Best Golf Courses in Arkansas

Updated February 2024 to update booking information.

When I first heard “golf” and Arkansas mentioned in the same sentence, I was a little bewildered.  I’d been to this state when I was younger to chase whitetail deer, ducks, and largemouth bass, but had never thought of it as a destination for great golf.  Boy, was I ever wrong?

It’s true, the Wonder State is home to some incredible golf at a reasonable price.  The best part about golf in this great state is the geographic diversity in which the best courses were designed.  Great golf can be found on the shores of some of the largest lakes in the country, and at elevation in the Ozark Mountains.  When it comes to golf, Arkansas really does have something for everyone. 

Curious to learn more?  Check out our list of the best courses below.

 

If you’re looking for a challenging and scenic round of golf in Arkansas, Thunder Bayou Golf Links in Blytheville offers a unique experience with its links-style course and strategically placed bunkers.

This public golf course measures just over 7,000 yards and is designed to provide golfers with a true test of their skills. The layout of the course is carefully crafted to offer a mix of challenges, from navigating around the 80 bunkers to taking on the distances.

Thunder Bayou Golf Links isn’t only a great course for individual golfers but also hosts community events and club tournaments, making it an integral part of the local golfing community. The course’s commitment to providing a top-notch experience for golfers has earned it a reputation as one of the best golf courses in Arkansas.

If you’re in the area, it’s worth checking out Thunder Bayou Golf Links for a memorable round of golf.

 

In the Twin Lakes/Mountain Home region of Arkansas, Big Creek Golf and Country Club offers golfers a stunning course with generous landing areas, expansive penalty areas, Zoysia fairways, and bent grass greens.

The club’s standout feature is its three-tiered 400-yard driving range, providing ample space for golfers to fine-tune their skills.

Moreover, the proximity to bass fishing opportunities adds an extra dimension to the overall experience at the club, making it a well-rounded destination for sports enthusiasts.

Big Creek Golf and Country Club has garnered positive reviews from the community, making it an accessible and highly regarded choice for golfers. The club’s commitment to providing an exceptional golfing experience hasn’t gone unnoticed, earning it a place as a Golfers’ Choice destination.

Whether you’re a local resident or visiting from Little Rock, Big Creek Golf and Country Club promises a memorable and satisfying round of golf. With its excellent ratings and recognition, it’s no surprise that this club is a popular choice among golfers who seek quality and enjoyment.

Situated amidst the amazing Ozark Mountains, the Tannenbaum Golf Course at Mountain Ranch offers golfers a challenging and invigorating experience on a course that beautifully intertwines with the natural landscape.

This public access course has garnered attention for its exceptional design and stunning surroundings. Golfers Choice and GolfPass have both recognized Tannenbaum for its outstanding ratings and reviews within the golf community.

The course places a premium on shot-making and club selection, offering a challenging experience that entices players to showcase their skills. As you navigate through the undulating terrain, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of mountain peaks and Greers Ferry Lake, creating a truly memorable round of golf.

Tannenbaum Golf Course also provides a complete recreational experience, boasting world-class trout fishing for those who seek a diverse and enjoyable outing.

For golf enthusiasts seeking a unique blend of nature and golf, Tannenbaum Golf Course at Mountain Ranch stands out as one of the best tests in Arkansas, making it a must-visit destination for those in pursuit of mastery of the greens.

Tannenbaum Golf Course at Mountain Ranch offers a captivating golf experience, and now let’s turn our attention to the renowned Mystic Creek Golf Club, known as the ‘public Augusta’ in El Dorado.

Nestled amongst Cathedral Pines, Mystic Creek Golf Club is a gem that has garnered attention for its notoriously fast greens and tight green surrounds. This course demands precision and skill, making it a favorite among golf enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable playing experience.

Mystic Creek Golf Club has received accolades from various prestigious sources, including GolfPass Ratings Index logic and Golfers Choice lists generated by Golf Digest. Designed by the acclaimed Robert Trent Jones, this course has earned a reputation for its challenging layout and scenic beauty.

Comparable to the allure of the exclusive Hot Springs Village and the esteemed Country Club of Little Rock, Mystic Creek Golf Club offers a world-class golfing experience that continues to attract players from near and far.

If you’re looking to test your skills on a course that has been likened to the revered Augusta National, then Mystic Creek Golf Club is a must-visit destination for any golf aficionado.

Looking for a challenging yet enjoyable round of golf in the Hot Springs area? Check out the well-regarded Ponce de Leon Golf Club, named after John Daly and known for its tree-lined fairways and excellent putting surfaces. This public course has earned its reputation as a tough but fair test for all skill levels, making it a favorite among locals and vacationers alike.

The serene and quiet atmosphere of the club adds to the appeal, creating a perfect choice for a relaxed round of golf in the Hot Springs area.

