Golf in Iowa
Overview
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This page explains golf in Iowa. The sorter handles the local question by city or ZIP.
Golf in Iowa
Des Moines Parks and Recreation operates three public golf courses including Waveland and A.H. Blank, with walking rates starting around $23 for adults on weekdays. Otter Creek Golf Course in Ankeny and other public courses around the metro serve golfers of all skill levels.
City of Des Moines Golf CoursesGolf score
36th of 51 states for retirement golf
Golf score blends year-round playability (34%), playable access (16%), affordability (16%), course pedigree (12%), and statewide course density (22%).
Courses
A sample of marquee courses across Iowa, with where to play and how to book.
Dramatic elevation changes through open ground and forested ravines · Rick Jacobson
This is the course people drive across Iowa to play, set on rolling ranch land south of Burlington. Rounds include a cart, so plan to ride the hills.
Opened 2000 · $$$ · Slope 134
Carries over deep ravines between Big Creek and Saylorville · Arnold Palmer
The only Arnold Palmer signature course in the state, tucked into the woods near Big Creek State Park. It is a scenic, big-shouldered test just north of Des Moines.
$$$ · Slope 140
Winds through 500 acres of towering white oak timber · William J. Spear
A long-time favorite carved through stately oaks in the historic Amana Colonies. The terrain is hilly enough that you will want the cart.
Opened 1989 · $$ · Slope 136
Three holes set along the meandering Iowa River floodplain · Rees Jones
A Rees Jones resort course at Riverside Casino with real variety, from prairie to river bottom. A full clubhouse, range and lodging sit right next door.
$$$ · Slope 146
Photo: Rees Jones, Inc.
Wide forgiving fairways with water-lined risk-reward holes · Jeffrey D. Brauer
A friendly public championship course in Norwalk with forgiving fairways and bentgrass greens. It even opens for play on the warmer days of February.
Opened 2002 · $$ · Slope 132
Links-style layout across open northwest Iowa countryside · Rees Jones
A newer Rees Jones resort course in the far northwest corner of the state. It plays firm and open, with the casino and stay-and-play packages on site.
Opened 2015 · $$$ · Slope 132
Photo: Rees Jones, Inc.
Acclaimed routing ranked among the top courses in Iowa · Keith Foster
A nationally praised private club in tiny Rhodes, often named the best course in Iowa. If you can get on through a member, it is worth the trip.
Opened 2000 · $$$$ · Slope 133
Mature, well-kept city course on the south side · E. Lawrence Packard
A walkable Des Moines muni with friendly rates and separate walking prices that stay easy on the wallet. A comfortable place for a regular weekday round.
Opened 1971 · $ · Slope 127
We've mapped 8 courses across Iowa so far.
What Iowa costs
Cost of living
88
BEA index, U.S. = 100
State income tax
~4.0% state income-tax planning rate
Social Security
Not taxed
How people start
Most metros list city-run courses with published fee schedules. Those set the affordable floor before any private club enters the picture.
Many courses post a reduced weekday senior rate and a season pass. The difference between pay-per-round and a pass is the number that usually drives the yearly cost.
In warm states the season runs most of the year; in cold ones it is a few months. The yearly cost is rounds-per-year times rate, plus cart and equipment.
Common questions
Des Moines Parks and Recreation operates three public golf courses including Waveland and A.H. Blank, with walking rates starting around $23 for adults on weekdays. Otter Creek Golf Course in Ankeny and other public courses around the metro serve golfers of all skill levels.
Iowa has a cost-of-living index near 88 (U.S. = 100), about a 4.0% state income-tax planning rate, and does not tax Social Security. The full state guide breaks down property tax, sales tax, and long-term-care costs, each sourced.
Sources