For beginners and experienced golfers alike, Des Moines golf courses offer an excellent day of play. Whether you’re looking for your new favorite spot or want to improve your game with a challenging course, the Greater Des Moines area provides plenty of options.
10 Best Greater Des Moines Golf Courses
Courses named “the greatest America has to offer” by notable golf professionals, flat greens for better accessibility, and championship-caliber layouts — these are just a few of the characteristics of the ten best golf courses in Des Moines.
1. Beaver Creek Golf Course
Located in Grimes, Iowa — a western suburb of Des Moines — Beaver Creek Golf Course offers golfers a 27-hole course. Players can enjoy all three nine-hole, uniquely designed courses that feature picturesque landscapes, beautiful trees, and plentiful water features.
2. Bright Grandview Golf Course
Built in 1902, Bright Grandview Golf Course is one of the oldest courses in the country. Located on the east side of Des Moines, the course balances the charm of its older look with a recently rebuilt bar and grill, pro shop, and banquet room.
Compared to most golf courses, the length of the course is shorter. However, it is well protected by large trees and small greens with plenty of elevation. With its flat green, this course is ideal for seniors, juniors, and people at nearly every level of mobility.
3. Copper Creek Golf Course
Built in 1997, Copper Creek Golf Club is located in Pleasant Hill, a short drive east of Des Moines. This picturesque 18-hole course blends easier and more challenging courses, offering a day of gameplay for players of all skill levels.
Known for its unique country club atmosphere, this course is a great place to enjoy a meal or drink with friends either indoors or on one of the patios overlooking the scenic course.
4. Jester Park Golf Course
Jester Park Golf Course provides challenges for players of all levels. You can work on your long game on the 18-hole championship course, start boosting your short game on the par-three course, or opt for the state-of-the-art practice facility to learn how to play or improve your game.
Jester Park is located about 20 miles northwest of Des Moines in Granger, Iowa. Surrounded by stunning scenery and near Saylorville Lake, this popular course makes the short drive worth the extra time!
5. The Legacy Golf Club
The Legacy Golf Club, located just south of Des Moines, is known for its three sets of tees. The experienced golfer will be challenged by the precision required for every shot and the undulating putting surfaces, and the novice will enjoy the course’s forgiving fairways.
6. Otter Creek Golf Course
Just a short drive north of Des Moines, Otter Creek Golf Course is a links-style course offering a firmer playing surface. Always in excellent condition, Otter Creek features multiple tee boxes, great greens, and a lot of tall grass. The 17,000-square-foot clubhouse features a bar and grill, an award-winning golf shop, and a banquet hall.
7. Terrace Hills Golf Course
Since 1964, Terrace Hills Golf Course has been a favorite of locals and visitors alike. The course has been redeveloped, but retains many original design characteristics. The tree-lined layout is playable for golfers of nearly every skill level, and in addition to the 18-hole championship course, Terrace Hills features a state-of-the-art driving range, a short-game practice area, and a top-tier mini-golf course.
8. Tournament Club of Iowa
Tournament Club of Iowa (TCI) is a premier golf course designed by pro Arnold Palmer. In 2004, this course was voted Golf Digest's Top 10 Best New Upscale Courses. From 2003-2008, it was named one of Golf Digest's Best Courses in the State.
Located in Polk City, TCI sits on 500 acres that cut through the bluffs and running ravines between Big Creek Dam and Saylorville Lake.
9. Waveland Golf Course
Built in 1901, Waveland Golf Course is not only the oldest municipal golf course west of the Mississippi, but also the only municipal course included by golf writer Davy Hoffman in “America’s Greatest Golf Courses.” Just west of downtown Des Moines, Waveland offers challenging courses, a vintage clubhouse, and a full banquet hall.
10. Woodland Hills Golf Course
Located in Saylor Township on the far north side of Des Moines, Woodland Hills Golf Course is easily accessible to those in or near the metro area. The course features a unique blend of 18 holes that serve as a fun challenge to golfers of nearly all skill levels. For an exclusive experience, the Executive 9 course offers a chance for golfers to use every club in their bag.
If practice is on your mind, Woodland Hills offers pitching and putting greens. And once you’ve finished your game, the clubhouse offers snacks and beverages for purchase.
Healthy Senior Living in Des Moines
Whether you want a relaxing game or one that challenges you to push your skills, Des Moines golf courses offer opportunities for golfers of all skill levels.
For older adults, healthy senior living is not only about diet and doctor’s appointments, but also pastimes that bring joy and purpose to living. Learn more about healthy living by reading The Complete Guide to Healthy Senior Living in the Des Moines Metro Area.
