Iowa Golf Trip - Need some course Recos

[venand]

Hey guys - I checked out a few of the Iowa golf posts, but I wanted to see if anyone has taken a trip to the Des Moines area for a 3-4 day golf trip? We are looking to head down there in September because we have played a lot of the twin cities, Brainerd lakes and Duluth (up north) golf courses. We are looking for some new stuff. Specifically we are looking for a good stay and play package and I would love to hear about your experience. Also, general course recommendations in the Des Moines area would be great.

 

Potential courses we are looking at are: Harvester, Preserve, TCI, Hunters Ridge, Jester Park, Bos Landen and Lake Panorama.

 

On a budget, but looking for some fun golf and a deal if possible.

 

Cheers!

 

Andrew

[Bitz22]

Look into [url="http://www.thelegacygolfclub.com/"]http://www.thelegacygolfclub.com/[/url], they have a great stay and play. We have a group that goes in the spring.

[Bitz22]

Also, with my above post, we play Tournament Club of Iowa and Harvester. These two don't really have the stay and play package as Legacy, but the courses are great. And to think Iowa isn't just a state to pass through.

[greglarson2]

I would say you have a pretty good list there, although some are a bit of a drive from the DSM area. If you are willing to head over to the Cedar Rapids area (Hunters Ridge) I would say throw in the Amana Colonies as well as Blue Top Ridge.

[venand]

[quote name='Bitz22' timestamp='1329758070' post='4332099']
Also, with my above post, we play Tournament Club of Iowa and Harvester. These two don't really have the stay and play package as Legacy, but the courses are great. And to think Iowa isn't just a state to pass through.
[/quote]

Thanks for the reco. Do you guys usually do a 1 or 2 day stay and play? I really like variety and I am not sure I like the idea of being at the same course for 2 days straight.....

Also, you aren't related to an Andrew Bitz are you? Used to work with him.

We are planning to hit up the TCI for sure. The rest is still up in the air.

[bobfoster]

I didn't actually realize there WAS anything called an "Iowa golf trip" ... heehee ...

[Bitz22]

Not related, just my nickname. The last time we made the trip was 2 years ago, missed last year because it snowed, we played TCI on Friday and stayed at the hotel for the stay and play Friday night, played 2 rounds at Legacy on Saturday that covered Friday night and Saturday night stays.
Now we plan on playing Harvester and TCI and just finding a cheap hotel in the middle so we aren't looked into one course.
Another great deal is Veenker, if you don't mind staying on one course. I have never done the stay and play here, but I know people who go down there every year and they say for the price you can't beat it.

[venand]

Thanks for the recos guys. One other question, are there any other attractions that are worth checking out in Des Moines? Good breweries, brew pubs, bars, restaurants? We will be looking for some fun options at night. Let me know

[tatertot]

[quote name='venand' timestamp='1329838456' post='4340941']
Thanks for the recos guys. One other question, are there any other attractions that are worth checking out in Des Moines? Good breweries, brew pubs, bars, restaurants? We will be looking for some fun options at night. Let me know
[/quote]

I actually live in Des Moines ... Harvester and TCI are the best of the bunch in this area. About 30 minutes south we also have Bos Landen, a fun 7,000 yarder tucked in fairly thick timber. Honey Creek is about 45 minutes NW of Des Moines ... front 9 is kind of plain Jane, but the back 9 is cut into the side of a huge bluff. Ames is about 45 minutes north and has a true links style course that's fun ... Ankeny is 15 minutes north of Des Moines and has recently refurbished course that's nice. Downtown Des Moines is home to the oldest public course west of the Mississippi - and it's kind of fun.

Shoot me a PM if you're interested in more. Be more to glad to help. Maybe even join up for a round along the way!

[acpar72]

My suggestions would be Amana then Harvester.

[Aithos]

[quote name='bobfoster' timestamp='1329788842' post='4335989']
I didn't actually realize there WAS anything called an "Iowa golf trip" ... heehee ...
[/quote]

Hey now! Iowa isn't *that* bad! I live in the Quad Cities and there are some decent courses here too if you make it to SE Iowa. TPC Deere run, the Arsenal golf club (formerly private), a couple decent public courses (Palmer hills, Emeis) and some nice country clubs (Oakwood, Pinnacle, Davenport Country Club). It's not a huge area but surprisingly nice for the 600k population...

I'm not familiar with stay and play packages though, I've never had a reason to look before

[venand]

[quote name='tatertot' timestamp='1330464361' post='4397415']
[quote name='venand' timestamp='1329838456' post='4340941']
Thanks for the recos guys. One other question, are there any other attractions that are worth checking out in Des Moines? Good breweries, brew pubs, bars, restaurants? We will be looking for some fun options at night. Let me know
[/quote]

I actually live in Des Moines ... Harvester and TCI are the best of the bunch in this area. About 30 minutes south we also have Bos Landen, a fun 7,000 yarder tucked in fairly thick timber. Honey Creek is about 45 minutes NW of Des Moines ... front 9 is kind of plain Jane, but the back 9 is cut into the side of a huge bluff. Ames is about 45 minutes north and has a true links style course that's fun ... Ankeny is 15 minutes north of Des Moines and has recently refurbished course that's nice. Downtown Des Moines is home to the oldest public course west of the Mississippi - and it's kind of fun.

