Best season
Spring-Fall
May · Jun · Sep · Oct
Trip cost · per golfer
$1,240–$2,560
5-night trip
Nearest airport
DSM
16 mi · DSM
Difficulty
mixed
Handicap 12–22
Overview
Des Moines offers surprisingly strong public golf, with well-maintained courses and friendly Midwestern hospitality, making it an excellent, affordable golf getaway.
Top courses
Editor-picked layouts ranked by prestige, conditioning and player experience.
Design by William Langford, Theodore Moreau · Par 71 · 6,736 yds
A classic parkland design known for its mature trees and challenging layout. Play it safe off the tee on the doglegs to avoid trouble and set up approach shots.
Design by Dick Watson · Par 72 · 7,001 yds
Modern links-style course featuring wide fairways, fescue, and strategic bunkering. Embrace the bump and run around the greens, especially on windy days.
Design by Jerry Runyon · Par 72 · 6,482 yds
Enjoyable course with elevation changes, scenic views, and a mix of open and wooded holes. Don't be afraid to lay up on the par 5s if you're not confident in carrying the hazards.
Design by Brad Golden · Par 72 · 7,096 yds
Well-conditioned, championship-caliber course with strategic bunkering and water features. Accuracy is paramount off the tee here; stray drives will be severely penalized.
Stay & play
Resort packages bundle lodging, rounds, range access, and on-site dining. Hotel-only options give you flexibility to course-hop.
Hotel
Upscale hotel offering comfortable rooms, city views, and convenient downtown access.
Luxury Hotel
Historic, recently renovated luxury hotel with elegant decor and premium amenities.
Hotel
Modern hotel providing spacious rooms, complimentary breakfast, and a central location.
Boutique Hotel
Boutique hotel in a renovated bank building, featuring stylish rooms and a vibrant atmosphere.
Off the course
Non-golf experiences worth building into your trip — from local landmarks to nature, food, and culture.
Walk through a vibrant urban park showcasing impressive contemporary sculptures.
Explore diverse plant collections in a beautiful conservatory and outdoor gardens.
Discover Iowa's rich history through engaging exhibits and artifacts.
Browse unique boutiques, antique shops, and local businesses in a charming historic district.
Enjoy horse racing, casino gaming, live entertainment, and various dining options.
Itineraries
Choose your trip length. Each plan is built around the marquee courses, with rest, dining, and travel days dialed in.
Day 1
Land at DSM, transfer to your hotel, hit the range, and grab a casual dinner at Fong's Pizza.
Day 2
Morning tee time at Blank Golf Course. Lunch at the clubhouse, afternoon recovery, dinner at Zombie Burger + Drink Lab.
Day 3
Morning tee time at Bridges at Ankeny. Lunch at the clubhouse, afternoon recovery, dinner at EAT+DRINK An American Tavern.
Day 4
Morning tee time at Willow Creek Golf Course. Lunch at the clubhouse, afternoon recovery, dinner at Miyabi 9.
Day 5
Early tee time at Legacy Golf Club, light lunch, then transfer back to DSM.
Budget
Realistic ranges sourced from current resort rates, public green fees, and group dining averages.
Lodging 5 nights · $177/nt | $885 |
Golf 4 rounds · $120 avg | $480 |
Food & drink ~$110/day | $550 |
Ground transport Rideshare + cart fees | $300 |
Flights Search Skyscanner for live fares | Variable |
| Estimated total · per golfer | $2,215 |
Season
humid continental
When to book: 3-6 months out
Dining
From clubhouse classics to chef-driven dinners worth a reservation.
Chinese-Italian Fusion
Enjoy unique, award-winning specialty pizzas in a quirky, themed environment.
Italian
Upscale Italian dining with handmade pasta and a sophisticated wine list.
American (Burgers)
Creative gourmet burgers, unique milkshakes, and a fun, zombie-apocalypse theme.
American
Casual tavern with a diverse menu, craft beers, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Japanese (Sushi)
Refined sushi and Japanese dishes crafted with fresh ingredients in a sleek setting.
Southern
Southern comfort food classics like fried chicken and shrimp and grits in a lively setting.
After dark
Where the buddy trips end up after the 19th hole.
Arcade Bar
Retro arcade bar with classic games, craft beers, and a lively, nostalgic vibe.
Rooftop Bar
Stylish rooftop bar offering panoramic city views, creative cocktails, and small bites.
Live Music Venue
Popular music venue hosting local, regional, and national touring acts.
Tee times
Live inventory from GolfNow plus flight comparison from Skyscanner. Prices update in real time.
FAQ
Spring-Fall (May, Jun, Sep, Oct). humid continental
Plan on $1,240–$2,560 per golfer for a 5-night trip including lodging, rounds, food and ground transport. Flights are extra.
DSM, about 16 miles from the resort area. Most national hubs offer non-stop service via DSM.
5 nights is the sweet spot — enough for 4 full rounds plus a rest or sightseeing day.
Yes — popular with buddies, seniors. Quieter evenings, ideal for golf-focused groups.
Ready to book
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Trip snapshot
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