Travelers interested in spending some time on the greens have many options. Here are the top 8 top golf courses in Arkansas for groups.
Arkansas’ natural beauty, sprawling landscapes and diverse terrain lend to stunning golf courses sprinkled throughout the state. Not only are these courses aesthetically pleasing, they also provide golfers with some challenges, pushing their game to the next level. In Arkansas, travelers interested in spending some time on the greens have many options at their fingertips. Here are the top 8 golf courses in Arkansas for groups.
Big Creek
The winner of Golf Digest’s five-star ranking multiple years in a row, Big Creek Golf Course is a go-to course for serious golfers. Designed by Tom Clark, Big Creek opened in 2000 in the Ozarks resort and retirement destination of Mountain Home. It features white sand bunkers, lush zoysiagrass fairways and bentgrass greens—ideal for a group golf outing. For those in the group who might still be learning, Big Creek offers a three-tiered, 400-yard driving range with separate putting and chipping greens where they can practice their skills.
Eagle Crest
One of the premier golf courses in Arkansas, Eagle Crest Golf Course, just minutes from downtown Fort Smith, offers great greens and fairways as well as spectacular views of the Ozark Mountains. Tournament Players Champion Mark Hayes designed it. It’s perfect for entertaining novice golfers, while simultaneously challenging professionals. Eagle Crest also has a good practice range and putting green next to the clubhouse.
Glenwood Country Club
Located near DeGray, Greeson and Ouachita lakes, Glenwood is one of the top golf courses in Arkansas. Designed by Bobby McGee, the course originally opened in 1994, but underwent a renovation in late 2010 to restore it to its original design. This challenging 18-hole, par-72 course features bentgrass greens and Bermuda fairways. Groups can test their skills on the course or practice at the driving range. Afterwards, they can enjoy a meal at the restaurant or relax at the on-site lodge.
Harbor Oaks
Harbor Oaks Golf Club in Pine Bluff was voted one of the top 10 public courses in Arkansas. It features five sets of tees that stretch from 5,182 to 7,006 yards of Tifton Bermuda fairways and MiniVerde greens. Groups can enjoy an entertaining and challenging round on this course, followed by a nice meal at Harbor Oaks’ award-winning restaurant. Harbor Oaks also features a practice range with 25 hitting stations, a chipping green, putting green and practice bunker—plenty of places to hone your golf skills.
Mountain Ranch
As the name suggests, Mountain Ranch Golf Club is nestled into the most spectacular Ozark Mountains landscape. It is ranked the No. 1 resort golf course in Arkansas and was designed by renowned architect Edmund Ault. The 6,780-yard course draws golfers from all over the country, many of whom have come back for a second, third or fourth time. The front nine offers a gentle introduction, while the back nine require some strategy to maneuver.
Red Apple Inn & Country Club
Looking for a view? This is the spot. Red Apple Inn & Country Club, located on a peninsula surrounded by Greers Ferry Lake in the Ozarks, has been rated as one of the 50 most scenic in the country, according to Golf Digest. The par-71, 6,018-yard course is super fun to play, but still challenging to most skill levels. Student groups can play a round of 18, or spend some time at the chipping and putting green to improve their short game.
Sage Meadows
Students eager to advance their golf skills will appreciate Sage Meadows Country Club and its practice facility, one of the best in Northeast Arkansas. The facility includes a practice green, a large driving range and a short game area. The course itself, designed by Tommy Bolt, features zoysiagrass fairways, bentgrass greens, 37 sand bunkers and water on nine of the holes. The good mix of terrain encourages students to use both strength and strategy to master the course.
Tannenbaum Golf Club
Groups can really test their abilities at Tannenbaum Golf Club, where the elevation from tee to green changes dramatically. Designed by John Floyd, the course is situated on a peninsula surrounded by the Ozarks’ Greers Ferry Lake and features the most challenging layouts in Arkansas. Golf Digest rated Tannenbaum as one of the best places to play. The course also offers a 10-acre facility with driving range, putting and chipping green, and practice bunker.
Arkansas is a natural destination for golf groups. No matter where in the state you choose to go, there are elite golf courses in Arkansas available for all skill levels. Tee up and swing away!
Visit www.arkansas.com for more information.
