Iowa’s best golf courses blend architectural pedigree, challenging layouts, and scenic Midwest terrain.
If you're wondering which five stand out above the rest, they are The Harvester Club, Davenport Country Club, Cedar Rapids Country Club, Spirit Hollow, and Blue Top Ridge—each offering a distinct and memorable playing experience.
Keep reading for a closer look at what makes each of these courses worth your attention.
The Harvester Club – Timeless Design with Modern Precision
Tucked into the rolling hills of central Iowa, The Harvester Club is widely regarded as one of the most thoughtfully redesigned private golf experiences in the Midwest.
What began as a standout public course in 2000 became something far more exclusive after its 2019 transformation, combining old-world course aesthetics with modern-day strategy and flow.
A Course Reborn: The Keith Foster Redesign
Originally designed by Keith Foster, The Harvester Club opened with strong acclaim in 2000.
Nearly two decades later, it was reimagined as a private club—an evolution that didn't just polish the surface but reshaped the entire playing experience.
Foster returned to oversee the renovation, using it as an opportunity to reframe the course in the style of early 20th-century architecture.
The 2019 redesign centered on classical elements:
- Squared-off greens lend a visual firmness to approach shots and reinforce strategic angles.
- Flat-bottomed bunkers evoke a vintage aesthetic while placing a premium on shot accuracy and recovery.
- Wider fairways open up more shotmaking options but don’t remove the challenge—precision still matters thanks to shifting wind patterns and elevation changes.
The land itself does much of the heavy lifting. Set among Iowa’s natural prairies and gentle hills, the routing follows the contours of the terrain rather than forcing a manufactured path. This keeps the course feeling cohesive, natural, and full of character.
Standout Holes and Memorable Features
The Harvester isn’t just a strong test of golf—it’s a course filled with visual drama and design nods to some of the game’s most iconic features.
Several holes go beyond functional design and become storytelling elements in their own right:
- The Road Hole green: Inspired by the 17th at St. Andrews, this green tests nerves with a tight landing area and deceptive contours.
- Hell’s Half Acre: A large, intimidating bunker complex nodding to A.W. Tillinghast’s work, forcing players to commit fully on long par 4s.
- Church Pews bunker: Modeled after Oakmont’s famous feature, it’s both a visual centerpiece and a serious penalty area for wayward shots.
- Short Hole: A refined par-3 that shows off the importance of control and precision—short in yardage, not in difficulty.
These elements don’t just add visual flair—they shape decisions and define how players experience the round.
Championship-Caliber Difficulty
With a course rating of 75.0 and a slope of 140, The Harvester isn’t built for casual coasting.
At 7,340 yards, it demands both distance and accuracy.
The open fairways may give a sense of forgiveness off the tee, but the real challenge starts with the second shot—particularly when approaching complex greens or navigating elevation changes that affect club selection and ball flight.
This is a course that rewards thinking ahead.
Wind can change rapidly across the open terrain, and even well-struck shots can be punished if poorly placed.
For low-handicap golfers or serious competitors, it’s a worthy challenge.
For mid-handicappers, it’s a test of discipline and focus.
Exclusivity and Access
Since its shift to a private model in 2019, The Harvester Club now operates with very limited access. Membership is required, and guest play is tightly controlled.
This exclusivity allows for immaculate course conditions and a quieter, more personal playing experience—but it also means planning ahead is critical if you're hoping to get on the tee sheet.
If you’re not a member, your best chance to play may come through:
- Invitation by an existing member
- Participation in a private event or corporate outing
- Inquiring about limited access programs (if any are available, though these are rare)
Davenport Country Club – Where Classic Architecture Meets Elevation Drama
Davenport Country Club is a private course where timeless design meets natural intensity.
With its historic layout dating back to 1924 and a terrain that challenges both shot-making and course management, this is one of Iowa’s most compelling tests of traditional golf architecture in a dramatic natural setting.
A Legacy of Design: Charles Hugh Alison’s Lasting Influence
The course was originally laid out in 1924 by Charles Hugh Alison, a member of the famed Colt, Alison & Morrison firm responsible for many revered courses around the world.
What makes Davenport stand out is how well the land itself shaped Alison’s routing.
Instead of flattening or forcing the terrain into submission, his design embraced its complexity—elevation shifts, rolling hills, and two creeks that naturally cut across multiple holes.
A major restoration in 2015 reaffirmed Alison’s original vision.
Rather than modernizing the course with new trends, the renovation focused on reviving the key elements that made the layout great in the first place.
