Iowa

Iowa is home to 392 golf courses, distributed across a state where the game has deep roots and exceptional value. Green fees here are among the lowest in the Midwest — quality public rounds for $25–$50 are the norm, not the exception — and Iowa golfers enjoy well-maintained courses through a comfortable late-spring to early-fall season.

Golf in Iowa is anchored by the Des Moines metro, which offers the state’s widest selection of public tracks. The Mississippi River corridor in the east (Quad Cities, Dubuque, Cedar Rapids) brings a second concentration of good public courses, while the rolling terrain of central and northeast Iowa produces layouts with more character than the flat-farmland stereotype might suggest. Serious golfers know Iowa for Pete Dye’s Harvester Golf Club — a layout that earns national recognition year after year as the state’s top public round.

Iowa Golf by Region

Des Moines Metro

Greater Des Moines offers the state’s most diverse public golf scene. Waveland Golf Course — built in 1894 and widely cited as the oldest municipal course west of the Mississippi River — sits in the heart of Des Moines with mature tree-lined fairways and historic character. Legacy Golf Club (Norwalk) is a more modern layout south of the metro winding through both residential and open countryside terrain. The A.H. Blank Golf Course offers some of the most affordable public golf in Iowa at around $19 per round, making it ideal for high-frequency players.

Cedar Rapids / Iowa City Corridor

The I-380 corridor between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City has solid public golf anchored by university communities and a mix of municipal and private clubs. Finkbine Golf Course at the University of Iowa campus in Iowa City is a well-kept layout popular with students, faculty, and visitors. The rolling terrain in this region — river valleys cutting through farmland — produces more topographically interesting holes than the flat central Iowa courses.

Northeast Iowa / Dubuque

The bluff country of northeast Iowa along the Mississippi River gives Dubuque-area courses some of the most dramatic terrain in the state. Meadows Golf Club (Dubuque), a Bob Lohmann design from 1996, features bent grass throughout and is considered one of the region’s top public tracks. Honey Creek Golf Club near Boone in central Iowa combines affordability with scenic views over a river valley from its back nine — a hidden gem worth the detour.

Top Courses in Iowa

• Harvester Golf Club (Rhodes) — Pete Dye design consistently ranked Iowa’s #1 public course by Golf Digest and national ranking services. Dramatic contours and classic Dye bunkering on former farmland in central Iowa; green fees ~$65–$95.
• Des Moines Golf and Country Club (West Des Moines) — Private Donald Ross design from 1923; consistently rated Iowa’s top overall course. Historic layout with Ross’s signature contoured greens and strategic bunkering.
• Waveland Golf Course (Des Moines) — Historic public municipal dating to 1894, often cited as the oldest west of the Mississippi. Tree-lined, walkable, and full of character. Green fees ~$19–$28.
• Legacy Golf Club (Norwalk) — Well-maintained public course south of Des Moines with a challenging back nine through open countryside. Green fees ~$35–$55.
• Meadows Golf Club (Dubuque) — Bob Lohmann design with bent grass throughout; top public option in the northeast Iowa / Dubuque market. Green fees ~$26–$40.
• Finkbine Golf Course (Iowa City) — University of Iowa’s public course; solid conditions and popular with serious student and community golfers. Green fees ~$25–$40.
• Honey Creek Golf Club (near Boone) — Affordable public course near Ledges State Park with a scenic river valley back nine. One of the state’s best value rounds; green fees ~$20–$30.
• Tournament Club of Iowa (Polk City) — Premium public course near Des Moines on a links-style open layout; has hosted professional and amateur events. Green fees ~$50–$75.

When to Play Golf in Iowa

Iowa’s golf season runs April through October, with the peak window from May through September. Spring brings rapid green-up after winter, though April can be wet and unpredictable — the season typically hits full stride in May. Summers are warm (80–90°F) with moderate to high humidity; early morning tee times are popular from late June through August. September is often the best month to play: comfortable temperatures, excellent course conditions from a full summer’s growth, and lower demand than peak summer. Avoid planning around Iowa winters — courses typically close by November and stay closed through March.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many golf courses are in Iowa?

Iowa has 392 golf courses in our database. Despite being a smaller state population-wise, Iowa supports a strong golf culture with courses spread across the Des Moines metro, the Cedar Rapids / Iowa City corridor, Dubuque, the Quad Cities, and smaller communities throughout the state.

What is the best golf course in Iowa?

Harvester Golf Club (Rhodes) is consistently ranked Iowa’s best public course — a Pete Dye design that earns national recognition annually. The Des Moines Golf and Country Club (private, Donald Ross, 1923) is generally considered the state’s top overall course by national ranking services.

When is the best time to golf in Iowa?

May through September. September often provides the best overall conditions — cooler than midsummer, course conditions are excellent, and demand is lower. Spring (May–June) is also excellent with lush conditions after winter dormancy.

How much does golf cost in Iowa?

Iowa is one of the best-value states for public golf in the US. Budget municipals charge $19–$30; quality public tracks run $30–$55; and top-tier options like Harvester Golf Club run $65–$95. Twilight and weekday rates are widely available for additional savings.

Is there good golf near Des Moines?

Yes — Des Moines has strong public golf access. Waveland (historic downtown), Legacy Golf Club (Norwalk), A.H. Blank (affordable), and the Tournament Club of Iowa (Polk City) all offer quality rounds within 30 minutes of the city, at prices well below national averages.

All Golf Courses in Iowa

Browse all 392 Iowa golf courses in our database below, including green fees, location, and course details.