GOLF TRAIL

THE NATURAL STATE

STORY BY PAUL LEAHY

The Natural State offers 14 elite courses in 13 unique destinations as part of the Arkansas Golf Trail. Close to home, this 14-course trail has something for everyone and is just a short car ride away from Lake of the Ozarks.

Worried about flying or large crowds? This may be the perfect summer or fall getaway since it is that close, affordable and social distance friendly. Let’s hit some of the highlights of these courses and destinations.

The majority of the courses are located in the northern half of Arkansas and several are within mere minutes of each other. Big Creek Golf & Country Club is one of the closest located in Mountain Home. Enjoy 18 holes and stay nearby on Norfork Lake, Bull Shoals Lake, or try your luck fishing for trophy trout on the White River.

Bella Vista Golf Course is the closest on the list at a mere three hours. The community’s oldest course, it’s situated 30 minutes from Stonebridge Meadows Golf Club in Fayetteville. Stay in the vibrant downtown district and play both of these gems while taking in the university scene around the University of Arkansas campus. If university life is a draw, Jonesboro is home to Arkansas State University and Sage Meadows Country Club.

Mountain Ranch Golf Club in Fairfield Bay was voted the No. 1 resort course in the state. This 18-hole gem also features a nearby marina, tennis, shopping, horseback riding, hiking and riding trails, and a variety of lodging and camping.

Within 30 minutes of Fairfield Bay you will find Tannenbaum Golf Club along Green Ferry Lake in Drasco, and Red Apple Inn & Country Club in Herber Springs. Red Apple has 57 guest rooms and the town features a quaint downtown district with a traditional square.

If traveling by RV is your thing, Eagle Crest Golf Course in Alma has an on-site RV park for

ABOVE: Harbor Oaks Golf Club in Pine Bluff. RIGHT: Red Apple Inn & Country Club in Herber Springs. PHOTOS PROVIDED BY ARKANSAS PARKS & TOURISM

your convenience. The newest course on the trail, opening in 2002, The Ridge at Village Creek in Wynne features 27 holes. It has 10 cabins and 96 campsites nearby in the state park. Play all 27 and enjoy nature in your RV that night.

The farthest courses on the trail from Lake of the Ozarks are located in central Arkansas. Hot Springs Villages Isabella Golf Club tops the list. The No. 1 rated course in Arkansas from 2002- 2006 by Golf Digest, this 27 hole facility is a must play. Only six hours from the Lake you can also enjoy Hot Springs Country Club and Glenwood Country Club in Glenwood just a few minutes outside of Hot Springs. Glenwood features two on-site lodges that have 20 guest rooms perfect for that golf outing.

The last of the courses on the list is Harbor Oaks Golf Club in Pine Bluff. This 18-hole masterpiece would be a fitting end to your trail ride.

Play one or play them all. This trail of courses is close to home and away from the hustle and bustle of the big cities. No planes, no traffic, no problem — the Natural State has you covered along the Arkansas Golf Trail.

For additional information and to book your getaway visit www.naturalstategolftrail.com.

Paul Leahy is a PGA Golf Professional and the Director of Golf at The Oaks at Margaritaville Lake Resort.