Balboa Golf Course
Distance From Villas
18 min
11 min
2 h 11 min
43 min
Black Tees
6,640 Yards
Blue Tees
6,383 Yards
White Tees
6,054 Yards
Silver Tees
5,649 Yards
Gold Tees
5,344 Yards
About The Course
Balboa Golf Course at The Reunion in Hot Springs Village offers an inviting and walkable layout that appeals to golfers of every skill level. Consistently ranked among the top 10 public golf courses in Arkansas, Balboa is celebrated for its wide, forgiving fairways, gentle elevation changes, and large, receptive bentgrass greens.
Designed by Ault, Clark & Associates, this par‑72 championship course stretches 6,725 yards from the back tees, blending challenge and playability. With beautiful views of the Ouachita foothills and natural water features that enhance the scenery, Balboa delivers a memorable round, whether you’re chasing par or simply enjoying a relaxing day on the course.
Address & Phone
111 Balboa Way
Hot Springs Village, AR 71909
(501) 922-1504
Course Amenities
Pro
Shop
Driving
Range
Putting
Green
Restaurant
Bar
Greens: Penn Cross/Crenshaw Bent grasses
Fairways: 419 Bermuda Grass
Playable Layout & Natural Beauty
Balboa Golf Course is known for its wide fairways, forgiving layout, and picturesque setting that appeals to golfers of every skill level. Designed with playability in mind, Balboa features gentle elevation changes and tree-lined corridors that strike a balance between challenge and enjoyment. Highlights include the scenic par-3 17th, which plays over water to a well-guarded green, and the rolling par-5 5th, where strategy can pay off for long hitters. With a slope rating of 125 and a course rating near 71.3, Balboa offers a fair but engaging round that keeps players coming back.
Welcoming Atmosphere & Player-Friendly Amenities
Beyond the course, Balboa is celebrated for its inviting atmosphere and easy pace of play. The facility includes a driving range and putting green for warm-ups, along with a fully stocked pro shop for gear and essentials. After a round, golfers can relax with friends at the Balboa Pavilion or take in the natural beauty of the surrounding woods and hills. Loved by residents and visiting players alike, Balboa blends straightforward design with a welcoming community vibe, making it one of Hot Springs Village’s most player-friendly destinations.
Course Overview
U.S.G.A. Rules Govern Play
- White Stakes – Out of bounds
- Red Stakes – Lateral Hazard
- Yellow Stakes – Water Hazard
- All distance indicators, including sprinkler heads and fairway markers are to the middle of the green.
Rules of Play
- USGA Rules apply with the addition of posted local rules.
- Pace of play strictly enforced. PLAY READY GOLF.
- Soft spikes required.
- Put sand in divots, repair ball marks and rake bunkers.
- Leave rakes in bunkers.
- Restrooms are located at each halfway house.
Course Layout
Hole-By-Hole Breakdown
Front 9
- Hole 1 – Par 5, 436 yd (Women’s Gold) / 481 yd (Black)
A generous opener—ideal for setting the tone. Wide fairway invites a strong drive, leaving a mid-length second shot. Avoid coming up short into the water short-left of the green. Tip: Lay up smartly and attack the pin with your third.
- Hole 2 – Par 4, approx. 394 yd
A straightaway fairway with slight contouring. Accuracy off the tee pays dividends; stay center to right to approach the green confidently. Tip: A mid-iron off the tee favors safer landing zones.
- Hole 3 – Par 4, ~351 yd
A shorter par 4 that tempts aggressive tee shots. Watch the right side—which narrows on approach—and prioritize placement over distance. Tip: Aim slightly left off the tee for a clear angle.
- Hole 4 – Par 3, approx. 145 yd
Bite-sized one-shotter with an exposed green. Pins placed near the edges increase putt difficulty. Tip: Aim for center and let pace work in your favor.
- Hole 5 – Par 5, ~473 yd
Reachable in two for long hitters, though water or bunkering may protect the green. A risk-reward hole—play safe if conditions look misaligned. Tip: If you’re pushing it, lay up to a comfortable wedge approach.
- Hole 6 – Par 4, ~410 yd
Wide fairway gives flexibility—but placement toward the left avoids trouble on the right. Tip: A fairway metal may be the optimal tee shot strategy.
- Hole 7 – Par 3, approx. 137 yd
Straight and forgiving, though wind off the trees can drift your shot. Stick with a mid-iron and trust your line for a solid birdie chance.
