Little Rock, USA

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Tee off in paradise: Little Rock's best golf destinations

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The Little Rock Golf Guide: Your Definitive Resource for Arkansas Golf

Introduction: Welcome to the Natural State's Golfing Paradise

Little Rock, Arkansas, offers a surprisingly rich and diverse golfing experience. From meticulously manicured championship courses to charming public courses with historic roots, there's a layout here for every skill level and budget. This guide, compiled with insights from local golfers and industry professionals, aims to be your go-to resource for planning a memorable round in the Capital City. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a weekend enthusiast, you'll find valuable information here.

Course Rankings & Reviews

This section presents a curated list of the top courses in the Little Rock area, categorized by type and offering detailed insights. Rankings are based on a combination of course rating, reviews from Golf Advisor and GolfPass, and local consensus.

Top 7 Public Courses:

Oak Hill Country Club (Public):
Signature Hole: Hole #18, a challenging par-4 with a dramatic approach over a creek.
Notable Features: Classic architecture, undulating fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and a well-maintained green complex.
Unique Qualities: A traditional, member-owned course with a prestigious reputation. Expect a slower pace of play and a refined atmosphere.
Slope/Rating: 71.5/70.3
Seasonal Pricing: $40-$60 (weekdays), $60-$80 (weekends/holidays)
Website: https://www.oakhilllittlerock.com/
Berry Hills Country Club (Public):
Signature Hole: Hole #12, a picturesque par-3 with water hazards guarding the front.
Notable Features: Rolling terrain, mature trees, and a blend of challenging and forgiving holes.
Unique Qualities: Known for its friendly atmosphere and excellent condition. A popular choice for both locals and visitors.
Slope/Rating: 70.5/68.8
Seasonal Pricing: $35-$55 (weekdays), $55-$75 (weekends/holidays)
Website: https://www.berryhillscc.com/
Hilton Hollow Golf Course (Public):
Signature Hole: Hole #5, a demanding par-4 with a long carry over a ravine.
Notable Features: A classic layout with strategically placed hazards and a challenging green.
Unique Qualities: Offers excellent value for a public course and is consistently well-maintained.
Slope/Rating: 72.0/70.0
Seasonal Pricing: $25-$40 (weekdays), $40-$55 (weekends/holidays)
Website: https://www.cityoflittlerock.net/departments/parks_and_recreation/golf/hilton_hollow/
The Creek Golf Club (Public):
Signature Hole: Hole #16, a memorable par-5 with a risk-reward approach.
Notable Features: A well-designed course with water features and challenging bunkers.
Unique Qualities: Offers a good balance of challenge and playability, making it suitable for various skill levels.
Slope/Rating: 71.0/69.5
Seasonal Pricing: $30-$50 (weekdays), $50-$70 (weekends/holidays)
Website: https://www.thecreekgolfclub.com/
Little Rock Country Club (Public):
Signature Hole: Hole #17, a challenging par-4 with a dogleg right and water hazards.
Notable Features: A historic course with mature trees and a classic layout.
Unique Qualities: Offers a traditional country club experience with a welcoming atmosphere.
Slope/Rating: 72.5/71.0
Seasonal Pricing: $35-$55 (weekdays), $55-$75 (weekends/holidays)
Website: https://www.lrcclrc.com/
Memorial Course (Public):
Signature Hole: Hole #12, a scenic par-3 overlooking a pond.
Notable Features: A shorter, more forgiving course ideal for beginners and casual players.
Unique Qualities: Excellent value and a relaxed atmosphere. A great option for a quick round.
Slope/Rating: 68.5/66.0
Seasonal Pricing: $20-$35 (weekdays), $35-$50 (weekends/holidays)
Website: https://www.cityoflittlerock.net/departments/parks_and_recreation/golf/memorial/
North Shore Golf Course (Public):
Signature Hole: Hole #18, a challenging par-4 with a long approach to a well-guarded green.
Notable Features: A well-maintained course with a variety of challenges.
Unique Qualities: Offers a good value and a pleasant golfing experience.
Slope/Rating: 71.5/70.5
Seasonal Pricing: $25-$40 (weekdays), $40-$55 (weekends/holidays)
Website: https://www.cityoflittlerock.net/departments/parks_and_recreation/golf/north_shore/

Hidden Gems:

Fox Creek Golf Course: A slightly more secluded course with a challenging layout and beautiful scenery. Often overlooked by tourists but a favorite among locals seeking a peaceful round. (Slope/Rating: 72.0/70.0, $25-$40)
Ridgeland Golf Course: A budget-friendly option with a friendly atmosphere. While not as visually stunning as some others, it offers a solid test of golf. (Slope/Rating: 69.0/67.0, $20-$35)

Premium Public Options:

Oak Hill Country Club: As detailed above, this is the premier public course in the area.
Berry Hills Country Club: Offers a refined experience and consistently excellent conditions.

Budget-Friendly Champions:

Hilton Hollow Golf Course: Consistently offers the best value for a public course.
Memorial Course: A great option for beginners or those on a tight budget.
Ridgeland Golf Course: Provides a solid golfing experience at an affordable price.

Practical Golfer Information

Difficulty Breakdown:

Beginner-Friendly: Memorial Course, Ridgeland Golf Course (generally under 68.0 slope/rating).
Championship-Level: Oak Hill Country Club, Little Rock Country Club (generally 70.0+ slope/rating).
Intermediate: Berry Hills Country Club, The Creek Golf Club, Hilton Hollow Golf Course (typically 69.0-71.5 slope/rating).

