Birth of the 'Monster Course'
In its early years Diamante was branded a 'monster' for its unforgiving length and punishing par 4s, quickly earning a reputation as a true championship test that separates confident drivers from the rest.
Golf Course Review & Scouting Report
Diamante Country Club
Hot Springs Village, Arkansas
Established
1995
Architect
Tom Clark (Ault, Clark & Associates)
Access
Private
Par
Par 72
Length
4,535 – 7,560 yds
The verdict
Elite Arkansas course, regional must-play
Diamante Country Club has set the standard in Arkansas private golf since the 1990s, combining championship length with rolling fairways and dramatic Ouachita Mountain views. Its relentless string of strong holes and longstanding state-top-5 reputation make it a worthy trip anchor for serious players seeking a true test.
Course DNA
Difficulty
91
Scenery80
Conditioning77
Shot Variety84
Walkability64
Green Complexity73
Wow Factor72
Design Quality75
At a glance
Quick facts
Course Record
62, set during Arkansas Classic
Elevation
Approx. 480 feet above sea level
Bent Grass Greens
One of few in Arkansas
Longest Hole
No. 11, 651-yard par 5
Fairway Grass
Zoysia
Water Hazards
In play on 6 holes
Bunker Renovation
Upgraded to Better Billy Bunker system
Women’s Events
Host of Arkansas’s largest women’s amateur
The design
The architecture
Diamante Country Club is the brainchild of Tom Clark and the Ault, Clark & Associates team, who sculpted a championship parkland track atop the Arkansas hills. The routing weaves through rolling terrain, threading long, intimidating par 4s and strategic short holes with both mountain vistas and clever use of elevation. Risk/reward par 5s, sudden water hazards, and a variety of green complexes ensure you’re rarely faced with the same yardage or shot from hole to hole. Though clearly bred as a hard test—with length and positioning at a premium—Diamante’s drivable par 4s and occasional high-up fairways ensure drama and the kind of challenge that compels repeat play.
Tom Clark blended modern championship muscle with flexibility and fun, showcasing Arkansas’s landscape with classic big-shouldered Clark architecture.
Defining features
- Rolling, tree-lined fairways with Ouachita Mountain backdrops
- Run of brawny par 4s and enormous par 5s
- Strategic short par 4s demanding well-timed aggression
- Water hazards and upgraded bunkers in key landing areas
- Elevated tees and natural movement across the landscape
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 2
The Gauntlet
PAR
4
YARDAGE
497
Early on, this brutally long par 4 forces a decision: tee it long and risk missing the fairway, or lay back and face a long iron into a guarded green. A demanding green complex awaits those who survive the opening blows.
Play it smart
Accuracy off the tee is vital—playing from the rough or trees means almost certain bogey.
Where it bites
Right miss finds deep rough, while short misses leave a treacherous up-and-down.
Course management
Shots to think about
Facing the long par 4 second
Favor center or left—blocked right is almost always a lost shot.
Deciding on the par 3s
Center of the green is a fine outcome; pins near the edge are sucker’s bets.
Tackling drivable par 4s like 6 and 17
Which risk fits your game? Lay back for a full wedge or thread the driver for a chance at eagle.
Approaching monster par 5s
Plan your layup—don’t push for unreachable greens on holes 3 or 11.
Navigating water and penalty areas
Avoid overaggressive angles—conservative lines save strokes, especially on approach.
Late-round pressure holes
Trust your pre-shot routine—holes 15–18 require discipline more than heroics.
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Manicured bent grass greens, lush zoysia fairways, strong bunker presentation.
Pace
Championship pace: expect 4 to 4.5 hours, especially on busy days.
Vibe
Relaxed private club atmosphere with upscale-resort touches, no crowds.
Dress code
Standard private-club attire; collared shirts, no denim.
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Dial in long irons and hybrids
You’ll need them for several par 3s and long approaches—test them on the range before your round.
02
Practice wedge distance control
Smart layups set up your scoring and are a must to attack challenging greens.
03
Hydrate and plan for the hills
The course’s rolling terrain and occasional long walks can sap you on a hot Arkansas day.
The lore
How it came to be
- 1995
Diamante Country Club opens, designed by Tom Clark
- 2006
Hole 17 voted Arkansas’s favorite par 4 by Democrat-Gazette readers
- 2025
Celebrates 30th anniversary and #4 state ranking
Stories & legends
What makes it special
Arkansas’s Favorite Par 4
Hole 17, a drivable but perilous short par 4, became a player and fan favorite—regularly cited in state media and pushing golfers to gamble late in the round.
The Tour Comes to Town
The club made its mark on the professional stage by hosting the Buy.com/Nationwide Tour’s Arkansas Classic, upping its tournament pedigree and drawing crowds to Hot Springs Village.
A Queen Among Women’s Events
Diamante’s commitment to the women’s game shows with the annual Phyllis Thomas Memorial—Arkansas’s largest women’s amateur event—turning the course pink and lively each spring.
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
Diamante was Arkansas’s highest-ranked course from 1997–1999.
2
The Gold/Diamond tees stretch to a punishing 7,560 yards—one of the South’s longest.
3
No. 17 is a recurring state-favorite par 4 and beloved risk/reward hole.
4
The course’s bunkers now use the Better Billy Bunker system for playability.
5
Hosts Arkansas’s largest women’s amateur event each year.
Build the trip
If you're making a Hot Springs/Arkansas golf road trip
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
Hot Springs Country Club (Arlington & Park Courses)
Public/Resort
Historic layouts and a classic Southern resort atmosphere; a perfect counterpoint to Diamante’s championship style.
The Preserve at Chastain
Private/Limited
Strong regional private; book if you have connections or stay nearby, offers a polished club setting.
Rebsamen Golf Course (Little Rock)
Public/Municipal
Best public-access fallback near Little Rock; casual, walkable and friendly for all skill levels.
Pine Bluff Country Club
Public
Value outing if extending the trip down the river corridor; playable and traditional parkland.
Hot Springs Village for all-golf, or Hot Springs proper for nightlife/dining options.
Course DNA
If You Like Diamante Country Club
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Strong DNA Match8.2
Musgrove Mill Golf Club
Clinton, South CarolinaDifficulty
Why it matches: If Diamante Country Club is your kind of course, Musgrove Mill Golf Club is worth a look because it brings a comparable level of challenge.
Strong DNA Match8.3
Royal New Kent Golf Club
Providence Forge, VirginiaDifficulty
Why it matches: Royal New Kent Golf Club is a natural next stop after Diamante Country Club: it asks for the same disciplined decision-making.
Strong DNA Match7.2
The Preserve at Jordan Lake
Chapel Hill, North CarolinaDifficulty
Why it matches: The Preserve at Jordan Lake is a natural next stop after Diamante Country Club: it asks for the same disciplined decision-making.
Community Sentiment
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