Iowa, the Hawkeye State, is known for its picturesque landscapes, friendly locals, and outdoor recreational activities. Golf enthusiasts are especially drawn to the region as it boasts a diverse range of golf courses, both public and private, that cater to players of all skill levels. Some of the most popular courses feature breathtaking scenery, challenging design elements, and impeccable course conditions.
Representing various architectural styles and settings, the golf courses in Iowa continue to surprise and delight golfers. From the charming countryside to quiet suburban communities, these courses offer both challenge and relaxation to avid golfing enthusiasts. Among the top-ranked courses in Iowa are Cedar Rapids Country Club, Davenport Country Club in Pleasant Valley, and Harvester Golf Club in Rhodes.
For local residents and tourists alike, playing a round of golf at one of these remarkable courses is the perfect way to experience and appreciate the natural beauty of Iowa. Each course seamlessly blends with its surroundings, providing players a unique opportunity to connect with the landscape and enhance their overall golfing experience. With so many exceptional options to choose from, golfers are sure to find the perfect course to suit their preferences and abilities.
The Harvester
Located in Rhodes, The Harvester is a highly-rated golf course in Iowa. The course offers a challenging and enjoyable experience for all skill levels. With its beautifully maintained greens and fairways, The Harvester is a must-play for golf enthusiasts visiting the area.
Wakonda Club
The Wakonda Club in Des Moines boasts a rich golfing history and a picturesque setting. The course is well-known for its challenging layout and impeccable course conditions. Wakonda Club continually ranks as one of the best golf courses in Iowa.
Tournament Club of Iowa
Situated in Polk City, the Tournament Club of Iowa is a public golf course offering a challenging layout amidst beautiful scenery. Golfers can expect a unique and memorable experience while playing this top-rated course.
Davenport Country Club
With its location in Pleasant Valley, Davenport Country Club features a championship golf course that has been consistently rated among the best in the state. The club offers an enjoyable yet challenging experience for players of all abilities.
Pleasant Valley
Pleasant Valley is home to several top-notch golf courses, including the highly-rated Cedar Rapids Country Club. Golfers can expect a superb golfing experience complete with beautiful surroundings and exceptional course maintenance.
Spirit Hollow
Located in Burlington, Spirit Hollow Golf Course is known for its affordability and well-maintained course. This public golf course offers a great test of golf for players of all skill levels.
Cedar Rapids CC
Cedar Rapids Country Club is another prominent golf course in Iowa. The challenging layout and beautiful setting make Cedar Rapids CC a go-to destination for golf enthusiasts.
Blue Top Ridge
Blue Top Ridge is a beautiful and challenging golf course located in Riverside. Known for its exceptional course conditions and stunning views, Blue Top Ridge is a popular choice among Iowa golfers.
Amana Colonies
The Amana Colonies golf course is set amidst beautiful landscapes and offers an enjoyable golfing experience. The well-maintained course and friendly atmosphere make Amana Colonies a favorite among local golfers.
These top golf courses in Iowa offer a variety of experiences for golf enthusiasts, from challenging layouts to beautiful scenery. Each course is unique and provides golfers with an unforgettable experience.
Thank go to Ron Cogswell for the beautiful cover image of the par 3 9th hole at Grinnell Country Club.
Iowa Golf Course Designers
C.H. Alison
C.H. Alison, a renowned British golf course architect, has made a significant impact on the golf course landscape in Iowa. Known for his elegant designs, he played a crucial role in shaping the golfing experiences in the region. One of his most prominent creations is the Cedar Rapids Country Club in Cedar Rapids, a course that consistently ranks among the best in the state.
Alison’s design philosophy was centered around strategic placement of hazards and natural features, creating courses that challenge golfers of all levels. This approach is evident in his work in Iowa, as many golf enthusiasts continue to enjoy his courses that blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.
Arnold Palmer
Arnold Palmer, a legendary golfer, and course designer has also left a lasting impact on Iowa’s golf scene. With a focus on crafting courses that cater to players with various skill sets, Arnold Palmer’s designs showcase his passion and commitment to the sport.
One of the highlights of Palmer’s work in Iowa is the Tournament Club of Iowa in Polk City. This public course features a unique mixture of rolling hills, mature trees, and challenging bunkers that make for an enjoyable round of golf for players of all abilities.
Not limited to Iowa, Arnold Palmer’s course designs can be found all over the United States and around the world. His global influence on golf course design remains evident, as he consistently crafted courses that are both visually appealing and challenging enough to test a player’s skill.
In conclusion, Iowa’s golf courses showcase the diverse and rich history of golf course design, with contributions from golf course designers like C.H. Alison and Arnold Palmer. These courses, such as Cedar Rapids Country Club, and Tournament Club of Iowa, offer golfers a variety of unique experiences and a testament to the art and design behind the sport.
Iowa’s Public Access Golf Courses
Iowa boasts a variety of public access golf courses that cater to golf enthusiasts of all skill levels. In this section, we’ll explore some of the top public golf courses in West Des Moines, Spirit Hollow, Blue Top Ridge, and Amana Colonies.
