Crow Valley Golf Club

Crow Valley is a course that has been on my radar to play for a couple of years, so I jumped at the chance when I got an invite. While less famous than nearby TPC Deere Run and Davenport Country Club, Crow Valley offers an excellent challenge and some of the best greens I've putted on in Iowa.

The first thing you'll notice when you pull into Crow Valley is that it is an immaculately maintained, tree-lined, parkland style golf course. I found the fairways to be quite generous in width, with a good amount of run out. The rough is fair, but can be penal so it's best to be in the fairway.

The star of the show at Crow Valley is the greens. They roll fast and true, with quite a few slopes, humps and bumps to challenge even the best putters. Staying below the hole is a must if you want to be able to stroke a putt confidently.

There are a few quirky holes that could use some updates. The 18th hole is a particularly demanding finishing hole that really falls flat, after a great stretch from 11-17. Another hole that looks inviting on the card, but isn't is the par 5 seventh. Even with a good tee shot, the green is perched and the reward isn't there to go for the green in two.

One feature I loved is many of the greens are open, at least partly, in the front. This allows for recovery shots to run on the greens. This makes the course more playable for all handicap levels.

My favorite hole on the property is the par 4 fourth hole. It's less than driver off the tee, then a short iron approach to a green guarded by multiple bunkers.

Crow Valley is a must play if you're lucky enough to get an invitation. It's a fun round of golf, on a walkable course, with several memorable holes and really fun greens.

I have played this course many times and it is a great course. The course is beautifully manicured and the greens are extremely fast. All you have to do is get the ball moving. I have also played the member guest tournament a few times and they do a fantastic job catering to the players. It is a great course to play if you can get on.