The Best Public Golf Courses in Northwest Arkansas
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As of late, it appears the game of golf is at an all time high, and may only grow to reach a larger audience. Golf courses here in Northwest Arkansas are feeling this growth. Just like the cities in NWA, the golf scene here is growing and there are several courses that are must play. While private courses are a bit exclusive, if you’re lucky enough to snag a tee time, places like Pinnacle and Blessings are top-notch options you won’t want to miss.
Now, when it comes to public courses, I’ve got you covered, especially along I-49. From Stonebridge, in Fayetteville, all the way up to the golfer’s paradise in Bella Vista, these courses showcase the stunning Ozark mountains, offering both breathtaking backdrops and exciting challenges.
Whether you’re a first-time Arkansas golfer or simply on the hunt for a new spot to tee it up in NWA, this comprehensive list of public golf courses in Northwest Arkansas has got you covered! So, grab your clubs, and let’s hit the links in this beautiful region of NWA!
Bella Vista Country Club
- 98 Clubhouse Dr, Bella Vista, AR 72715
- Green Fee $30-$60
- Book Here
Nestled in the scenic Northwest corner of Arkansas lies Bella Vista Country Club, the go-to spot for public golfers! With a whopping five 18-hole and two 9-hole courses, all open to everyone, it’s a golfer’s dream come true. Each course boasts its own special design, ensuring there’s something for every golfer, no matter your style. Plus, with plenty of warm-up areas scattered around, you’ll always be primed for that first tee shot. So, if you’re in town for a weekend and want to find one of the best golf courses in Northwest Arkansas, Bella Vista might have what you are looking for.
Country Club Course: The Bella Vista Country Club Golf Course boasts lengthy fairways bordered by well-established trees, easily navigable terrain, and numerous holes where Little Sugar Creek poses a challenge.
Personal Experience: A traditional Arkansas course, tried and tested through the years. Keep it straight, and this course will treat you right! With side-by-side fairways, you might even catch a lucky break on those off-target tee shots. It’s not the longest course around, making it perfect for a leisurely and predictable round on the links!
The Highlands Golf Course: Stands as Bella Vista’s lengthiest and most demanding course, carved into the undulating terrain of the area. It presents a trial of precision, featuring unexpected twists along its doglegs, making it advisable to bring along extra golf balls.
Personal Experience: The exact opposite of the Country club course. The Highlands is long and challenging. If you tend to find the water on holes, then this course is for you as there is not much water found here. But unlike The country club, there are few side-by-side fairways so keep the ball straight!
Scotsdale Golf Course: Stands out as a distinctive destination in Northwest Arkansas, offering a recently renovated 18-hole layout reminiscent of traditional Scottish links courses. With newly installed Champion Bermuda greens, strategically positioned bunkers, and roll-off collection areas, this course demands precision and strategy from golfers.
Personal Experience: This course in NWA is truly one-of-a-kind, and it’s my personal favorite for good reason! It’s a real challenge with water hazards galore lining the fairways. And let’s not forget the local favorite #18 5-par hole at Bella Vista, loved for its mix of excitement and stunning views. After your round, kick back at the Scotsdale Clubhouse and Pub, where you can savor a variety of beers, ales, and Scotch, perfectly paired with their signature ‘Bella Vista Brat’ – the ideal way to wrap up your day on the course!
The Dogwood Golf Course: This par-71 layout offers a mix of wide-open and tree-lined fairways, pleasing terrain, and strategically placed bunkers. With a variety of tee options spanning from 3,817 to 6,138 yards, players of all levels can enjoy a round on this fun and playable course. Water hazards come into play on just three holes, including a thrilling par 3 finishing hole over water.
Personal Exerience: At Dogwood, you’ll encounter a couple of doglegs, as expected. The most challenging one arrives on hole 11, with a nearly 90° dogleg left. Although not too lengthy, if you can hit it high and far, cutting the corner might be a smart move! And when you’re wrapping up your round with a par 3, just remember to stay steady – you’ll need to carry water from the tee box to the green.
