Golf Guide: Hot Springs Village - AR

In the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains, with 11 lakes attracting swimmers, boaters and anglers, there is a reason Hot Springs Village has been called "a community of lakes surrounded by land." This gated neighborhood is a place for enjoying the outdoors with more than 25% of its 26,000 acres devoted to natural space dotted by tall pines.

Nine Hot Springs Village-owned golf courses designed by Edmund B. Ault offer a variety of plays for various levels of golfers along with excellent practice facilities and two country clubs. Several of the courses are easily walked like Balboa Golf Course, which is fairly, level and has wide fairways allowing higher handicappers a shot at scoring well. The DeSoto Golf Course and Magellan are also user-friendly to all levels.

Heavy hitters may prefer the highly scenic Granada Golf Course playing 7,115 yards with long fairways, great views, and hills while Isabella, the newest course (the 3rd nine opened in 2006) was ranked the number one course in Arkansas by Golf Digest and Arkansas Business Journal.

Also a favorite for low handicap players is Ponce de Leon playing almost 7,000 yards and Golf Digest ranked Cortez the 6th best course in the state in 1997.

For those who want to warm up their game or just have a fun day hitting the ball, there is the Coronado Golf Course, an executive-length layout notable for its lack of sand. Diamante at 7,560 yards is private for neighborhood residents.

Off-course keep in shape at the Coronado Fitness Center with its indoor walking track and pool and hike along 25 miles of wooded trails. You can also go into the nearby cities of Hot Springs and Little Rock where you'll find numerous cultural activities, shopping, and dining venues.

All major hotel chains are represented nearby or you can book a timeshare in the Village through Escapes to Hot Springs Village.