If you’ve spent any time driving through Maumelle, you know the vibe. It’s quiet. It’s green. But right off Maumelle Boulevard, there’s this specific energy around the Country Club of Arkansas in Maumelle that you don't always find at your typical suburban golf course. Some people call it the "CCA." Others just know it as that place with the massive white clubhouse that looks like it belongs in a period piece movie.
Golf is weird right now. Across the country, courses are closing or turning into housing developments. Yet, this spot in Central Arkansas seems to have cracked some kind of code. It’s not just about the grass or the bunkers. Honestly, it’s about how the place feels—accessible but still high-end enough to make you feel like you’re treated well.
The Layout: Not Your Average Flat Delta Course
Central Arkansas geography is a bit of a mixed bag. You’ve got the flatlands to the east and the start of the Ouachita foothills to the west. The Country Club of Arkansas in Maumelle sits right in that sweet spot. It was designed by William Loving, and if you know his work, you know he doesn't just slap a fairway down and call it a day.
The course is a par 72. Big deal, right? Every course is a par 72. But the way this one uses water is what gets people. It’s built around these winding creeks and significant lakes that aren't just there for the "pretty" factor. They are there to ruin your scorecard.
Let's talk about the greens. They are bentgrass. In the Arkansas summer, keeping bentgrass alive is basically a full-time war against the sun. Most courses in the South have switched to Bermuda because it's easier. But CCA sticks with bentgrass because of that smooth, fast roll. If you’ve ever putted on "hairy" Bermuda in July, you know exactly why people drive from Little Rock or Conway just to play here. It’s a different game.
What Most People Get Wrong About "Country Clubs"
There’s this massive misconception that "Country Club" means you need a pedigree and a specific zip code to get through the gate. At the Country Club of Arkansas in Maumelle, that’s just not the case. It’s a semi-private facility.
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What does that mean for you?
Basically, it means they have members who pay monthly dues for perks, but they also welcome the public with open arms. It’s a "come as you are" environment. You’ll see guys in the latest $150 Nike golf hoodies playing right behind a local retiree who has been wearing the same visor since 1994. It works. The staff doesn't give you that "look" if you aren't a member.
The clubhouse is a 20,000-square-foot beast. It’s impressive. But inside, it’s actually pretty cozy. They’ve got the "Tee-Time Grill," which, truth be told, serves a burger that puts most dedicated restaurants in Maumelle to shame. It’s a community hub. On a Friday afternoon, the patio is packed with people who aren't even playing golf—they’re just there for the atmosphere.
Dealing With the "Maumelle Wind"
If you play here, you have to account for the wind coming off the Arkansas River. It’s deceptive. You’ll stand on the 10th tee thinking it’s a calm day, and then your ball catches an updraft and ends up in a different area code.
The course isn't overly long—it tops out at around 6,476 yards from the championship tees—but it plays much longer when the wind is kicking. It forces you to be a "shot-maker." You can't just grip it and rip it. Well, you can, but you’re going to lose a lot of Titleists in the water hazards that guard 11 of the 18 holes.
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Key Holes to Watch Out For
- Hole 4: A par 5 that looks easy on paper but narrows down significantly.
- Hole 14: My personal favorite. A par 3 that requires a carry over water. If the pin is tucked left, just aim for the center of the green. Don't be a hero.
- Hole 18: A finishing hole that actually feels like a finale. The clubhouse looms in the background, and if there’s a crowd on the deck, you’ll definitely feel the pressure of that final putt.
The Practice Facility is a Game-Changer
Most people ignore the range. They show up five minutes before their tee time, hit two shots, and wonder why they slice it into the woods on the first hole. Don't do that here.
The Country Club of Arkansas in Maumelle has one of the better-maintained practice areas in the region. They have a massive grass teeing area—not those awful rubber mats that vibrate your teeth when you hit a fat shot. They also have a dedicated short-game area. If you want to actually get better at golf, this is where you spend your Tuesday evenings.
The instructors here, like PGA Professional Chris Mayes, are top-tier. They don't try to rebuild your swing from scratch in one hour. They actually listen to what you want to achieve. It’s a more "human" approach to coaching.
Why Maumelle is the Perfect Backdrop
Maumelle itself is a "Master Planned Community." It was designed to be walkable and connected. The golf course is the literal heart of that design. It weaves through neighborhoods, which gives it a "parkland" feel.
You aren't just out in a field; you’re moving through a landscape. Yes, there are houses nearby, but the fairways are wide enough that you don't feel like you’re going to break a window every time you tee off. Mostly.
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Membership vs. Daily Fee: The Real Talk
Is it worth joining? That depends on how much you play. If you’re out there twice a week, the membership pays for itself in about two months. They have different tiers—Junior, Senior, Family.
But if you’re just a "once-a-month" golfer, the daily fee is actually very reasonable compared to similar quality courses in Dallas or Memphis. You’re getting a $100 experience for significantly less than that. Plus, they use dynamic pricing sometimes, so if you’re willing to play on a Tuesday at 1:00 PM, you can get a steal.
The Reality of Course Conditions
Let’s be honest: no course is perfect 365 days a year. Arkansas weather is brutal. We get ice storms in February and 105-degree humidity in August.
There are times when the course is recovering from aeration or a particularly wet spring. However, the maintenance crew at Country Club of Arkansas in Maumelle is remarkably consistent. They prioritize the greens. Even if the rough is a little shaggy from a week of rain, those bentgrass greens usually stay pure. That’s the hallmark of a well-run operation.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
Don't just show up and hope for the best. If you want to actually enjoy your round at the Country Club of Arkansas in Maumelle, follow this checklist:
- Book online. Seriously. Their online portal often has "hot deals" that aren't available if you just walk into the pro shop.
- Arrive 45 minutes early. Use the grass range. Get the feel of the bentgrass greens on the practice hole. They are faster than you think.
- Check the wind. Look at the flags on the clubhouse before you head to the first tee. It tells the story of your round.
- Order the "Arkansas Burger" after your round. Eat it on the patio. It’s the best way to decompress after the 18th hole.
- Watch the water. If you aren't a high-stakes gambler, play a "safer" ball on the back nine. The water hazards are hungry.
The Country Club of Arkansas in Maumelle represents what modern golf should be. It’s high-quality but doesn't feel "stuffy." It’s challenging but doesn't feel impossible. Whether you’re a scratch golfer or someone who is just happy to keep it on the planet, this place actually fits. It’s a staple of the Maumelle community for a reason, and if you haven't played it lately, the course is currently in some of the best shape it's been in years.
Go play. Seriously. Even if you just go for the range and a burger, it’s worth the trip across the river.