Highly respected golf instructor joins Big Cedar Golf to offer world-class training at America’s Premier Wilderness Resort
RIDGEDALE, Mo. (DATE V3) – Big Cedar Lodge Golf announced today the addition of Megan Johnston, LPGA Class A teaching professional, as its new Head Golf Instructor at the world-class golf resort in the Ozarks.
Johnston is known for her dynamic coaching style and expertise and brings with her a wealth of accolades to the decorated Big Cedar Lodge golf mecca, including the 2025 Golf Digest Best Young Teachers, 2024 LPGA SE Teacher of the Year and recognition as a US Kids Top 50 Instructor.
“We are very grateful to welcome Megan to our team at Big Cedar Golf,” said Jeff Steen, Vice President of Golf at Big Cedar Lodge. “Megan’s passion and dedication to sharing her knowledge with golfers of all ages and skill levels is sure to enhance the experience for our guests.”
Northern Ireland native has built impressive resume as instructor
Hailing from Northern Ireland, Johnston attended and played at Missouri State, then started a professional career before falling in love with teaching while working under the instruction of Tim Mahoney, a Golf Digest Top 50 instructor.
She taught in Arizona and most recently in central Florida, where her students were invited to participate in the Epson Tour and the US Kids World Championship. While teaching in Orlando, she grew the Central Florida chapter of the girls’ golf First Tee from four participants to nearly 400 during her four years as the Girls’ Golf Co-Site Director.
Experience, interests a natural fit for Big Cedar Lodge
Johnston’s background and dedication to player development align with Big Cedar Lodge’s commitment to delivering unforgettable family experiences on its five world-class courses.
Her arrival marks a new chapter in Big Cedar’s golf offerings, where guests can enjoy the beauty of the Ozarks while improving their game. She also brings an international audience of 115,000 Instagram followers (@MeganJohnstonGolf) who enjoy her quick and useful tutorial videos.
“This is a place where nature and golf come together in such a unique way,” Johnston said. “I look forward to welcoming both new and returning clients from across the country to experience the magic of the Ozarks and nature golf.”
Johnston is excited to move back to the Ozarks with her husband and two young daughters.
For more information on Big Cedar Lodge’s golf programs, lessons or to book a tee time at any of Big Cedar’s award-winning courses, visit bigcedar.com/golf or call 800-225-6343.
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 7 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 publicly designed 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 and 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 www.bigcedar.com/golf.
