Ponce De Leon Golf Course
An 18-hole public course that challenges with elevated greens and rolling fairways, Ponce De Leon Golf Course in Hot Springs Village blends natural topography with demanding play. Its zoysia-surrounded greens and strategic layout offer a rigorous test suited to golfers who value precision and course management.
Course Overview
Located within Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, Ponce De Leon Golf Course offers an 18-hole public layout that challenges golfers with a blend of elevation changes and lush, rolling terrain. The course commands attention with its elevated greens surrounded by thick zoysia grass, which significantly influences putting strategies and demands precision around the greens. Players will find few flat lies, even in the fairways, adding a layer of complexity that rewards a well-crafted shot shape and course management.
Ponce De Leon’s layout embraces the region’s natural topography, allowing for dramatic short- and mid-range shots that require control and creativity. The fairways often slope and undulate, making stance and balance a key consideration throughout the round. Water hazards and strategically placed bunkers further sharpen the challenge, beckoning those who appreciate a thoughtfully constructed course that tests a range of skills.
Though the course can be particularly demanding for senior players due to its elevation and green complexes, it remains popular among golfers who enjoy a strategic challenge paired with well-maintained grounds. Weather patterns here, including frequent rains, often affect playability and turf conditions, especially on tee boxes and fairways where roll is limited.
Players should anticipate walking as the course’s topography lends itself to a scenic yet occasionally strenuous trek. Sturdy footwear with reliable traction is advisable. Equipment carts are available but walking is encouraged to fully engage with the varied terrain and subtle breaks.
Amenities are straightforward, focused mainly on the course experience itself rather than extensive dining or leisure facilities. The staff fosters a welcoming environment on the course, although service in the clubhouse area has received mixed feedback.
Ponce De Leon is a choice venue for golfers who appreciate a test that marries natural Arkansas beauty with a course design that demands thoughtful shotmaking. Its distinct challenges reward those willing to commit fully to the nuances of the landscape and green complexes, making each round a memorable endeavor.
Course Highlights
Distinct elevation changes create few level lies, testing balance and shotmaking. Elevated greens surrounded by dense zoysia grass require precision putting. Fairways are gently rolling with water hazards and well-placed bunkers demanding strategic play. The course integrates Arkansas’s natural wooded hills, offering scenic views along a demanding layout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
William Claesen
Ponce De Leon is likely in my Top 3 of all publicly available HSV courses [i.e. Diamante is a 5 star normally but it's also private]. Great layout that is both fun and challenging. Green complexes are superb just the same [as with every other HSV course when aeration has been fully completed and "healed"].
Sally Soward
Beautiful golf course. Friendly people but don't go to the food area. Very unfriendly. The woman up front was super slow. She's has either been there too long or needs help
E T
Didnt play golf, but had a great hike along.
taylor made
Don’t get me wrong, this course is beautiful and in excellent condition, however in my opinion this course and several inside the village are not senior golfer friendly. Elevated greens surrounded by zoysia grass which makes it almost impossible to run the ball on the green. They do have senior tees but they tend to get frequent rains along with watering which limits your tee ball roll out. Very few level lies even in the fairways which produce errant shots. Great courses if you can hit the ball a long ways, but seniors usually don’t score very well. Makes me wonder why they would design courses so challenging when most of the players are senior citizens.
taylor made
Don’t get me wrong, this course is beautiful and in excellent condition, however in my opinion this course and several inside the village are not senior golfer friendly. Elevated greens surrounded by zoysia grass which makes it almost impossible to run the ball on the green. They do have senior tees but they tend to get frequent rains along with watering which limits your tee ball roll out. Very few level lies even in the fairways which produce errant shots. Great courses if you can hit the ball a long ways, but seniors usually don’t score very well. Makes me wonder why they would design courses so challenging when most of the players are senior citizens.
Griff Jones
Worse course conditions at the Village. Hard to drain all the water. Greens not good either!
William Claesen
Ponce De Leon is likely in my Top 3 of all publicly available HSV courses [i.e. Diamante is a 5 star normally but it's also private]. Great layout that is both fun and challenging. Green complexes are superb just the same [as with every other HSV course when aeration has been fully completed and "healed"].
Scott Boulden
Always love playing this course
Che’ Marie
Griff Jones
Worse course conditions at the Village. Hard to drain all the water. Greens not good either!
Book Your Round
Experience one of golf's most legendary courses
Direct booking • No commissions
Course Details
Access & Location
300 Ponce De Leon Dr, Hot Springs Village, AR 71909, USA
Ponce De Leon Golf Clubhouse
Walking is encouraged to appreciate the course’s terrain; wear comfortable, supportive shoes with good grip due to elevation changes.
Open to all; tee times recommended especially on weekends.
Nearby Courses
