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Branson Sinkhole Cause Identified

A state report says water seeping through a pond's clay liner likely led to the massive sinkhole at a Branson area golf course.

The Springfield News-Leader reports the state Department of Natural Resources also says Bass Pro Shops, which owns the Top of the Rock Golf Course, should fill the sinkhole with rocks and install a plastic liner on top of the clay barrier to prevent future sinkholes.

The sinkhole, estimated to be about 60 feet in diameter and 30 to 40 feet deep, formed in May on the golf course's driving range.

Martin Mac Donald, Bass Pro's director of conservation, says Bass Pro is "excited" about the geology beneath the sinkhole and is preparing an update on the sinkhole. He declined to elaborate.

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