- Hole 8 – Par 4, ~280 yd
Short par 4, driveable for many. But crowding the green risks finding bunkers or rough. Tip: For a stress-free play, lay up and use wedge precision.
- Hole 9 – Par 4, ~350 yd
A mid-length finisher with a balanced challenge—fairway contours may hide approaches. Focus on leaving a comfortable 100–120 yd shot. Tip: Commit to your lie; the green rewards clean iron strikes.
Back 9
- Hole 10 – Par 5, 548 yd Long and majestic, this stretch demands patient play. Big hitters may reach in two, but risk lands in penal territory. Tip: Favor strategy over power for scoring consistency.
- Hole 11 – Par 4, 339 yd A short par 4 that nudges risk-reward strategy. Keep drivers reined in—fairway bunkers and rough lie directly ahead. Tip: A strong fairway wood sets up a solid wedge approach.
- Hole 12 – Par 4, 411 yd Demands accuracy off the tee; herbaceous left rough is not forgiving. A precise drive sets up one of the more accessible second shots. Tip: Choose club accordingly to hit fairway with room to shape the approach.
- Hole 13 – Par 5, 494 yd Another three-shot opportunity—but beware of water or penal zones guarding the green. Tip: Lay up strategically for a wedge approach.
- Hole 14 – Par 3, ~196 yd The longest par 3 on the course. Club up and be aggressive, but center the green to avoid downhill chip challenges. Tip: Trust your mid to long iron and play conservative to the heart of the green.
- Hole 15 – Par 4, ~424 yd A strong drive sets up a wedge to the green, though right-side hazards loom. Tip: Favor left-center off the tee and assess slope on the green carefully.
- Hole 16 – Par 4, ~332 yd Shorter than others—accessible, but accuracy is still key. Avoid overclubbing; you’ll face a rewarding birdie if greenside approach is accurate. Tip: Lay back if unsure, then rely on wedge finesse.
- Hole 17 – Par 3, ~170 yd Mid-length par 3 with greenside movement common. Approach from the correct angle to avoid sloping breaks. Tip: Commit to your number and focus on pace.
- Hole 18 – Par 4, ~440 yd A finishing challenge—and opportunity. Drive wisely into a generous fairway; avoid greedy lines. Aggressive players may attack the green on their second shot, but miscalculations can be costly. Tip: Play smart, then let your swing deliver on the closing hole.
General Tips
Walkable & Versatile: Balboa is a gentleman in elevation but commands respect in design.
Clean Pace & Etiquette: Divots and green-care are expected. Play ready golf and keep rhythm.
Play Smart on Par 5s & Par 3s: These holes present opportunities — but also risk. Strategy often trumps length.
Enjoy your round at Balboa – the spacious fairways and elegant layout offer both relaxation and thoughtful challenge in equal measure.
The Pro Shop
The Balboa Golf Course Pro Shop, located inside the welcoming Balboa clubhouse, provides everything golfers need for a great day on the course. The shop features a wide selection of premium apparel, equipment, and accessories from top golf brands—perfect for upgrading your gear or finding the right look for your next round. Guests can take advantage of club rentals and professional custom fittings to ensure the best possible performance on the fairways. The friendly, knowledgeable staff are always available to assist with product recommendations, tee times, or course insights. Whether you’re stocking up on essentials or browsing for the latest in golf technology, the Balboa Pro Shop offers quality and service to match the course’s outstanding reputation.
Dining
Sophisticated Clubhouse Dining
The recently renovated Balboa Clubhouse, spanning 20,000 square feet, offers an elevated dining experience perched right above the fairways. Upstairs, a contemporary dining room seats over 100 guests indoors, with additional seating for 36 and ample patio space that overlooks the lush Ouachita foothills and the 9th and 18th greens. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the Balboa Club highlights seasonal American cuisine, neighborhood favorites, and chef‑driven specials crafted to satisfy discerning palates in a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere.
Casual Sports Bar & Gathering Hub
Downstairs, “The Tavern at the Balboa Club” offers a more laid‑back experience perfect for post-round celebrations or game-day viewing. This sports bar-style venue serves comfort classics, including burgers, wings, flatbreads, and nachos, along with rotating drink specials in a convivial, social setting. With its welcoming energy, generous bar seating, and scenic views of the course, The Tavern invites golfers and guests to unwind, share stories, and enjoy spirited camaraderie after a day on the links.
Tour The Course