Open-faced bunkers were restored to their original form, allowing for more visibility and strategic depth.
Greens were reclaimed to their original size and shape, and fairways were widened to offer more nuanced angles of attack—just as Alison intended.
Playing the Terrain: Strategy from the Ground Up
One of the defining features at Davenport is how much the topography influences every shot.
Elevation changes are consistent throughout the round, and no two holes feel repetitive.
Uphill approaches, downhill tee shots, and side-hill lies keep players thinking on every swing. The terrain doesn’t just add beauty—it adds complexity.
Water also plays a quiet but significant role.
Two creeks run through the property and come into play on five holes.
These aren’t just ornamental hazards; they force carry decisions, challenge club selection, and demand precision rather than raw power.
The bunkering, another standout feature, isn't purely penal.
Like Alison’s other work, it encourages smarter positioning off the tee and demands touch around the greens.
The open-faced style allows for recovery but punishes poorly executed escapes.
A Signature Moment: The All-American 16th
The 16th hole is the one that keeps players talking.
Twice recognized by Sports Illustrated as an “All American Golf Hole,” this par-4 blends everything that makes Davenport great: elevation change, risk-reward shot options, and visual intimidation.
The tee shot tempts you to bite off more than you should.
The second shot, often from a hanging lie, must carry a creek and find a narrow green guarded by strategic bunkering.
It's a hole where bold decisions can be rewarded—but equally punished if execution slips even slightly.
What makes it memorable isn’t just difficulty.
It’s the way the hole tells a story from tee to green, with each shot unfolding like a new chapter.
For many members and guests, this is the hole that defines their experience at Davenport.
Course Specs and Playing Conditions
Though it may not stretch into modern championship yardage, Davenport’s 6,755 yards (par 70) don’t play short.
The slope of 135 and rating of 73.3 indicate a layout that quietly demands discipline and thoughtful course management.
You can’t overpower it; you have to outthink it.
Greens and fairways are bentgrass and typically kept in superb condition, with subtle breaks and firm, fair surfaces that reward well-struck shots.
This is the kind of course where playing it more than once makes a difference.
Familiarity helps with judging elevation changes, identifying safer angles, and adjusting to the occasional unpredictable bounce.
Membership and Accessibility
Davenport Country Club is a private club, and access is restricted to members and their guests.
There is no public tee time system, and outside play is generally limited to special events or organized outings.
For non-members interested in playing:
- Try to secure a round via a member invitation.
- Look for charity tournaments or events hosted on the course (though these are infrequent).
- Contact the club directly to inquire about corporate outings or prospective membership tours if you're in the area and considering private club options.
Cedar Rapids Country Club – A Donald Ross Restoration Done Right
Cedar Rapids Country Club stands out as the only Donald Ross design in Iowa—and thanks to a meticulous restoration, it plays today much as Ross originally intended over a century ago.
This is a course where historic architecture meets modern conditioning, set in a landscape that feels both serene and subtly demanding.
A Course with Deep Roots and a Historic Rebirth
The layout's history began in 1904 with Tom Bendelow, one of America’s earliest golf course architects.
But it wasn’t until 1915, when Donald Ross was brought in, that the course began to take on the strategic depth and natural flow Ross is famous for.
His influence reshaped it into a true parkland layout—one that prioritizes shot placement, variety, and a sense of rhythm throughout the round.
Fast forward nearly a century, and the course had drifted away from Ross’s original vision.
Enter Ron Prichard and Tyler Rae, two respected Ross specialists who led a 2014 restoration aimed at returning the course to its architectural roots.
This wasn’t a redesign—it was a recovery.
They relied heavily on Ross’s original drawings, aerial photos, and site visits to guide the restoration process.
Key restoration elements included:
- Widening fairways to reopen original playing corridors and angles.
- Rebuilding greens to restore classic Ross contours and expand usable surface area.
- Extensive rebunkering that brought back the deep, strategic bunkers positioned to challenge both aggressive and conservative play.
The result is a course that feels timeless—not modernized, but enduring.
A Parkland Layout That Balances Beauty and Challenge
Set in the oak-lined Indian Creek valley, Cedar Rapids Country Club delivers a visual calm that belies its strategic bite.
It’s easy to get caught up in the scenery: mature trees frame most holes, gentle hills shape shot lines, and creeks weave subtly into play.
But don’t let the peaceful setting lull you. This course is long—7,328 yards from the tips—and it’s built to make you think.
With a par of 72, a slope of 138, and a course rating of 75.7, it presents a stern test for anyone who doesn’t come prepared with both distance and precision.