The Kingswood Golf Course: A popular choice among local players for its beginner-friendly layout. With its shorter length, wide fairways, and manageable bunkers, it’s ideal for golfers of all skill levels. The course spans from 3,922 to 6,263 yards, offering a mix of open and challenging holes, with water hazards on six holes.
Personal Experience: After tackling courses like Scotsdale and Highlands, Kingswood offers a refreshing change of pace. It’s the ideal spot if you’re seeking a laid-back and potentially low-scoring round with your pals or loved ones. With its relatively short layout, generous fairways, and minimal water hazards, Kingswood typically guarantees a good time out on the course!
Stonebridge Meadows Golf Club
- 3495 East Goff Farm Road Fayetteville, AR
- Green Fee $40-$70
- Book Here
Situated in Fayetteville, Arkansas, Stonebridge Meadows earns acclaim as the go-to golf course in Fayetteville. With a rich historical background, the course unfolds upon land once occupied by a Civil War hospital and later transformed into a renowned thoroughbred horse farm.
Holes gracefully nestle into the sweeping valleys of the landscape, greens feature subtle contours, bunkers strategically punctuate the layout, and the course presents an array of shot-making opportunities amid varying elevation changes.
Personal Experience: During my college years in Fayetteville, Stonebridge was like my second home. Booking a round here, especially when you’re in town for a Razorback game, is always a winning choice. With its spacious fairways and decent length, it’s guaranteed to make for an enjoyable day on the links. Keep an eye out for holes 3, 4, and 5 – they’re ones you won’t soon forget. Holes 3 and 4 offer scoring opportunities if you can keep it straight, but watch out for hole 5; its narrow fairway, flanked by trees all the way to the green, demands your full attention!
9 Hole Courses
While there might not be an overwhelming number of 18-hole courses that I’d highly recommend outside of the ones I mentioned earlier, what I’ve discovered as truly unique about NWA is the abundance of 9-hole courses in the region.
Typically, I find it challenging to come across top-notch 9-hole courses, but that’s not the case here. Whether you’re aiming for a quick morning game or a relaxed twilight round, NWA boasts several top-notch 9-hole courses to suit your golfing desires!
Berksdale 9 Hole: Adjacent to the Kingswood Course in Bella Vista, the Berksdale Golf Course is a nine-hole gem currently undergoing certification by Audubon International’s Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses. Featuring a full-length, par-36 layout, this course has it all with plenty of water lined fairways, wooded areas, elevated greens, and easily navigable terrain.
Brittany 9 Hole: Brittany Golf Course complements the 27-hole Metfield Golf Complex, alongside Dogwood Hills Golf Course. This executive course offers a fun blend of five par 3s and four par 4s, with two tee options available. Spanning 1,889 yards from the White Tees, its undulating terrain and speedy Bermuda greens provide a challenging test for your short game.
The Greens on Blossom Way Golf & Country Club: Located in Rogers, this 9-Hole Regulation Course is exactly what you want in a 9 hole course. Designed with players in mind, offering excitement and rewards for golfers of every age and skill level.
The Links at Rainbow Curve Golf & Country Club: Located in Bentonville, this course is recognized as one of the premier 9-hole challenges in Northwest Arkansas. Praised by local golfers for its engaging, diverse layout, fast multi-tiered greens, and excellent course conditions, The Links at Rainbow Curve is comprised of three par 3s, four par 4s, and two par 5s, the course boasts generous fairways, allowing for a user-friendly experience.
That’s a roundup of some of the finest public golf courses in Northwest Arkansas! While it’s not an exhaustive list covering every 18-hole gem, I’ve handpicked ones I believe are truly worth your time for a round or two. Whether you’re seeking leisurely rounds with loved ones, Scottish-inspired challenges, skill-testing courses, or quick 9-hole delights, NWA has something to suit every golfer’s fancy.
While NWA might not be hailed as the ultimate golfer’s paradise, trust me, it’s home to some absolutely stunning courses that’ll add an extra sparkle to your visit. So, why wait? Book that tee time and get ready to tee it up amidst the breathtaking Ozark Mountains!
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