Iowa is home to some hidden gems when it comes to golf courses, and one of these gems is the Davenport Country Club in Pleasant Valley. The course, designed by Harry Colt, is a testament to timeless design and strategic layout. Opening in 1924, the course takes advantage of a stream that runs through the property, creating challenging and picturesque holes like the par-5 9th, the dramatic one-shot 10th, and the famous downhill 16th. The 440-yard 7th hole, set on higher ground, is a showpiece in how to drape a hole over interesting landforms. Davenport Country Club is a must-visit for any avid golfer looking to experience timeless golf course design.
Other notable golf courses in Iowa include The Cedar Rapids Country Club in Cedar Rapids, Wakonda Club in Des Moines, The Harvester Club in Rhodes, and Des Moines Golf and Country Club-South in West Des Moines. These courses offer unique challenges and beautiful landscapes for golfers of all skill levels to enjoy. Each course has its own distinct characteristics and layout, making them worth visiting for any golfer looking to explore Iowa’s golf scene.
The ranking process for GOLF’s Top 100 U.S. and Top 100 You Can Play lists involved a panel of over 100 expert golfers who voted on the best courses in the country. Each panelist was provided a ballot with 609 courses and 11 groupings to rank the courses accordingly. Panelists were also allowed to write in any courses they felt should have been included on the ballot. Points were assigned to each bucket, and the courses were ranked based on their average score. The ranking process is simple and straightforward, relying on the expertise and experience of the panelists to create a comprehensive list of the best golf courses.
The key to the ranking process lies in the diversity of the panelists, who hail from 15 nations and have played courses all over the world. With handicaps ranging from +5 to 15, the panelists bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the ranking process. By incorporating a variety of opinions and experiences, the ranking process ensures that the final list accurately represents the best golf courses in the country. This inclusive approach helps to build meaningful consensus and create a ranking that is widely lauded by golf enthusiasts.
For golfers looking to improve their game, GOLF offers a custom Green Book from 8AM Golf affiliate GolfLogix to help navigate the greens at their home course. These detailed guides provide valuable information on green slopes, breaks, and distances, helping golfers make more informed decisions on the course. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just starting out, a Green Book can be a valuable tool to improve your performance on the greens.
Overall, Iowa’s golf courses offer a diverse range of experiences for golfers of all levels. From the historic and strategic layout of Davenport Country Club to the challenging holes at other top courses in the state, Iowa is a destination worth exploring for any golf enthusiast. With GOLF’s ranking process highlighting the best courses in the country, golfers can easily plan their next golf trip and experience some of the finest courses Iowa has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a scenic round of golf or a challenging layout, Iowa’s golf courses have something for everyone to enjoy.
