Ponce de Leon Golf Course
Distance From Villas
8 min
6 min
58 min
19 min
Black Tees
6,912 Yards
Blue Tees
6,511 Yards
White Tees
6,129 Yards
Silver Tees
5,591 Yards
Gold Tees
5,230 Yards
About The Course
Ponce de Leon Golf Course is a championship-level design that’s considered one of the most challenging tracks in Hot Springs Village. This par‑72, 6,946-yard course features tree-lined fairways, fast and true bentgrass greens, and a layout that rewards precision, smart strategy, and confident ball-striking.
With water hazards and bunkers that come into play on key holes, Ponce de Leon demands your full attention from the first tee to the final putt. It’s a must-play for serious golfers seeking a true test in a stunning Arkansas setting.
Address & Phone
300 Ponce de Leon Drive
Hot Springs Village, AR 71909
(501) 922-4250
Course Amenities
Pro
Shop
Driving
Range
Putting
Green
Restaurant
Bar
Greens: Penn Cross/Crenshaw Bent grasses
Fairways: Tifway II Bermuda grass
Pristine Conditions & Strategic Design
Ponce de Leon is consistently rated among the best-conditioned courses in Hot Springs Village, with lush zoysia fairways and smooth, true-rolling greens. The layout rewards precision, with well-bunkered greens and water hazards that come into play on several memorable holes. Golfers especially enjoy the par-4 13th and par-5 17th, both of which demand careful shot selection.
Refined Experience & Member Favorite
Known for its classic feel and immaculate presentation, Ponce de Leon is often the choice for tournaments and league play. Its welcoming clubhouse and attentive staff make every round enjoyable from start to finish. With a slope rating that challenges advanced players but remains fair for mid-handicappers, Ponce de Leon delivers a refined yet accessible golf experience. It’s no wonder many consider it one of the crown jewels of the Village.
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 4, 446 yd (Black Tees) A stately opener with a generous fairway. Wind directions can sway your tee shot, so aim center to right to avoid trouble on the left and set up a comfortable mid-iron to green.
- Hole 2 – Par 4, 399 yd Classic risk-reward alignment. Drift right and you’ll face a more challenging angle; left favors position. Best strategy: play straightforward and safe.
- Hole 3 – Par 5, 523 yd Reachable in two—but only when confident. Otherwise, lay up to set up a precise approach. The green is receptive, so go for it if you’ve earned the chance.
- Hole 4 – Par 3, 144 yd A short, eye-catching one-shot. But don’t get complacent—greens break subtly. Aim center and trust your yardage, especially when the pin is tucked on the edges.
- Hole 5 – Par 4, 427 yd The most challenging on the front, this hole demands precision off the tee. Favor the landing area off-center to give your second shot some play.
- Hole 6 – Par 4, 330 yd A shorter par 4 offering birdie potential—but don’t let that tempt you into trouble. Stick to the fairway to open up easier approach angles.
- Hole 7 – Par 3, 215 yd Long and testing—you’ll need a confident iron. Play smart: aiming center gives you the best chance for a two-putt par.
- Hole 8 – Par 5, 505 yd A classic three-shot layout. Nothing fancy: place your tee shot, navigate hazards, and trust your short game to finish strong.
- Hole 9 – Par 4, 444 yd A strong close to the front—length and positioning matter here. Avoid short-siding yourself when targeting the green.
Back 9
- Hole 10 – Par 4, 343 yd One of the easier holes on the layout—solid placement from the tee sets you up for a reliable birdie chance.
- Hole 11 – Par 5, 496 yd Another tempting par 5. Consider the slope and your distance—lay up thoughtfully to give yourself a realistic birdie opportunity.
- Hole 12 – Par 4, 461 yd A long par 4 that demands a second shot approach with precision. Keep your tee shot solid, and avoid drifting into the rough on the approach.
- Hole 13 – Par 3, 161 yd A mid-length par 3 with nothing to block your swing—except the pin placement. Center is safe and smart for par defense.
- Hole 14 – Par 4, 380 yd Offers some relief length-wise, but water or bunkering around the green may test accuracy. Avoid being greedy with your angle in.
- Hole 15 – Par 4, 419 yd Balanced, yet strategic. Play center to left off the tee to leave sight of the green. Approach carefully—greens here are subtle.
- Hole 16 – Par 3, 223 yd Long and demanding. Use your “go-to” iron and commit—missing left or right may lead to tricky recovery.
- Hole 17 – Par 5, 547 yd The longest hole on the course—plan your layups around the terrain and green contours. A strategic birdie here can make your round.
- Hole 18 – Par 4, 457 yd The dramatic closer—demanding off the tee and precise on the approach. A smart drive leaves you in position for a rewarding finish.
General Tips
Championship Design: Designed by Tom Clark, Ponce de Leon is consistently ranked among Arkansas’s top courses, favored by low-handicap players for its strategic layout and tree-lined precision.
Risk vs. Reward: Many par 5s and shorter par 4s tempt bold players—only attack when confident in your execution.
Greens Matter: Penn Cross/Crenshaw Bentgrass greens are smooth and true—stick your approach, read pace carefully, and the two-putts follow.
Ready Golf Etiquette: The course enforces pace-of-play. Repair your divots, ball marks, and follow local rules to ensure the experience flows.
Ponce de Leon offers a thrilling and refined round—where scenic beauty meets smart strategy.
The Pro Shop
The Ponce de Leon Pro Shop is your one-stop destination for all things golf, offering a wide range of apparel, equipment, and accessories to suit players of every skill level. Whether you’re looking for the latest golf clubs, a fresh set of balls, or stylish course-ready attire, the shop has you covered. Rental clubs are also available for those who prefer to travel light or try out new gear. The friendly and attentive staff provide personalized service, offering expert guidance, custom fittings, and helpful tips to ensure you’re fully prepared for your round. With its well-stocked inventory and welcoming atmosphere, the Ponce de Leon Pro Shop makes gearing up for the course easy, enjoyable, and stress-free.
Dining
A Warm Welcome & Comfort Classics
Mulligan’s on Ponce is the go-to clubhouse dining destination for players seeking a friendly, laid-back atmosphere. Tucked into the Ponce de Leon Golf Course clubhouse, this locally-owned eatery opens early for hearty breakfast options — think bacon, egg & cheese croissants — and continues serving lunch and dinner favorites like juicy burgers, pizza, and the ever-popular Reuben sandwich with house-made chips . Regulars love the food quality and consistency and guests frequently comment on the “friendly, fun staff” and fast service .
A Gathering Spot with Genuine Charm
More than a restaurant, Mulligan’s is the social hub of the course — informal, cheerful, and utterly welcoming. It’s earned a reputation as “the ‘Cheers’ of Hot Springs Village,” thanks to its inviting bar, outdoor patio with sunset views, and a crowd that feels more like old friends . Weekly specials, from Friday catfish nights to $4 Shiner Bocks, keep both locals and travelers returning. Whether you’re celebrating a birdie, catching up mid-round, or hosting a neighborhood group dinner, Mulligan’s on Ponce delivers casual charm and unforgettable comfort fare.
Tour The Course