West Des Moines
West Des Moines is home to several notable public golf courses. One popular course is the Tournament Club of Iowa in nearby Polk City. The course offers golfers a challenging yet enjoyable experience with well-maintained greens and picturesque surroundings. It has received high praise as one of the best public courses in Iowa.
Spirit Hollow
Located in Burlington, the Spirit Hollow Golf Course is the top-ranked public access golf course in Iowa. The course provides a casual experience on bold terrain with plenty of elevation changes, making it attractive to golfers looking for a unique and exciting challenge. With beautiful landscapes and top-notch customer service, Spirit Hollow promises an unforgettable golf experience.
Blue Top Ridge
Blue Top Ridge at Riverside is another highly-regarded public golf course situated near the Mississippi River in Riverside, Iowa. Known for its picturesque setting and challenging design, the course attracts golfers from all over the state. The course goes the extra mile by offering beautiful views of the Mississippi River, adding a serene touch to the golfing experience.
Amana Colonies
The Amana Colonies, a popular tourist destination in Iowa, is also home to a must-play public golf course – Amana Colonies Golf Club. This beautifully maintained course offers a fair challenge to both beginners and seasoned golfers alike. The peaceful and scenic setting of the Amana Colonies contributes to an enjoyable day out on the greens.
Whether you are a local or just visiting, Iowa offers a fantastic selection of public access golf courses to suit all abilities and preferences. Be sure to check out courses like the Tournament Club of Iowa, Spirit Hollow, Blue Top Ridge, and Amana Colonies Golf Club for a memorable golfing experience in the state.
Golf Resorts and Accommodations
Hotel and Casino
Iowa offers some great golf resorts for enthusiasts looking to enjoy the sport and relax during their stay. Two of the premier properties in the state are anchored by casinos: the Riverside Casino & Golf Resort and the Grand Falls Casino and Golf Resort. These resorts provide not only excellent golf courses but also entertaining casino experiences for guests. Located near the scenic Missouri River, the Grand Falls Casino and Golf Resort boasts picturesque views and first-class amenities.
However, casino-based resorts are not the only option in Iowa. The Spirit Hollow Golf Club in Burlington is another highly rated golf resort in the state. Nestled in the southeastern hills of Iowa, Spirit Hollow offers 400 acres of prime golfing landscape and has been recognized by Golf Digest as one of the best public golf courses in the region.
Clubhouses
Several clubhouses across Iowa offer the best of both golf and luxurious accommodations. The Cedar Rapids Club, located in Cedar Rapids, boasts an impressive golf course and comfortable lodging options. Another standout choice is the Tournament Club of Iowa in Polk City. Known for its well-maintained course and welcoming atmosphere, the Tournament Club of Iowa presents an enjoyable experience for golfers and their families.
For travelers seeking a unique golf resort experience and beautiful views, the Amana Colonies clubhouse is an excellent choice. Nestled in the rolling hills and picturesque landscape of the Missouri valley, this location provides a serene setting for golfers to unwind and enjoy their favorite sport.
In summary, Iowa is home to several fantastic golf resorts and accommodations. Whether you prefer the excitement of a hotel and casino, or a more tranquil environment with its picturesque hills, golf enthusiasts have a variety of options during their visit to the diverse state of Iowa.
Tournaments and Rankings
Top 100 Courses in the U.S.
Iowa may not be the first state that comes to mind when one thinks of top golf courses in the United States, but the state has its fair share of highly ranked courses. A prime example is the Harvester Golf Club in Rhodes, which is often mentioned as one of the best golf courses in the state.
In 2020, the golf course ranking scene saw some standout courses in Iowa:
- Cedar Rapids: Cedar Rapids Country Club has been noticed by GOLF Magazine’s raters as the best golf course in Iowa in 2020/2021.
- Spirit Hollow Golf Course: This course, located in Burlington, offers a challenging, picturesque golf experience. Golfweek ranked it as the top public golf course in Iowa.
- Davenport Country Club: Nestled in Pleasant Valley, Iowa, this private golf course received rave reviews from raters and was ranked as the second-best golf course in Iowa, right after Cedar Rapids.
Many golfers are drawn to these resort-style courses for an all-encompassing golf vacation. For instance, the Riverside Casino and Golf Resort features Blue Top Ridge, which is one of the top public courses in Iowa.
Golf course rankings are important for golf enthusiasts looking to explore the best courses they can access. When comparing golf courses across the country, rankings from respected organizations such as Golf Digest, Golfweek, and GOLF Magazine provide valuable insight into what each course has to offer. Additionally, platforms like GolfLogix offer GPS, stats tracking and more to help golfers find the perfect course for their next round.
It’s worth noting that golf course rankings can be subjective, as they depend on factors such as course design, maintenance, and challenge. However, high-ranking courses tend to offer incredible experiences for golfers, making them a worthy addition to any golf aficionado’s bucket list.
