Iowa is a great destination for golf lovers who want to experience a variety of courses that offer scenic views, challenging layouts and affordable rates. The Hawkeye State has many public golf courses that cater to players of all skill levels and preferences.
Whether you want to play on a historic course, a modern course or a resort course, you will find it in Iowa. Here are some of the best public golf courses in Iowa that you should check out.
Spirit Hollow
Located in Burlington, Spirit Hollow is the top-ranked public-access golf course in Iowa, according to Golfweek’s Best 2022 list. Designed by Rick Jacobson and opened in 2000, Spirit Hollow promises a casual experience on bold terrain with plenty of elevation changes that have proved to be a hit with Golfweek’s Best raters. The course features wide fairways, large greens, strategic bunkering and water hazards that test your accuracy and shot-making skills. The signature hole is the par-4 18th, which requires a long drive over a ravine and a precise approach to a well-guarded green. Spirit Hollow also offers a driving range, a practice facility, a pro shop, a restaurant and lodging options.
Blue Top Ridge
Blue Top Ridge is part of the Riverside Casino and Golf Resort in Riverside, Iowa. Designed by Rees Jones and opened in 2009, Blue Top Ridge is a modern course that blends seamlessly with the natural landscape of rolling hills, native prairies and hardwood forests.
The course offers five sets of tees, ranging from 5,100 to 7,400 yards, to accommodate players of all abilities. The course challenges you with water hazards on 11 holes, undulating greens, deep bunkers and panoramic views of the Iowa River Valley. The par-5 16th hole is one of the most memorable holes on the course, as it features a split fairway that gives you two options to reach the green.
Tournament Club of Iowa
Tournament Club of Iowa is the only Arnold Palmer Signature Course in Iowa. Located in Polk City, the Tournament Club of Iowa is a public course that offers a private club feel. The course winds through wooded hills, meandering creeks and rocky outcroppings that create a scenic and challenging golf experience. The course has six sets of tees, ranging from 4,900 to 6,900 yards, to suit players of all skill levels. The course also has a driving range, a practice green, a pro shop, a grill and banquet facilities.
Amana Colonies Golf Club
Located in Amana, Iowa, Amana Colonies is a classic design that features tree-lined fairways, small greens, subtle elevation changes and natural hazards. The course has four sets of tees, ranging from 5,200 to 6,700 yards, to accommodate players of different abilities. The course also has a driving range, a practice green, a pro shop and a clubhouse.
Finkbine
Finkbine is the University of Iowa’s championship golf course. Located in Iowa City, Finkbine was designed by Robert Bruce Harris and opened in 1953. Finkbine is a classic parkland course that features mature trees, rolling fairways, strategic bunkering and water hazards on nine holes. The course has five sets of tees, ranging from 5,000 to 7,200 yards, to challenge players of all levels. The course also has a driving range, a practice green, a pro shop and a restaurant.
Westwood Golf Course
Westwood Golf Course is located in Newton, Iowa. Westwood Golf Course offers a driving range, two practice greens, a well-stocked pro shop, a snack bar and the best golf in Central Iowa. The course features four sets of tees ranging from 5,300 to 6,600 yards to suit players of all abilities. The course also features water hazards on seven holes and sand traps on every hole.
Cedar Pointe Golf Course
Cedar Pointe Golf Course is located in Boone, Iowa. Cedar Pointe Golf Course is a beautiful and unique 18-hole golf course that was designed in two different eras.
The original nine holes were designed in the early 1900s classic style by Tom Bendelow, and the back nine is a more modern design laid out almost 100 years later by Gordon Cunningham.
The course offers four sets of tees ranging from 5,000 to 6,500 yards to accommodate players of all skill levels. The course also features a driving range, a practice green, a pro shop and a snack bar.
These are just some of the best public golf courses in Iowa that you can enjoy. Whether you are looking for a relaxing round or a competitive challenge, you will find it in Iowa. So pack your clubs and head to the Hawkeye State for some great golf.