Located by the Arkansas/Missouri border just five miles from Eureka Springs, Arkansas, Holiday Island Country Club is a hidden gem tucked within a lakeside community in the Ozark foothills. Though the club, which is just an hour s drive from Branson, Missouri, also has a 9-hole executive course with six par 3s and three par 4s, its marquee calling card is its 18-hole championship course that rides the crest of a mountain. Devotees of this gorgeous playing field lavish praise on its fun layout, well conditioned greens, stunning views of the Ozarks, and affordable tee times. Laid out in 1970 by John Allen, Holiday Island Country Club has appeared on Golf Advisor s list of the Top Courses in Arkansas. The sporty championship course isn t long from any of its three sets of tee markers. You can take on the challenge at 5,083 yards from the forward markers, 5,843 yards from the middle tees, and 6,059 yards from the back tees. The par-71 layout is a 35-36 configuration. The front nine has a single par 5 that tops out at a mere 423 yards. A number of short par 4s present excellent scoring opportunities. Like many mountain courses, Holiday Island Country Club features narrow fairways that slope off into trees at the margins. Houses also are in range on several holes. The game at Holiday Island Country Club is about placement, so if you don t hit straight shots you re going to be in trouble, especially if your miss is to the right. Holiday Island Country Club is known for its small, elevated and fast greens that are typically in fine condition. Weather permitting, you can play the championship course all year long, though it s hard to beat the beauty of this layout in fall when the surroundings become a patchwork quilt of vibrant colors. The club s most notable practice facility is its unique driving range. To get to it you ll ride the brakes of your cart partway down the mountain. In a sublime setting, you ll hit balls from matted platforms (they ask you not to use your driver) that arc majestically downhill with lots of hang time before they land on the side of the mountain. Additional practice facilities include a small putting green and chipping area by the clubhouse. The clubhouse features a pro shop and a nice restaurant. If you re in Branson or anywhere near Eureka Springs, Arkansas and looking for an affordable tee time, you'll enjoy a memorable round and get great bang for your buck at Holiday Island Country Club.