Shoot me a PM if you're interested in more. Be more to glad to help. Maybe even join up for a round along the way!
[/quote]

Thanks for the recos. I thought my post might be dieing and then I checked in to see that you guys are still giving me some great info. I appreciate it. If you ever need Minnesota recos let me know.

We aren't coming down until the Fall, but I will let you know if we are in your area. There is a good chance we might need 1 more to round out the 4 somes.

[Titleist87]

Sentimental favorites for me are Jester Park (worked there in HS in the 80s) and Willow Creek where we played HS tournaments.

[MileHighClub]

Got to play Amana last year and really loved it. Very scenic area, although it is a bit of a drive from Des Moines.

[tatertot]

[quote name='MileHighClub' timestamp='1330478728' post='4399013']
Got to play Amana last year and really loved it. Very scenic area, although it is a bit of a drive from Des Moines.
[/quote]


Amana is a very fun course. Plus, a season pass is only like $800.

[bobfoster]

Parenthetically ... I have to say this is the first time I have ever heard the phrase "Iowa golf trip" ... heehee ...

[Bitz22]

Hey Tatertot,
Planning on coming down this spring with a group of 8, we plan on playing TCI and Harvester, since you have local knowledge, would you recommend staying in Ames or Ankeny?
Thanks and let us up in MN know when most of the courses are open down your way!

[greglarson2]

[quote name='Bitz22' timestamp='1330981170' post='4442371']
Hey Tatertot,
Planning on coming down this spring with a group of 8, we plan on playing TCI and Harvester, since you have local knowledge, would you recommend staying in Ames or Ankeny?
Thanks and let us up in MN know when most of the courses are open down your way!
[/quote]

You would be fine in either one really. It depends on when you come down and what you are looking to do in your down time. If it is during the College year then there will probably be a few more things to do in Ames then if it is in the summer. Otherwise from Ankeny it is a pretty quick trip to either course. It would also be a pretty quick drive to Downtown.

[tatertot]

[quote name='greglarson2' timestamp='1331045265' post='4447133']
[quote name='Bitz22' timestamp='1330981170' post='4442371']
Hey Tatertot,
Planning on coming down this spring with a group of 8, we plan on playing TCI and Harvester, since you have local knowledge, would you recommend staying in Ames or Ankeny?
Thanks and let us up in MN know when most of the courses are open down your way!
[/quote]

You would be fine in either one really. It depends on when you come down and what you are looking to do in your down time. If it is during the College year then there will probably be a few more things to do in Ames then if it is in the summer. Otherwise from Ankeny it is a pretty quick trip to either course. It would also be a pretty quick drive to Downtown.
[/quote]

Pretty much what he said. If you want a college town atmosphere, hit Ames. Lots of bars - plus a cool true-links style course in town.

Ankeny is basically north Des Moines. NIce course there, too, recently redone layout that's kind of fun.

My course (Copper Creek in Des Moines) opened yesterday. Mid-60s today - I'll be on the course before 3 today.

[greglarson2]

[quote name='tatertot' timestamp='1331053149' post='4448077']

Pretty much what he said. If you want a college town atmosphere, hit Ames. Lots of bars - plus a cool true-links style course in town.

Ankeny is basically north Des Moines. NIce course there, too, recently redone layout that's kind of fun.

My course (Copper Creek in Des Moines) opened yesterday. Mid-60s today - I'll be on the course before 3 today.
[/quote]

And in my eyes one really goofy course in Veenker. Its a must to play that course with someone who knows it as there are so many blind and awkward shots at that course.

How is Otter Creek now? I played it a few times during HS golf but the last time was 2003 before the reno. It looks pretty nice now when I drive by on the interstate.

Sorry for the treadjack

[greglarson2]

[quote name='bobfoster' timestamp='1329788842' post='4335989']
I didn't actually realize there WAS anything called an "Iowa golf trip" ... heehee ...
[/quote]



Haha yeah I think most people would be pleasantly surprised by the quality of some of the courses in Iowa. Harvester is ranked #39 on GD Top 100 Public courses this year (#36 last year). Heard lots of good things about Blue Top Ridge as well, even whispers of a push for the U.S. Open. Although I think things took a hit after the flood and subsequent redesign of 4 holes. Plus a couple other high quality courses in The Preserve, Spirit Hollow and Tournament Club of Iowa.

There are a couple of great private courses in DSM as well Glen Oaks (Current site of the Senior Principal Charity Classic) and Des Moines Golf and Country Club (held '99 Senior US Open).

[venand]

Thanks guys for the continued recos. We are thinking of playing the TCI on the way down and then doing a stay and play at the Preserve. They have pretty good prices in the fall. Right now we are planning on passing on the harvester and maybe hitting up a local muni. A few guys have vouched for Jester.