Rugged and Beautiful: The Ridges at Village Creek

The Ridges at Village Creek:

Arkansas' State Park Golf Paradise.

Posted by: Rick Parnham

As a golfing destination Arkansas is one of the lesser known southern states, however, it is  one that provides a wide range of golf venues along the Natural State Golf Trail. One such locale is found on a rare geological feature affording those looking for a remarkable golf experience the chance to play amid the towering hardwoods within Village Creek State Park. Located on Crowley's Ridge a narrow strip of rugged hills and wilderness formed during the glacial periods, the ridge bisects the vast floodplains of the Mississippi which makes up much of the landscape in the eastern edges of the state.

This beautiful piece of topography is home to the Ridges modern, contemporary- styled clubhouse and it is the centerpiece of the facility. It is spacious, bright and provides great views from the tables or outside terrace.  A unique target-style range built into an adjacent hillside is a novel way to warm up prior to the round. The course is built along and atop the multiple ridges and hollows of the park.  Andy Dye, nephew of Pete Dye, used the natural flow of the landscape to route a collection of holes filled with beauty and challenge. The facility features 27 holes with the North, East and West courses all slightly different.  Considerable elevation change is found throughout the round and plenty of natural creeks and wetlands come into play. Regardless of which pair of nines make up your round, there is no shortage of challenging golf to be found.

The North: Opening with a dramatic downhill tee shot out the shadows of the clubhouse terrace, the par 4 has the most elevation change on this nine. The par 3 second plays downhill to a well guarded green surrounded by bunkers. The green site on the dogleg par 4, fifth hole is unique as it sits well tucked behind a fronting pond and is best attacked by favouring the left side of the fairway. The final hole is a devilish par 4 playing well over 420 yards from the tips. Framed by a long pond down the right and needing to navigate a wide rugged creek on the way to the plateau green, par will feel like a birdie for sure.

The East: A fine blend of valley and highland holes makes this nine a varied challenge. The opening and closing holes parallel each other and play as lengthy par 4’s. A wide and deep fronting creek lay slightly hidden on the first, while the green on the ninth juts out into a large pond, making each of these approaches a difficult target with a long iron or hybrid. The intriguing eighth is a deceptive risk/reward par 4 with your fairway target being wide but shallow. A bunker and steep fall off through the fairway takes driver out of your hands, while the naturalized abyss you are forced to cross requires enough from a hybrid or fairway wood to clear.

The West: If rugged mountain style golf is your thing, this nine holes might take you one step closer to heaven. The routing opens with two of the toughest openers you will find anywhere. The par 4 first introduces you to Dye’s split fairway stylings, separated by a steep ridge and robust rough to grab and hold errand drives. The uphill second demands 2 mighty whacks to set up your approach that plays steeply to a large green with nasty false front. The idyllic sixth is an option filled par 4 that could be played a hundred different ways, all demanding and fun filled. The closing par 3 ninth is a beastly finish, requiring a long iron or hybrid to safely navigate the crossing of a wide creek.

West Course Hole 9

The drive to get to the course takes you through some of the flattest parts of Arkansas. However, once you arrive you are taken to a landscape that just seems made for a golf. Dye has created a spectacular collection of high calibre golf, guided by what the wind-blown glacial deposits provided. Routed brilliantly over the varied terrain, The Ridges of Village Creek offers a unique golf experience, in a  most unique piece of the state. The combination of challenge, beauty and solitude, make this an unforgettable round and one certain to call for a replay. Whether you are passing through the area headed somewhere else, or putting your feet up for a few days enjoying a stay in one of the parks cabins, a scheduled tee time at The Ridges of Village Creek is an absolute must.

Contact:

The Ridges at Village Creek

4144 Hwy 284
Wynne, AR

72396

(870) 238-5226

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