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Iowa gets a bad rap as a flat-lander state with only cornfields. There's nice rolling land near Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and along the Mississippi River for producing some top public golf courses.
GolfPass releases a Top 10 Public Golf Courses in Iowa every year thanks to YOU. We create our annual Golfers' Choice lists by curating the reviews submitted by everyday golfers. We use GolfPass' Ratings Index logic that weights newer reviews and combine it with a course's subcategory averages.
Each course needed at least one review and at least some public access to qualify.
We make our Golfers' Choice best-of lists user friendly. Simply click on the photo of each course to learn more about the facility or to book a tee time (in most cases).
Want to get involved with determining the top public golf courses in Iowa or any other future Golfers' Choice lists? Click here to review the next golf course you play.
Iowa golf courses reviewed in 2024: 35
Reviews of Iowa golf courses in 2024: 908
Best Public Golf Courses in Iowa
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Palmer Hills Golf Course
![Palmer Hills GC]()
Green fee: $26-$50
What they're saying: One five-star review submitted without comment in 2024. -
The Legacy Golf Club
![Legacy GC]()
Green fee: $55-$72
What they're saying: "Even when the Legacy Golf Club course was closed for play during inclement weather, clubhouse and staff were present working the pro shop and available for folks to shop in the pro shop. Every year I have found gifts for my family there, and this year was no exception!" - GolfPass Reviewer -
Fort Dodge Country Club
![Fort Dodge CC: #1]()
Green fee: $40-$55
What they're saying: "Great course with super people. Fun course that will challenges your game" - Timmernka1 -
Briggs Woods Golf Course
Green fee: $23-$33
What they're saying: "Great course that is well maintained with a super staff. Really fun and challenging course to play." - Timmkernka1 -
Red Oak Country Club
Green fee: $27
What they're saying: "This is a beautiful 18 hole course in a smaller community with a nice clubhouse and friendly staff. I never have trouble securing a tee time and enjoyed a drink at the bar and a great steak dinner at The Oaks Restaurant both in the quant clubhouse. An unexpected delight for those from outside the community!" - GolfPass Reviewer -
Okoboji View Golf Course
Green fee: $45-$79
What they're saying: "We decided to get some golf in in early October and chose this course down by Okoboji to try out. The course had a great layout was in very good shape considering a storm had moved through the night before and we had a good time. I encourage others to give this course a try and I think they will come away with the same thoughts." - Sdamg4657 -
Blue Top Ridge At Riverside
Green fee: $89-$99
What they're saying: "First time making the drive to this amazing course just a few miles south from home! Would absolutely come down more often next year." -sdcrespo -
Otter Creek
Green fee: $51-$62
What they're saying: "Great Muni Course. Otter Creek is a fun course to play. Links style look with some ponds. Pace this round was great, 3:36 hrs/minutes. Holes are challenging yet not unfair when played from the proper tees." - WGAgolf -
Prairie Links Golf & Event Center
Green fee: $30-$45
What they're saying: One five-star review submitted with no comment in 2024. -
Hunters Ridge Golf Course
Green fee: $28-$62
What they're saying: "Best public course in Cedar Rapids. Always a great time and a good value vs. all local golf options. Nate runs a tight ship and welcomes his clients." - GolfPass reviewer
Comments (1)
Odd list. Maybe two of these, Riverside/Blue Top Ridge and Legacy, are actually top public course in the state. All of the rest listed are nice, but I wouldn't call them standout courses in the state.