Arkansas’s 189 golf courses serve a state with more natural beauty than its golf reputation suggests. The Ozark and Ouachita Mountains create dramatic topography — river valleys, forested ridges, clear lakes — that produces some of the South-Central region’s most scenic and underrated golf. Arkansas is where you’ll find both nationally ranked public layouts and some of the country’s most affordable rounds ($20/18 holes including cart) within a few hours of each other.
Northwest Arkansas around Fayetteville and Bentonville has become one of the country’s fastest-growing metro areas, driven by Walmart’s headquarters and an arts-and-outdoor-recreation boom that has attracted golf investment. Hot Springs remains a resort destination with a historic connection to golf. And Mystic Creek in El Dorado — Arkansas’s most nationally acclaimed public course — proves that the state’s south produces designs competitive with any in the region.
Arkansas Golf by Region
Northwest Arkansas / Fayetteville / Bentonville
The rapidly growing NW Arkansas corridor has become the state’s golf investment focus. Stonebridge Meadows Golf Club in Fayetteville is the area’s top-rated public course — a 7,150-yard Randy Heckenkemper design with a 75.1 rating through parkland terrain. Bella Vista Country Club operates five regulation courses for its large retirement community, making it the region’s largest golf concentration. Big Creek Golf and Country Club in Mountain Home, two hours east, is a public Thomas Clark design winding through Ozark ridgeline scenery at accessible prices.
Hot Springs / Central Arkansas
Hot Springs has five public golf courses in a compact resort setting, historically associated with the city’s spa and racing culture. The Balboa Golf Course and Hot Springs Country Club (semi-private) are the main draws for visiting golfers. Little Rock’s metro market has several semi-private and public options serving the capital’s population at mid-range prices ($30–$55). Rebsamen Golf Course in Little Rock is a well-regarded public option on the Arkansas River.
Southern Arkansas
Mystic Creek Golf Club in El Dorado is Arkansas’s most nationally recognized layout — a course that has appeared on top-50 national public course lists and stands as the state’s best-ranked public round. The surrounding Ouachita country is less populated but produces excellent natural golf settings.
Top Courses in Arkansas
- Mystic Creek Golf Club (El Dorado) — Arkansas’s top-ranked public course nationally; appearances on national top-50 public lists. Semi-private; green fees ~$40–$60.
- Big Creek Golf & Country Club (Mountain Home) — Thomas Clark design winding through the Ozark landscape; public; excellent conditions. Green fees ~$35–$55.
- Stonebridge Meadows Golf Club (Fayetteville) — Best-rated public course in northwest Arkansas; 7,150 yards, course rating 75.1. Green fees ~$80–$90.
- Balboa Golf Course (Hot Springs) — Resort-area public layout in the Hot Springs national resort corridor; scenic and accessible. Green fees ~$30–$50.
- The Ridges at Village Creek (Wynne) — One of Arkansas’s great affordability finds; 18 holes including cart for ~$20–$36; strong local reputation for conditions. Green fees ~$19–$36.
- Rebsamen Golf Course (Little Rock) — Public municipal on the Arkansas River; best-value everyday round in the capital area. Green fees ~$20–$35.
- Red Apple Inn Golf Course (Heber Springs) — Scenic semi-private course on Greers Ferry Lake; resort setting with Ozark Mountain views. Green fees ~$35–$55.
When to Play Golf in Arkansas
Arkansas’s golf season runs essentially year-round with the best conditions from March through May and September through November. Springs are lush and temperatures (65–80°F) are ideal. Summers (June–August) are hot and humid (88–95°F) but manageable with early morning tee times. The Ozarks and Ouachitas run slightly cooler than the Delta lowlands in summer. Winter play (December–February) is possible in mild years; average January highs of 45–50°F occasionally allow rounds, but frost and occasional snow interrupt the northern and mountain areas. Hot Springs resort courses see their peak in spring and fall when visitors combine golf with spa visits and horse racing season at Oaklawn Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many golf courses are in Arkansas?
Arkansas has 189 golf courses in our database. The state’s golf is distributed across the northwest (Fayetteville, Bentonville), the Hot Springs resort area, Little Rock’s metro market, and southern Arkansas near the Louisiana border where Mystic Creek anchors the national reputation.
What is the best golf course in Arkansas?
Mystic Creek Golf Club (El Dorado) is Arkansas’s most nationally acclaimed public course by rankings. Stonebridge Meadows (Fayetteville) is the top option in the rapidly growing northwest market. Big Creek (Mountain Home) is the state’s most scenic Ozark public layout.
When is the best time to golf in Arkansas?
April through June and September through November. Spring conditions are excellent throughout the state. Fall delivers comfortable temperatures and good course conditions without the summer heat and humidity.
How much does golf cost in Arkansas?
Arkansas is one of the South’s best-value golf markets. Budget courses run $19–$35; quality public tracks charge $35–$60; and the northwest corridor’s top-rated Stonebridge Meadows runs $80–$90. The Ridges at Village Creek is one of the best affordability stories in American golf at around $20 for 18 holes with cart.
All Golf Courses in Arkansas
Browse all 189 Arkansas golf courses in our database below, including green fees, location, and course details.