Magellan Golf Course
Distance From Villas
3.3 min
2.1 min
15 min
3.8 min
Blue Tees
6,494 Yards
White Tees
5,973 Yards
Silver Tees
5,353 Yards
Gold Tees
4,877 Yards
About The Course
A Premier Short-Course Experience
Magellan Golf Course at The Reunion in Hot Springs Village stands out as a distinguished short-course gem. Measuring 6,481 yards from the back tees, this par‑72 layout — originally conceived in 1996 as a three-hole teaching course — has matured into a full 18-hole test that challenges skilled players with its tight fairways and fast greens . Strategically routing through native pine forests and modest elevation changes, Magellan favors precision and finesse over raw distance, making it a must-play for low-handicappers and practice enthusiasts alike.
Address & Phone
451 Ponce de Leon Drive
Hot Springs Village, AR 71909
(501) 922-4497
Course Amenities
Pro
Shop
Driving
Range
Putting
Green
Restaurant
Bar
Greens: Tif-Dwarf Bermuda grasses
Fairways: 419 Bermuda Grass
Tricky Greens & Signature Holes
What sets Magellan apart are its Champion Tif-Dwarf bermuda greens, renovated in 2012, and thoughtfully-crafted holes that deliver subtle drama . Highlights include the 489-yard pond-front par-5 7th, the challenging 476-yard 13th with a memorable lake carry, and the creek-flanked 10th, which offers a strategic test of accuracy . GolfPass reviewers praise the course for its excellent condition and “lush fairways” and “fast and flawless” greens . With a slope rating of 133 and a course rating near 71.2, Magellan provides a formidable yet rewarding round.
Top Practice Facilities & Community Vibe
Beyond the course itself, Magellan serves as one of the community’s best practice venues, featuring a large driving range, expansive short-game practice areas, and a full putting green . The Magellan Deli, adjacent to the pro shop, offers convenient indoor and outdoor seating for a post-round bite . Hosting the Hot Springs Village Kiwanis Club’s annual tournament, Magellan also serves as a friendly community hub . With clear cart-path rules and meticulously maintained conditions, it’s an ideal venue for both serious play and casual enjoyment.
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.
- Excellent practice facilities.
- 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 4, 371 yards (Blue tees)
A straightforward opener to get settled into your round. The fairway is generous and forgiving—focus on placement over distance. A solid tee shot sets up a comfortable approach into the green.
- Hole 2 – Par 4, 330 yards
Short but deceptive. The fairway is tight, demanding accuracy. Stay centered to leave a manageable approach.
- Hole 3 – Par 3, 177 yards
A mid-length one-shot. Pay attention to the subtle undulations of the Bermuda greens—distance and pace are key to sticking the green.
- Hole 4 – Par 5, 492 yards
A reachable par 5, but be cautious. It doglegs right with out-of-bounds near the green. Smart layups can keep you in play, especially for mid-handicappers.
- Hole 5 – Par 4, 393 yards
Slightly longer but fair. Keep your tee shot accurate to avoid rough or roll-offs—approach is easier when you’re in the fairway.
- Hole 6 – Par 3, 176 yards
Tend to be straightforward—but remember, Magellan greens are tricky. Play conservatively to the center and let your putter do its work.
- Hole 7 – Par 5, 487 yards (pond-front)
A standout hole with water always in play on your approach. Many players reach the green in two—but misjudged distance may mean wet disaster.
- Hole 8 – Par 4, 450 yards
The longest par 4 on the course. It plays downhill from the tee, but the approach is uphill and can fool yardage. Choose clubs wisely and allow for uphill carry.
- Hole 9 – Par 4, 378 yards
Finishes the front on a balanced note. Moderate length—stay focused off the tee to avoid streaming water or rough that may guard the approach.
Back 9
- Hole 10 – Par 4, 355 yards (creek-flanked)
A beautiful yet engaging hole. A creek edges the fairway, making tee placement crucial. Favor center-right to avoid water and give yourself a clean second shot.
- Hole 11 – Par 3, 181 yards
Requires exact distance control and solid commitment. The green is receptive but well-guarded—pacing your shot is essential.
- Hole 12 – Par 4, 311 yards
Reachable for strong hitters—but water near the second shot demands respect. Lay back if needed and avoid charging it when not confident.
- Hole 13 – Par 5, 514 yards (pond carry)
A real risk-reward hole with water guarding the approach. Long hitters may attack, but others should plan a layup to play for safe birdie.
- Hole 14 – Par 4, 372 yards
A play-it-safe challenge. Generous landing area, but avoid running the fairway too far out—center-right is ideal for approach setup.
- Hole 15 – Par 5, 539 yards
A solid three-shotter. Value lies in placement—lay up to a comfortable wedge and attack the green with precision.
- Hole 16 – Par 4, 362 yards
Straightforward but rewards control. Accurate drive puts you in position to attack the green and avoid pitfalls lurking off the fairway.
- Hole 17 – Par 3, 162 yards
A long one-shot with no margin for error. Choose confidently and aim for the center—any deviation can quickly lead to sticky slopes or tricky recoveries.
- Hole 18 – Par 4, 431 yards (tree-line finish)
A strong finish with a towering tree protecting the left side of the fairway. Favor the right side off the tee to open up the approach and avoid the deep bunker.
General Tips
Greens Are the Challenge: The Champion Tif-Dwarf Bermuda greens, renovated in 2012, are quick and subtly contoured—precision in pace and line is essential.
Short Doesn’t Mean Easy: While it’s the shortest regulation course in HSV, elevation changes, water carries, and tricky greens make it deceptively challenging.
Practice Pays Off: With an excellent driving range, short-game area, and putting practice zones, Magellan is built for tuning your short game—spend time there pre-round for best results.
The Pro Shop
The Magellan golf course pro shop offers a diverse range of products and services tailored to meet the needs of golfers. Patrons can find high-quality golf equipment, apparel, and accessories, ensuring they are well-equipped for their game. Additionally, the pro shop provides expert advice and personalized services, including club fitting and repair, enhancing the overall golfing experience for both beginners and seasoned players.
Dining
Casual Clubhouse Fare & Grab‑n‑Go Convenience
Café Magellan, otherwise known as Magellan Deli, sits tucked into the cozy clubhouse on the course, offering a relaxed spot for a quick bite before or after your round. Open daily from around 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., the café serves up freshly-made deli sandwiches, club wraps, hot dogs, and polish sausages alongside daily breakfast specials like bacon-egg-and-cheese croissants, fresh donuts, and premium coffee . With its laid-back atmosphere, friendly staff, and easy access from the course, it’s the perfect place to fuel up between shots.
Bistro Vibes & Perfect Outdoor Eating
More than just a deli, Café Magellan doubles as a vibrant coffee bistro and social hub for golfers and locals. The outdoor seating — complete with shaded tables — invites lingering over a mid-round espresso or afternoon iced tea . Map reviews praise the café’s “curl-up-and-chat” feel, while Facebook followers enjoy its friendly charm and community spirit . It’s ideal for casual post-round gatherings, light refreshments during practice sessions, or catching up with friends in a welcoming setting with scenic course views.
Tour the Course