What makes it especially challenging is the Ross philosophy in action:
- Greens often slope subtly from back to front, rewarding approaches played below the hole.
- Recovery areas around the greens demand soft hands and smart choices.
- Fairway bunkers aren’t just obstacles—they’re positional tools that reward accuracy off the tee and punish indecision.
The layout doesn’t rely on dramatic elevation shifts or forced carries.
Instead, it wears you down with thoughtful design, tight landing areas, and persistent visual deception. That’s what makes it a true Ross experience.
Playing Strategy and Shot Value
You’ll notice early on that Cedar Rapids isn’t a driver-heavy course unless you’re playing aggressively.
While it has length, it’s not a bomber’s paradise. Most of the course strategy is built around:
- Positioning off the tee to open up better angles into sloped greens.
- Choosing the right club on approach shots to avoid difficult up-and-down situations.
- Reading subtle breaks on the greens—Ross rarely makes it obvious, but he always makes it matter.
Several holes feature elevated tee boxes that give great views but hide the complexity ahead.
Others play deceptively long due to uphill approaches and false fronts.
Every hole gives you something to solve, and rarely is there an easy or obvious answer.
Access and Membership
Cedar Rapids Country Club is a private facility and does not offer public tee times.
Access is limited to members and their guests.
That said, its reputation as a heritage club makes it a popular venue for high-level amateur events and occasional invitationals.
If you’re interested in playing:
- You’ll need an invitation from a member, or
- You can explore corporate or prospective member outreach, particularly if you're relocating to the area or seeking private club membership in Eastern Iowa.
The exclusivity helps maintain impeccable playing conditions, quieter rounds, and a club culture rooted in the game’s traditions.
Spirit Hollow – A Public Course That Plays Like a Private Retreat
Located in Burlington, Spirit Hollow is a rare find: a public-access golf course that feels like a members-only experience.
With top-tier course design, challenging terrain, and resort-style amenities, it’s become a destination for serious golfers seeking a refined, tournament-caliber round without the barriers of private club membership.
Championship-Level Design in a Natural Setting
Designed by Rick Jacobson and opened in 2000, Spirit Hollow was built with championship intentions from the start.
The course stretches an imposing 7,550 yards from the tips, with a par of 72, but its real strength lies in how seamlessly it blends into the natural terrain.
The land wasn’t forced to fit a design; the design was drawn from the land. You’ll find:
- Rolling hills that create natural elevation changes, challenging club selection and stance.
- Meandering streams and mature tree lines that shape the routing and shot strategy.
- A distinct rhythm between the nines: the front nine plays through a residential area with open sightlines and wind exposure, while the back nine offers a much more secluded, woodsy experience that feels like a different course entirely.
This dual personality gives the round a unique pace.
The front sets the tone with broad fairways and strategic bunkering.
The back demands focus, accuracy, and a feel for the terrain.
A Stiff Challenge for Confident Golfers
Spirit Hollow isn’t a course you simply walk through.
With a slope of 134 and a course rating of 74.8, it’s clearly built to test players who already have control and consistency in their game.
Long par-4s, risk-reward par-5s, and par-3s that require precise carries over water or deep bunkers keep you engaged from start to finish.
Even high-level amateurs will find it hard to score without careful course management.
The fairways are fair, but the real test begins at the green complexes—many of which are well-protected and demand a solid short game to get up and down.
That said, the course is fair.
There are multiple sets of tees, allowing players to choose yardages that match their skill level.
Whether you're a single-digit handicap or a confident mid-handicapper, the course can be tailored to fit your game if you're honest with your abilities.
Resort-Level Amenities Set It Apart
What truly separates Spirit Hollow from other public courses in Iowa is the on-site experience.
It’s not just a course—it’s a full-fledged golf destination.
You’ll find:
- The Lodge and Cabins: Comfortable accommodations for weekend golf getaways or small groups. No need to leave the property after your round.
- The Shankopotamus Golf Academy: Powered by Toptracer Range, this practice facility offers ball-tracking technology, virtual courses, and game modes perfect for tuning your swing or entertaining guests. It’s rare to see this level of tech at a public course, especially in the Midwest.
- On-site dining and event spaces: These make Spirit Hollow a strong pick for corporate retreats or competitive events where players want more than just 18 holes.
Whether you're coming for a solo round, a group trip, or a company event, everything you need is available in one place—lodging, practice, play, and post-round relaxation.
Accessibility and Booking Information
Unlike the private clubs featured earlier in this article, Spirit Hollow is fully public.