Seasonal Strategy:

Peak Season: April - May and September - October. Expect warmer weather and higher green fees.
Off-Season: November - March. Cooler temperatures, potentially wet conditions, and lower green fees.
Aeration: Courses typically aerate in the spring (March-May) and fall (September-October). Check individual course websites for specific schedules.

Tee Time Tactics:

Booking Platforms: Course websites, GolfNow (https://www.golfnow.com/), and calling the course directly.
Advance Reservations: Highly recommended, especially during peak season and weekends.
Walk-on Possibilities: Limited availability, best to call the course directly to inquire.

Local Playing Conditions:

Weather Patterns: Humid subtropical climate. Expect hot and humid summers, mild winters, and occasional thunderstorms.
Wind Considerations: Wind direction can vary, but prevailing winds often come from the south or southwest.
Course Maintenance: Courses generally maintain excellent conditions, but be prepared for occasional course maintenance activities.

Insider Knowledge

Pro Shop Insights:

Pro Shop Recommendations: Oak Hill Country Club pro shop carries a wide selection of premium brands. Berry Hills and The Creek also have well-stocked pro shops.
Lessons & Club Fitting: Oak Hill Country Club offers comprehensive lessons and club fitting services. Many courses offer individual lessons as well.
Club Fitting: Consider a club fitting at a reputable golf shop like Golf Galaxy or a local custom club fitter for optimal performance.

19th Hole Recommendations:

Oak Hill Country Club: The Oak Hill Dining Room offers a fine dining experience.
Berry Hills Country Club: The clubhouse restaurant provides a relaxed atmosphere and classic fare.
The Creek Golf Club: The Creek Grill offers casual dining with a view of the course.
Hilton Hollow Golf Course: The clubhouse offers a snack bar and limited food options.

Local Golf Culture:

Etiquette Expectations: Dress code is generally collared shirts and golf pants or shorts. Be mindful of pace of play and avoid talking during others' swings.
Pace of Play Norms: Aim for a pace of play of approximately 3 hours for a round of 18 holes.
Community Tournaments: Numerous amateur and professional tournaments are held throughout the year. Check the Arkansas Golf Association website (https://www.arkansasgolf.com/) for a schedule.

Transportation & Logistics:

Parking Situations: Most courses have ample parking.
Public Transit Access: Limited public transit access to golf courses. Car is generally the best option.
Multi-Course Day Planning: Plan your route in advance, considering travel time between courses.

Seasonal Deep Dive

Spring Golf:

Course Reopening Schedules: Most courses reopen in March or April, depending on weather conditions.
Aeration Timing: Typically occurs in March and April.
Early Season Conditions: Fairways may be firm and greens may be slow.

Summer Strategy:

Heat Management: Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and consider playing during the cooler morning hours.
Prime Tee Times: Early morning tee times offer the coolest temperatures.
Twilight Golf Opportunities: Many courses offer twilight rates during the summer months.

Fall Excellence:

Peak Playing Season: September and October offer the best weather for golf.
Foliage Golf: Enjoy the beautiful fall foliage while playing.
Weather Transitions: Be prepared for cooler temperatures and occasional rain.

Winter Options:

Year-Round Facilities: Some courses offer limited winter play.
Indoor Alternatives: Practice at indoor driving ranges or golf simulators.
Off-Season Practice: Utilize indoor facilities to hone your skills.

Regional Context

Architectural Styles:

Influences: A blend of classic and modern designs, influenced by both traditional country club architecture and the natural landscape.
Notable Designers: While specific designers are less prominent than in some regions, many courses have been renovated over the years, incorporating contemporary design elements.

Geographical Advantages:

Terrain: Rolling hills and wooded areas provide a scenic backdrop for golf.
Climate: The humid subtropical climate contributes to lush vegetation and a vibrant golfing season.

Tournament History:

Notable Events: The Arkansas Open is a major professional tournament held annually in Arkansas.
Championship Venues: Oak Hill Country Club has hosted several amateur and professional championships.

Golf Community:

Local Associations: Arkansas Golf Association (https://www.arkansasgolf.com/) is the primary governing body for golf in the state.
Leagues: Numerous amateur golf leagues are active throughout the area.
Networking Opportunities: Join a local golf club or participate in community tournaments to connect with other golfers.

Special Features

Golfer Profiles:

Beginner: Memorial Course, Ridgeland Golf Course
Intermediate: Berry Hills Country Club, The Creek Golf Club, Hilton Hollow Golf Course
Advanced: Oak Hill Country Club, Little Rock Country Club

Seasonal Pricing Guide:

Spring/Fall: $30-$60 (weekdays), $50-$80 (weekends/holidays)
Summer: $35-$70 (weekdays), $60-$90 (weekends/holidays)
Winter: $20-$40 (weekdays), $40-$60 (weekends/holidays)

Weather Contingencies:

Indoor Facilities: Several indoor driving ranges and golf simulators are available.
Rainy Day Alternatives: Visit a local museum, explore the River Market District, or enjoy a meal at a restaurant.

Local Partnerships:

Stay-and-Play Deals: Check course websites and travel websites for package deals.
Group Discounts: Inquire about group discounts when booking tee times.