Birthplace of Resort Golf in Arkansas
Hot Springs Country Club grew alongside Hot Springs National Park, hosting well-heeled travelers for golf and relaxation. Its legacy is deeply tied to a golden era of Southern tourism and club golf.
Golf Course Review & Scouting Report
Hot Springs Country Club
Hot Springs, Arkansas
Established
1898
Architect
Willie Park Jr. (original); William H. Diddel (Arlington); renovations by Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw (1990s)
Access
Semi-Private
Par
Par 72
Length
5,872 – 6,690 yds
Green Fees
$$
The verdict
Arkansas Tradition with Historic Roots
Hot Springs Country Club delivers a classic club vibe backed by major architectural pedigree and big-tournament history. The Arlington Course is a genuine taste of pre-war golf revived for the modern era—playable, strategic, and etched into Arkansas golf lore.
Course DNA
Difficulty
73
Scenery76
Conditioning74
Shot Variety72
Walkability68
Green Complexity75
Wow Factor70
Design Quality79
At a glance
Quick facts
Course Architect
William Diddel (Arlington), Willie Park Jr. (original), Coore & Crenshaw (renovation)
Tournament Pedigree
Host of multiple historic PGA Tour events
Clubhouse
Modern clubhouse opened 2000
Historic Origin
Founded 1898; original resort-era club
Number of Courses
36 holes (Arlington and Park courses) plus Pineview Nine
Notable Renovation
1990s restoration by Coore & Crenshaw
Setting
Surrounded by Hot Springs National Park
The design
The architecture
The Arlington Course is a living homage to the evolution of American golf architecture: a William Diddel parkland layout layered atop Willie Park Jr.’s early vision, then meticulously restored by Coore & Crenshaw. Its grand tree-lined fairways, well-placed bunkers, and contoured greens evoke a bygone era of shotmaking, while subtle elevation changes and thoughtful routing keep every round engaging. Modern restoration has reawakened the club’s strategic roots—rewarding accuracy, angles, and course management while offering genuine birdie chances to the bold.
William Diddel’s signature parkland routing is made even more strategic by the restoration touches of Coore & Crenshaw—inviting the player to think, not just swing away.
Defining features
- Gently rolling parkland with mature trees and wide corridors
- Restored bunkers and green contours evoke golden age style
- Classic risk-reward par 5s and stout, demanding par 4s
- Strategic doglegs and premium on fairway placement
- Undulating greens that reward sharp approach play
- Mix of open landings and tricky angles into greens
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 1
The Statement Starter
PAR
4
YARDAGE
426
A long, testing opener that sets the tone for the Arlington—demanding accuracy from the tee before you ever consider firing at a pin. A gentle dogleg through mature parkland trees gives way to an undulating green.
Play it smart
Favor the left for the best angle in; don’t get greedy with driver and bring trouble into play.
Where it bites
A blocked approach leaves a wicked up-and-over; thick trees right punish a wayward drive.
Course management
Shots to think about
First tee nerves on #1
Dial back the aggression—keep your tee ball in play and favor the left for a manageable approach.
Going for #6 green in two
Double-check your line between bunkers; only attack if you have perfect lie and angle.
Wedge shot over a deep bunker
Flight it high and practice landing soft—tricky greens repel bold but imprecise play.
Approaching from rough on par 4s
Take more club, stay below the hole; blocked angles punish the risky flyer.
Deciding on #18 second shot
Lay up to your money wedge yardage unless you have a fraction-perfect lie.
Par 3, pin tucked back
Don’t take on the sucker pin—center of green pays off here.
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Classic Southern parkland: well-groomed, tree-lined fairways, gently rolling terrain, firm but playable greens.
Pace
Varies by tee time; traditional club pace, can be brisk midweek but slower on busy weekends—verify when booking.
Vibe
Historic private-club feel with a touch of resort polish and regional hospitality.
Dress code
Traditional club (collared shirt/golf attire expected); confirm with the club before arrival.
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Bring Extra Hydration
Summer rounds can be hot and humid; carry more water than you think you'll need.
02
Brush Up on Wedge Play
Chipping around undulating, old-school greens will separate good scores from frustration.
03
Plan for a Solid Walk or Cart
The walk is doable but can feel substantial—know your stamina or reserve a cart if needed.
04
Read Up On Club History
A touch of background on the club’s golden era adds extra flavor to your round.
The lore
How it came to be
- 1898
Club founded; first 9 holes opened (Willie Park Jr. influence)
- 1925
Hosted South Central Open Tournament (PGA event)
- 1932
Hosted first Trans-Miss women's tournament
- 1955
Inaugural Arlington Open (became Hot Springs Open, a PGA event)
- 1963
Last PGA Tour event held; Dave Hill wins Hot Springs Open
- 1994
Major renovation and irrigation on Arlington Course
- 2000
New clubhouse built; Majestic course reopens as Park Course
Stories & legends
What makes it special
A PGA Tour Mainstay—For Decades
The Arlington Course was no stranger to big-time competition—hosting the South Central Open in 1925, the first Arlington Open in 1955, and regular PGA Tour stops through the 1960s. Golf greats from Ben Hogan to Dave Hill competed here.
Restoration That Honors the Past
In the 1990s, legendary architects Coore & Crenshaw stepped in, restoring the original strategic identity and classic parkland style of both main courses. Today, you play on fairways where the golden age of golf design lives on.
A Women’s Championship First
In 1932, Hot Springs Country Club hosted the inaugural Trans-Miss women’s event, breaking new ground for competitive women’s golf in the region and establishing new traditions.
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
The club at one time had three 18-hole courses—a rarity in Arkansas history.
2
Willie Park Jr. was a two-time Open Championship winner and one of the earliest international golf architects.
3
Dave Hill, future Ryder Cupper, captured the last Hot Springs Open played on the Arlington in 1963.
4
The club was a hub for travelers in the golden era of Hot Springs tourism and spa culture.
5
Coore & Crenshaw’s restoration work set the model for parkland revivals in the region.
Build the trip
If You're Making a Hot Springs Golf Getaway...
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
The Old Course at Embassy Suites
Public / Resort
Solid, accessible play—ideal for a second round or arrival day.
The Preserve at Grandview
Public / Resort
One of the area’s top public tracks, with fun par 3s and scoring chances.
Hot Springs Village: Granada Course
Semi-Private
Challenging layout in a big golf community, open to outside play.
Hot Springs Village: Ponce De Leon
Semi-Private
Another reputable option for a multi-course approach; varied holes and good greens.
Downtown Hot Springs for nightlife and restaurants, or north Hot Springs for quick club access. Ideal if mixing golf with a National Park visit.
Course DNA
If You Like Hot Springs Country Club
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Strong DNA Match8.9
Ocean Forest Golf Club
St. Simons Island, GeorgiaWhy it matches: Ocean Forest Golf Club is a natural next stop after Hot Springs Country Club: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Strong DNA Match8.8
The Kittansett Club
Marion, MassachusettsWhy it matches: If Hot Springs Country Club is your kind of course, The Kittansett Club is worth a look because it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Strong DNA Match7.8
Saltleaf Golf Preserve
Bonita Springs, FloridaWhy it matches: What links these two? A comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character — a familiar feeling, expressed in Saltleaf Golf Preserve's own setting.
Community Sentiment
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