The best golf courses in Iowa, USA

Cedar Rapids Country Club is Iowa’s only Donald Ross original, set on a rolling expanse near Indian Creek. Established in 1904, the club showcases Ross's signature routing on an engaging mix of hills and lowland, restored by Ron Prichard. The course is known for creatively contoured Bentgrass greens, diverse challenges, and a walkable layout that rewards precise play while offering pleasant views.

Des Moines Golf and Country Club's North Course, designed by Pete Dye and opened in 1968, is the club's longer, more challenging layout. Regularly ranked among Iowa's top courses, it has hosted prestigious events like the 1999 U.S. Senior Open and 2017 Solheim Cup (on a composite routing). The North Course features strategic hazards, demanding par 4s, and Pete Dye's trademark bunkering.

Wakonda Club is a classic, private 18-hole course in Des Moines designed by William Langford in 1922. Known for contoured greens, deep bunkers, and mature, rolling parkland terrain, Wakonda is widely regarded as one of Iowa's top courses. The layout was fully restored by Tyler Rae in 2023 and hosts the Principal Charity Classic on the PGA Tour Champions.

The Harvester Club, designed by Keith Foster, is set on gently undulating terrain amid Iowa’s scenic countryside and lakeside views. Known for its expansive fairways, large and exceptionally fast greens, and open parkland character, the course has been ranked the top course in Iowa and consistently listed among the top 50 modern courses in the USA.

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.

Amana Colonies Golf Club is a highly regarded public course in Iowa, nestled across rolling hills and oak forests. Designed by William J. Spear in 1989, it features dramatic elevation changes, meandering streams, and five sets of tees that suit all skill levels. The course is regularly ranked among Iowa's best and provides a pure, scenic golf experience.

Glen Oaks Country Club is a private 18-hole, par 71 championship course in West Des Moines, Iowa, designed by renowned architect Tom Fazio. Opened in 1994, the layout weaves through a scenic residential community and is celebrated for its attractive conditioning, challenge, and array of amenities including a standout clubhouse and aquatic facilities.

Davenport Country Club is an 18-hole private parkland layout designed by acclaimed architect C.H. Alison in 1924. The course offers a classic Midwestern test with tree-lined fairways, subtle elevation changes, and challenging greens. Known for its rich history and member camaraderie, the club is a staple of the Iowa golf scene.

Spirit Hollow Golf Club in Burlington, Iowa, designed by Rick Jacobsen, occupies a dramatic 400-acre site formerly a cattle ranch in the Mississippi River Valley. The course blends strategic shot options with varied elevation, mature oaks, rocky outcrops, and natural streams on eleven holes. With excellent bentgrass conditions and an engaging layout, it's consistently ranked among Iowa’s best.

Tournament Club of Iowa is the only Arnold Palmer Signature Course in Iowa, set on 500 acres of dramatic bluffs and ravines between Big Creek Dam and Saylorville Lake. Opened in 2003, this public course features a challenging layout that blends natural landscapes with strategic design, offering an exciting test for golfers of all skill levels.

The Ridge Golf Club, designed to provide enjoyment for all ability levels, is an award-winning public course stretching over 7,200 yards in Sioux Center, Iowa. Since opening in 2009, The Ridge has gained recognition for its immaculate maintenance, variety of holes, and exceptional facilities. The course has hosted major state championships and is known for its welcoming atmosphere.

Otter Creek Golf Course in Ankeny, Iowa is a premier public facility, featuring a links-style layout redesigned in 2009 by Paul Miller. The course boasts 18 holes, 47 bunkers, and 17 ponds, with smooth, fast greens and GPS carts. Its acclaimed practice facilities and welcoming atmosphere make it a favorite among Iowa golfers and visitors alike.

Honey Creek Golf Club, designed by Karl L. Litten, is a scenic 18-hole public course in Boone, Iowa. The course features bentgrass fairways, rolling hills, prairie rough, and is framed by mature trees with greens built to USGA specs. Honey Creek is known for its tranquil setting neighboring Ledges State Park and its welcoming playability for all skill levels.

Blue Top Ridge at Riverside Casino is a sprawling 18-hole course designed by acclaimed architect Rees Jones. Opened in 2007, the course stretches over 7,400 yards with a scenic blend of river plains, rolling hills, lakes, and prairie. Offering a championship-level golf destination in east-central Iowa, its dynamic landscape and modern amenities make it a memorable venue for both casual and serious golfers.

The Legacy Golf Club, just south of Des Moines, is an 18-hole public course opened in 2002. Designed and built by Matt Manning and family, the course features manicured bentgrass fairways, tees, and greens, plus lush Kentucky bluegrass roughs. Players enjoy a full practice facility, a modern clubhouse, GPS carts, and a reputation for top-tier service and excellent playing conditions.