DeSoto, carved into the Ouachita Mountains of Hot Springs Village, is a testament to traditional resort golf, offering strategic play over raw power. The course, a late-20th-century design, demands careful navigation through heavily wooded terrain. Expect tight fairways where placement is crucial, and approach shots that test your ability to control spin and trajectory. Its an experience in patience and shotmaking, rather than bombing and gouging. Designed by Ault, Clark and Associates, DeSoto rewards thoughtful strategy over brute strength. The absence of major championships speaks to its regional character, a course enjoyed by a tight-knit community. While not nationally recognized, DeSoto's charm lies in its playability and the challenge it presents to golfers of all skill levels. DeSoto's allure extends beyond the course itself. The club's vibrant social scene is legendary within the Hot Springs Village community. The 19th hole is known for lively debates about the day’s rounds and boasts a surprisingly competitive gin rummy circuit amongst the members.