Best Golf Courses in Des Moines, Iowa

Looking for a great place to play golf in Des Moines? This guide covers public golf courses, private clubs, executive layouts, and championship golf around Des Moines, Iowa. You’ll find greens fees, locations, course details, and local golf information to help plan your next round.

Des Moines Golf Courses Map

About Golf in Des Moines, Iowa

Des Moines has one of the strongest golf scenes in the Midwest. The city is known for affordable municipal golf, championship public layouts, and private clubs with long local traditions across central Iowa.

The golf season in Des Moines usually runs from April through October. Summer is the busiest time because warm temperatures and long daylight hours make evening golf very popular. Fall golf is also excellent thanks to cooler weather and colorful Iowa scenery.

Golfers in Des Moines can choose from beginner-friendly executive courses, scenic parkland layouts, nationally ranked championship golf, and modern indoor golf facilities. The variety makes the city a good fit for casual players, families, and serious golfers.

All Golf Courses in Des Moines, Iowa

The Des Moines area offers a deep mix of public and private golf facilities. Golfers can enjoy classic tree-lined fairways, prairie-style championship layouts, and affordable city-owned golf throughout the metro area.

Public Golf Courses in Des Moines

Public golf in Des Moines is one of the city’s biggest strengths. Golfers can choose from affordable municipal layouts and highly rated championship public courses throughout the metro area.

• Waveland Golf Course - 4908 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311. Historic municipal course known for tree-lined fairways and one of the oldest clubhouses west of the Mississippi River.
• Bright Grandview Golf Course - 2401 E 29th St, Des Moines, IA 50317. Scenic public golf with rolling terrain and a relaxed local atmosphere.
• Blank Golf Course - 808 County Line Rd, Des Moines, IA 50320. Popular city-owned course featuring wide fairways and beginner-friendly conditions.
• Woodland Hills Golf Course - 620 NE 66th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313. Championship public layout with elevation changes and modern greens.
• Otter Creek Golf Course - 4100 NE Otter Creek Dr, Ankeny, IA 50021. One of central Iowa’s most respected public golf courses.
• Jester Park Golf Course - 11949 NW 118th Ave, Granger, IA 50109. Scenic public golf located near Saylorville Lake and Jester Park.
• Copper Creek Golf Club - 4825 Copper Creek Dr, Pleasant Hill, IA 50327. Modern championship golf with prairie-style fairways and water hazards.

Private Golf Clubs in Des Moines

Des Moines has several respected private country clubs that host tournaments, member events, and championship-level golf throughout the year.

• Wakonda Club - 3915 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321. Members and guests only. Historic private club that hosts professional and regional golf tournaments.
• Des Moines Golf & Country Club - 1600 Jordan Creek Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA 50266. Members and guests only. Prestigious private club with two championship golf courses.
• Hyperion Field Club - 7390 NW Beaver Dr, Johnston, IA 50131. Members and guests only. Traditional country club with scenic fairways and long local history.
• Glen Oaks Country Club - 1401 Glen Oaks Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50266. Members and guests only. Upscale private golf club with luxury amenities and strong course conditions.

Executive and Par-3 Golf Courses in Des Moines

Executive and par-3 golf around Des Moines is ideal for beginners, juniors, seniors, and golfers looking for quick practice rounds.

• A.H. Blank Executive Golf Course - 808 County Line Rd, Des Moines, IA 50320. Short executive layout popular for learning the game and evening rounds.
• Waveland Par 3 - 4908 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311. Beginner-friendly par-3 course located next to historic Waveland Golf Course.
• Topgolf Des Moines - 7680 Coachlight Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50266. Entertainment golf venue with climate-controlled bays, food service, and virtual golf games.

Golf Resorts and Championship Courses in Des Moines

Des Moines is one of Iowa’s top golf destinations because of its championship public golf and nationally respected private clubs. Several courses regularly host major Iowa golf events.

• Wakonda Club - 3915 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321. Championship private golf club that has hosted professional tournaments and regional championships.
• Des Moines Golf & Country Club - 1600 Jordan Creek Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA 50266. Prestigious private facility with championship layouts and tournament-level conditioning.
• Otter Creek Golf Course - 4100 NE Otter Creek Dr, Ankeny, IA 50021. Championship public golf featuring water hazards, prairie terrain, and excellent conditions.
• Woodland Hills Golf Course - 620 NE 66th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313. One of the area’s most respected public championship golf layouts.
• The Legacy Golf Club - 400 Legacy Pkwy, Norwalk, IA 50211. Scenic championship public golf located south of Des Moines.

Golf Course Greens Fees in Des Moines

Golf around Des Moines is generally affordable compared to larger Midwest golf cities. Municipal courses offer strong value, while championship courses charge more during peak summer weekends.

Interesting Facts About Golf in Des Moines

Des Moines combines affordable public golf with championship private clubs and one of the strongest golf communities in Iowa.

Why Golfers Enjoy Playing in Des Moines

Des Moines offers golfers affordable public golf, strong course variety, and a relaxed Midwest golf atmosphere. Players can enjoy historic city courses, modern championship layouts, and quick access to tee times across the metro area. The city also has a strong local golf community and several well-maintained municipal facilities.

• Municipal golf courses are affordable and easy to access.
• Championship public courses are located throughout the metro area.
• Long summer evenings are ideal for twilight golf.
• Several beginner-friendly executive layouts are available.
• Prairie-style golf creates fun wind conditions and open scenery.
• Private clubs host major Iowa golf events and tournaments.
• Indoor golf facilities allow year-round practice.