You can book tee times directly through their online portal, making it easy to plan a round from anywhere.
That accessibility, combined with the quality of the layout and amenities, makes it one of the best public values in the region.
For the best experience:
- Book tee times well in advance, especially on weekends or during peak golf months.
- Consider booking a stay-and-play package if you're traveling from out of town—it maximizes convenience and gives you time to enjoy the full property.
- If you’re local, explore multi-round or seasonal passes that may be available directly through the club.
Blue Top Ridge at Riverside – Resort Golf with Championship Distance
Blue Top Ridge at Riverside blends big-course ambition with the convenience and polish of a resort environment.
As part of the Riverside Casino & Golf Resort, it offers public golfers a chance to take on a Rees Jones-designed layout that plays long, challenges smart decision-making, and delivers all the perks of a destination golf trip in one place.
A Rees Jones Design with Tournament Intentions
Opened in 2009, Blue Top Ridge was designed by Rees Jones, a name well-known for preparing courses for U.S. Opens and PGA Tour events.
His hallmark traits—expansive fairways, layered greens, and strategic bunkering—are all present here, but tailored for a public audience.
The course stretches beyond 7,400 yards from the championship tees, making it one of the longest public courses in Iowa.
Despite the distance, it remains playable for a range of skill levels thanks to multiple tee boxes and generous fairway widths.
Jones made full use of the Iowa River floodplain, turning what could have been flat, repetitive terrain into a water-laced, visually engaging layout.
Man-made lakes feature prominently, not just for scenery but for strategic value.
Water shapes many tee shots and approaches, often requiring players to weigh risk versus reward.
The course’s routing was also designed to complement the resort atmosphere—groups can easily loop nine holes in the morning, enjoy lunch or the casino amenities, and head back out for the back nine with minimal friction.
The Showstopper: Iowa’s Longest Hole
No visit to Blue Top Ridge is complete without encountering the 16th hole, the longest in Iowa at a staggering 665 yards.
This par-5 is built for drama.
From the back tees, it demands three well-executed shots just to reach the green in regulation—and that’s if you avoid the valley and creek crossing that slice through the fairway.
For longer hitters, the hole invites aggression, but poor execution can turn birdie opportunities into scrambling for bogey or worse.
For most players, it’s a three-shot hole that asks for control, patience, and smart layup positioning.
What makes the 16th memorable isn’t just the yardage—it’s the way the hole unfolds visually and strategically.
It’s a chance to test your long game under pressure, with water and wind playing constant roles.
Course Conditions and Playing Surface
Blue Top Ridge is surfaced with bentgrass from tee to green, delivering the smooth putting and tight lies that better players expect.
Thanks to its resort affiliation, conditioning remains a top priority—fairways are firm but fair, greens are consistently rolled, and bunkers are well-maintained even during peak play periods.
Because the course sees a good amount of play, especially in warmer months, early tee times are often the best way to enjoy peak conditions.
Afternoon rounds can slow down, but pace-of-play policies help keep groups moving.
Accessibility and Booking
Perhaps the most appealing feature of Blue Top Ridge is its public access.
Tee times are easy to book online, and resort guests can often bundle golf with their stay for added value.
Walk-ons may be possible during less busy periods, but it’s strongly recommended to reserve in advance, especially on weekends or during tournament season.
For golfers planning a longer stay, the Riverside Casino & Golf Resort offers:
- On-site accommodations ranging from standard rooms to suites
- Dining options and entertainment including a full casino, spa, and live shows
- Practice facilities including a driving range, short game area, and putting green
This makes it a strong choice not just for day trips but for golf getaways, buddy trips, or corporate outings.
What to Expect from Your Round
Blue Top Ridge leans toward the modern, big-course feel. Fairways are wide, but green complexes and water hazards demand thoughtful execution. You’ll face:
- Elevated tee boxes with dramatic views
- Water in play on several holes, including long forced carries on the back nine
- Risk-reward options for confident drivers of the ball
- Large greens with subtle breaks that require a steady putting stroke
The course rating and slope aren’t published as aggressively as some private clubs, but don’t let that fool you—it’s a serious test from the back tees and still requires smart play even from the shorter boxes.
How to Choose the Right Course for Your Next Iowa Golf Trip
With five standout courses offering wildly different experiences, narrowing down the best fit for your Iowa golf trip comes down to more than just rankings.
You’ll need to factor in accessibility, course style, playing difficulty, and available amenities—all of which can shape whether your round is relaxing, competitive, or something in between.
