The front 9 here is more challenging than the back with hole number 2 being the most challenging hole in Bella Vista IMO. On the front 9 you will encounter elevated tees and greens with several tight fairways that will punish your scorecard if you fail to control your tee shots. Course management is key on the front. Keeping your headcover on your driver on the par 4's can be a good strategy.
The back 9 is more driver friendly than the front and easier to score on than the front for most. Playing conservatively from the tee on number 10 can pay off. After that, grip it and rip it.
The Highlands hosts the nicest practice facility in Bella Vista with all grass tees on the driving range, a large practice putting green and a sizeable chipping green with greenside bunkers.
Pace of play is usually fine, but greens are usually kept a little slow. Don't stray too far off the fairways or you will encounter rocks exposed by erosion especially between the cart path and treeline.