennie said Ott went fishing all day Tuesday and Wednesday before the couple went to “social dinners,” but they reserved Thursday “for just him and I. My first two days were equally as great. Stacy McClelland and I went out, hung out and had lunch. Sherry (VanDam) and I went to the spa Wednesday. I’ve had a great week.” Dogwood Canyon was Thursday’s husband/wife outing, and this is another chapel near its entrance.
Dogwood Canyon, filled with sites like waterfalls and a stream, has “got paths and there’s options -- you can walk the trail, rent bikes or a Segway. Or you can go on a tram,” she said. “Ott’s been in there several times, but it was my first and it was pretty chilly, so the thought of being on a tram, we decided to just walk it.”
Dogwood Canyon, filled with sites like waterfalls and a stream, has “got paths and there’s options — you can walk the trail, rent bikes or a Segway. Or you can go on a tram,” she said. “Ott’s been in there several times, but it was my first and it was pretty chilly, so the thought of being on a tram, we decided to just walk it.”
“They call it a nature park,” Ott said. “It’s more or less following Little Indian Creek that flows into Table Rock. You’re following it back to its origins where it’s just little springs coming out of the ground. It’s stocked, and you can trout fish in there in several areas with a guide.”
“They call it a nature park,” Ott said. “It’s more or less following Little Indian Creek that flows into Table Rock. You’re following it back to its origins where it’s just little springs coming out of the ground. It’s stocked, and you can trout fish in there in several areas with a guide.”
Ott headed toward Oklahoma Friday for this week’s Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Elite at Grand Lake. With the Sabine postponed, the Elites haven’t fished for 74 days. He posted this, saying he got a good feel of the Grand Lake mud. Hmm, wonder what happened. “It’s odd this time of the year for him to be home so much. It kind of spoiled us,” said Jennie, who went home to Tennessee for a busy conclusion of the school year.
Ott headed toward Oklahoma Friday for this week’s Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Elite at Grand Lake. With the Sabine postponed, the Elites haven’t fished for 74 days. He posted this, saying he got a good feel of the Grand Lake mud. Hmm, wonder what happened. “It’s odd this time of the year for him to be home so much. It kind of spoiled us,” said Jennie, who went home to Tennessee for a busy conclusion of the school year.
While the DeFoes missed most of it, golf was the name of the game last week at Big Cedar. There was plenty of golfing activity at the venues, and one of the stars was the Big Cedar Mountain Top course designed by Player, the famed golfer from South Africa. It debuted on Tuesday.
While the DeFoes missed most of it, golf was the name of the game last week at Big Cedar. There was plenty of golfing activity at the venues, and one of the stars was the Big Cedar Mountain Top course designed by Player, the famed golfer from South Africa. It debuted on Tuesday.
Mark O’Meara, one of the Champions Tour golfers, showed his love for the course. Morris is creating an outdoors destination around southwest Missouri, and the golf courses designed by famed golfers like Palmer, Nicklaus and Tom Watson are making headlines. “All of the things here are really showing off the area,” Akin said. “There’s all these beautiful golf courses and Big Cedar Lodge. There’s Dogwood Canyon, the Shooting Academy. Of course, there’s the Wonders of Wildlife museum that opened last year.”
Mark O’Meara, one of the Champions Tour golfers, showed his love for the course. Morris is creating an outdoors destination around southwest Missouri, and the golf courses designed by famed golfers like Palmer, Nicklaus and Tom Watson are making headlines. “All of the things here are really showing off the area,” Akin said. “There’s all these beautiful golf courses and Big Cedar Lodge. There’s Dogwood Canyon, the Shooting Academy. Of course, there’s the Wonders of Wildlife museum that opened last year.”
While the Elites were fishing, Tiger Woods kicked off the Bass Pro Shops Legends of Golf with a free clinic at the Buffalo Ridge Springs course. Woods, who’s won 79 PGA events, entertained a crowd as he went through his practice routines and spoke of his experiences.
While the Elites were fishing, Tiger Woods kicked off the Bass Pro Shops Legends of Golf with a free clinic at the Buffalo Ridge Springs course. Woods, who’s won 79 PGA events, entertained a crowd as he went through his practice routines and spoke of his experiences.
There were around 8,000 people, mostly children, at the clinic, which was hosted by Morris and Tracey Stewart, widow of local golf great Payne Stewart. Woods and Morris are creating the first public access course designed by Woods’ new TGR Design operation. Called “Payne’s Valley,” the championship course is scheduled to open next year.
There were around 8,000 people, mostly children, at the clinic, which was hosted by Morris and Tracey Stewart, widow of local golf great Payne Stewart. Woods and Morris are creating the first public access course designed by Woods’ new TGR Design operation. Called “Payne’s Valley,” the championship course is scheduled to open next year.
Morris is hoping that the new course will cement Big Cedar Lodge as “America’s Next Great Golf Destination.” Having the Champions Tour visit for the past five years is already a rather big feather in his cap.
Morris is hoping that the new course will cement Big Cedar Lodge as “America’s Next Great Golf Destination.” Having the Champions Tour visit for the past five years is already a rather big feather in his cap.
Bill Dance joined Woods at the clinic to offer fishing tips as well as his humor. Dance first befriended Morris in the early days of bass tournaments.
Bill Dance joined Woods at the clinic to offer fishing tips as well as his humor. Dance first befriended Morris in the early days of bass tournaments.
Here’s a fun game: Name the celebrity/golfer. Front row, from left, is Lee Trevino, Johnny Miller, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and actor Mark Wahlberg. Need some help in back, besides Morris, Willie Robertson, Kid Rock and Larry the Cable Guy.
Here’s a fun game: Name the celebrity/golfer. Front row, from left, is Lee Trevino, Johnny Miller, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and actor Mark Wahlberg. Need some help in back, besides Morris, Willie Robertson, Kid Rock and Larry the Cable Guy.
There were shenanigans on the course, as Kid Rock, the defending champion of the Shootout, offers air guitar lessons to Nicklaus and Player in exchange for golfing tips.
There were shenanigans on the course, as Kid Rock, the defending champion of the Shootout, offers air guitar lessons to Nicklaus and Player in exchange for golfing tips.
After the cannon blasts opened the week, World Golf Hall of Famer Tom Kite began one day with a true shotgun start.
After the cannon blasts opened the week, World Golf Hall of Famer Tom Kite began one day with a true shotgun start.
Johnny Miller and Larry the Cable Guy pose with Johnny Morris as the 2018 Legends of Golf Shootout winners.
Johnny Miller and Larry the Cable Guy pose with Johnny Morris as the 2018 Legends of Golf Shootout winners.
The 2018 Legends of Golf Champions Tour winners were Paul Broadhurst (center) and Kirk Triplett, who flank Morris. Akin said the week raises money for College of the Ozarks, whose president Dr. Davis (left) stands next to Missouri Lt. Governor Mike Parson.
The 2018 Legends of Golf Champions Tour winners were Paul Broadhurst (center) and Kirk Triplett, who flank Morris. Akin said the week raises money for College of the Ozarks, whose president Dr. Davis (left) stands next to Missouri Lt. Governor Mike Parson.