Public vs. Private: Know What You Can Access
The first—and most defining—distinction is public versus private access. Three of the courses in this list are private (The Harvester Club, Davenport Country Club, and Cedar Rapids Country Club), while two are public (Spirit Hollow and Blue Top Ridge).
- Private Clubs: These require membership or a direct invitation from a member. While they typically offer elite conditioning and quieter, less crowded play, getting on the tee sheet isn’t simple. If you do manage access—via corporate events, guest invites, or a potential membership—expect a more curated, high-end golf experience.
- Public Courses: Spirit Hollow and Blue Top Ridge are fully open to the public, with online booking and resort-style accommodations. These venues are ideal for golf trips, weekend getaways, or larger groups, and they come without the hoops of private access.
If you’re planning your trip independently and don’t have local connections, starting with public courses makes things easier.
However, if you’re exploring club membership or have business in Iowa, trying to secure a round at a private course could be worth the effort.
Match the Course Style to Your Game
Different courses demand different strengths.
If you want to enjoy your round—or challenge yourself strategically—it helps to match the style of the course to your own abilities and preferences.
- Classic vs. Modern Design:
- Classic: Courses like Davenport Country Club and Cedar Rapids Country Club offer tree-lined fairways, subtle elevation changes, and traditional bunkering rooted in early 20th-century architecture. These layouts reward precise positioning and conservative course management.
- Modern: Blue Top Ridge and Spirit Hollow feature longer holes, broader fairways, and bolder visual elements like man-made lakes and dramatic green complexes. These courses allow for more aggressive play off the tee and appeal to players with distance and shot-shaping ability.
- Par and Yardage:
- Shorter, Tactical Rounds: Davenport Country Club, with a par of 70 over 6,755 yards, plays shorter but forces players to think—ideal for mid-to-low handicaps who enjoy shaping shots and managing risk.
- Long Championship Layouts: Spirit Hollow (7,550 yards) and Blue Top Ridge (7,400+ yards) offer more length and room, but demand stamina and a strong long game. These are well-suited for longer hitters or players looking for a tour-style test.
- Course Environment:
- Tree-Lined and Protected: You’ll find this at Cedar Rapids Country Club, where the oak forest and parkland layout create both beauty and tighter margins.
- Open, Prairie-Style Terrain: The Harvester Club and Spirit Hollow’s back nine offer wide visuals and exposure to wind, giving you more freedom off the tee but requiring better judgment in approach play.
Understanding how you like to play—and what challenges bring out your best—can help narrow your choices.
Amenities: Beyond the Scorecard
Sometimes the round itself isn’t the only priority.
Whether you're planning a golf getaway, corporate retreat, or multi-day trip, amenities can elevate the overall experience.
- Stay-and-Play Options:
- Spirit Hollow offers on-site lodging in both lodges and cabins, making it ideal for groups who want to play multiple rounds or avoid off-site logistics.
- Blue Top Ridge, tied to the Riverside Casino & Golf Resort, provides entertainment, dining, and hotel accommodations, making it perfect for weekend golf escapes.
- Practice and Training Facilities:
- Spirit Hollow features the Shankopotamus Golf Academy powered by Toptracer, one of the few public practice setups in Iowa offering tech-enhanced training and entertainment.
- Most private clubs have exceptional practice areas, but access is generally reserved for members and guests.
- Group and Event Options:
- Blue Top Ridge is particularly well-equipped for larger groups and corporate events.
- Private clubs may allow outings or hosted events, but these often require coordination well in advance and approval from the membership.
Practical Tips for Booking and Scheduling
- Plan Ahead: Public courses with resort access can book out quickly, especially during peak season (late spring through early fall). Reserve tee times and lodging early.
- Check for Packages: Stay-and-play bundles can often save money while simplifying logistics. Look directly on the course’s website or call for seasonal specials.
- Consider Tee Box Selection: With many of these courses pushing past 7,300 yards, make sure you’re playing from a set of tees that suits your game. It’s not just about pride—it’s about having fun and scoring well.
- Interested in Membership? If you're relocating or expanding business interests in Iowa, reaching out to clubs like Cedar Rapids or Davenport for a tour or trial round may open doors. These clubs value long-term member relationships and often provide formal processes for prospective players.
Conclusion
Iowa offers a surprisingly diverse golf landscape, from exclusive private clubs steeped in history to public courses with resort-level amenities.
Whether you're after classic design or modern challenge, there's a course here that fits your game and goals.
Choose based on access, style, and experience—and you’ll find your ideal round in the Hawkeye State.
