It’s a fact that serious golfers will find their way to even the most remote golf course if it is good enough. Mystic Creek Golf Club in El Dorado, Arkansas, fits the bill as one of those courses that certainly is well worth the time and effort to play.
Although Mystic Creek hosts an Epson Tour event and has hosted numerous college tournaments, the No. 1-ranked public course in Arkansas remains one of those rare hidden gems that provides an outstanding test in a picturesque setting.
The Ken Dye-designed layout opened in 2013. After a couple of ownership changes it was purchased by Murphy USA in 2018. It has partnered with Troon Golf to operate the facility, which includes a practice area, clubhouse, and restaurant.
Mystic Creek No 12
Save for the angle of the tee box, No. 12 at Mystic Creek is a close replica of No. 12 at Augusta National (Photo: Gregg Dewalt)
Just how good is this golf course that with six sets of tees can play as long as 7,518 yards (77.6/145) or a more moderate 6,251 yards (71.4,131) from the white tees?
Augusta-like?
“I was told that if Augusta and Pinehurst No. 2 had a baby, that would be this course,” general manager Cody Lack said. “Everything about it is tour quality. If we were just in a little bigger town we could have something bigger here. Easily.”
There definitely is a touch of an Augusta National vibe at Mystic Creek – even the course’s logo mimicks that of the Masters.
Lack said numerous Tour players have teed it up at Mystic Creek and given it solid reviews.
“Sam Burns used to play here quite a bit because he is from Ruston [Louisiana]. He always would say ‘you wouldn’t have to change anything. Just put the tee in the ground and go play it.’ You don’t have to trick it up,” Lack said. “It’s a true challenge.” More
