ARCHITECTS
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Course Report
The South Course hosted the 1999 U.S. Senior Open, a major championship on the Senior Tour, bringing national attention to the club and showcasing its challenging Pete Dye design.
About
The South Course at Des Moines Golf and Country Club, crafted by Pete Dye, is a private 18-hole layout featuring rolling fairways and challenging bunkering across expansive terrain. Known for hosting the 1999 U.S. Senior Open, it maintains tournament-level conditioning and strategic shot values, consistently ranking among Iowa's top courses.
Caddie Tip
Course management is essential on the South Course—avoid aggressive approaches to heavily bunkered greens, and pay close attention to wind on the longer holes. Carrying approach shots to the correct section of the green is often safer than taking on risky pin locations, as Dye’s undulating putting surfaces can quickly lead to three-putts.
The Main Challenge
The biggest test on the South Course comes from its undulating greens, deep bunkers, and forced carries that require confident shotmaking. Navigating Pete Dye’s numerous false fronts and tiered putting surfaces tests short game proficiency, while well-placed hazards penalize miscalculated risks off the tee and into the green.
The Good
Golfers consistently praise the South Course for its thoughtful Pete Dye layout, which offers a strategic test with risk-reward elements, memorable bunkering, and green complexes that reward precision and creativity. The course’s secluded routing through mature parkland provides a private, championship-caliber atmosphere in excellent condition.
The Not So Good
Some golfers mention that the challenge level can feel relentless for less skilled players, with demanding carries and severe green contours leading to high scores. Others have noted long walks between some holes and the difficulty in securing a tee time due to high member demand.
Signature Hole:
#
18
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Clubhouse
The clubhouse provides formal and casual dining, locker rooms, and lounge areas, along with venues for events and meetings. Additional amenities include a pool, fitness center, tennis courts, and a pro shop stocked with top-tier equipment and apparel to support a comprehensive private club experience.
Practice Facilities
Practice offerings include a full driving range, well-manicured putting and short game greens, and designated chipping areas. Members benefit from professional instruction, structured practice programs, and ample space for warm-up or skill improvement before a round.
Dress Code:
Strict
No dress code enforced. All attire is permitted.
Collared shirts not required. Clean, athletic or golf-appropriate casual wear is acceptable.
Collared shirts required. No denim, gym wear, or overly casual clothing.
Collared shirts must be tucked in; no cargo or athletic shorts. No hats indoors.
Elite club standards; jackets required indoors, no changing shoes in the parking lot, and specific attire rules based on the area of the facility.
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