Ponce de Leon Golf Club’s tough but fair design is suitable for players of all skill levels, providing a memorable golfing experience in Arkansas. Each year, the Golfers Authority compiles annual Golfers Choice lists, using a logic that weights newer reviews more heavily, to help the golfing community throughout the country review a golf course. This weighting system ensures that the most recent opinions of the public are taken into account, making the Golfers Choice lists a reliable resource for finding the best courses.

With its challenging yet enjoyable layout and serene ambiance, Ponce de Leon Golf Club undoubtedly deserves its place on any golfer’s must-visit list in Arkansas.

When you’re seeking a blend of nature and golf in Arkansas, Rebsamen Park Golf Course in Little Rock offers an affordable and enjoyable playing experience with its scenic views and challenging layouts. The course has a rich history dating back to 1954, and it’s known for its modest pricing and inclusive access, making it a standout choice for golfers seeking an affordable and enjoyable round in Little Rock.

Here are some key points to consider when planning your visit:

• The course features generous fairways and offers stunning views of the Arkansas River, providing a picturesque backdrop for your game.
• Rebsamen Park Golf Course is included in the GolfPass Ratings Index, and the reviews submitted by members have received high acclaim, further solidifying its reputation as a top destination for golf enthusiasts.
• The challenging layouts and narrow fairways guarded by trees offer a unique playing experience, making it a must-visit for those looking for a memorable round of golf.
• As one of the featured courses on the Golfers Choice 2023 lists, Rebsamen Park Golf Course has been recognized for its exceptional quality by analyzing the ratings submitted by golfers.

After experiencing the affordable and enjoyable rounds at Rebsamen Park Golf Course in Little Rock, you’ll find yourself drawn to the classic design and challenging layout of Indian Hills Golf Resort, considered the best-kept secret in Arkansas. This gem, despite its lack of amenities, is renowned for its narrow fairways and undulating greens, providing an exceptional golfing experience.

Indian Hills Golf Resort is a true test for shot makers, where local knowledge is valuable due to the course’s challenging layout. The unique blend of nature and golf at Indian Hills Golf Resort epitomizes the golf experience in Arkansas. The serene and quiet atmosphere adds to the allure of this hidden treasure, making it an unforgettable playing experience.

GolfPass Ratings Index has given high praise to Indian Hills Golf Resort, and the GolfPass community reviews consistently reflect the exceptional quality of this course. With public access available, it’s an opportunity not to be missed for golf enthusiasts seeking a challenging and picturesque round.

Whether you’re a local or visiting Arkansas, Indian Hills Golf Resort promises a memorable golfing experience that will leave you wanting to come back for more.

Found amidst the natural beauty of Arkansas, Glenwood Country Club beckons golfers of all skill levels with its exceptional amenities and picturesque setting. This golf course offers a unique blend of nature and golf, providing a serene and quiet atmosphere for players to enjoy.

Designed by Bobby McGee, the course features a demanding tee shot on its signature hole, measuring 178 yards. Glenwood Country Club is known for its exceptional amenities and provides a memorable and enjoyable playing experience for golfers. It caters to a range of golfers and offers a welcoming and inclusive environment for all skill levels.

The moderate pricing and public access make it an attractive option for both locals and visitors. Additionally, the course has received positive ratings and reviews from the GolfPass community, indicating high satisfaction among players.

Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just starting out, Glenwood Country Club promises a rewarding and enjoyable golfing experience in the heart of Arkansas.

The name says it all at this facility.  It epitomizes everything that golf should be in the Wonder State.  Downhome, decency, and a warm welcome are what you get when you come to this iconic property.

Then comes breakfast before a morning tee time… Oh yeah, there’s the golf course which is the real reason you come.

Strategically manicured in a forest of stately pine trees, this expanse is just north enough to be a little edgy, yet south enough to lend an air of gentility that’s deserved.

This is classic Arkansas golf where no one is in any particular hurry, yet things move along as the place, people, and nature intended. 

Straight forward.  Challenging.  Fair. Reputable.  Having played this track, those are the words that come to mind as I describe my experience here.

When you come here, take a deep breath.  Let the serenity and quietude move you along at the appropriate pace… That’s what I did, and the number was favorable based on what I expected.

Intertwined through a deciduous and pine forest lies Forest Hills Course.  If you’re looking for an exceptional experience but don’t want break the bank, this is as good as it gets.

Although this course isn’t long, it beckons strategy and precision. 

The practice facilities are some of best in the area and the resident pros know what they’re talking about… Take it from me, I was struggling when I signed up for a tune up here out of desperation and was back on track in a matter of minutes.

The golf course is pure.  No two ways about.  Value, check.  Service, check.  Total experience, check mate.

Conclusion

Next time I head to Arkansas (it won’t be long), I’ll surely have my deer rifle and fishing rod in tow.  Mark my words though, I’ll have my sticks with me too.

Even though this state isn’t known for its world-class golf, there are plenty of great tracks to play.  When it comes to great golf, friendly people, and reasonable prices, there’s no reason Arkansas shouldn’t be near the top of your list.