via Google1🏆 4 award winnersDes Moines
Nearest metro: Des Moines (DSM)
Editorial writeup coming in the next pass.
7 courses·$·$1,006/golfer
Marquee: Tournament Club of Iowa
1 destination · 7 catalog courses · 4 nationally ranked
Best Golf Courses in Iowa
Iowa carries 1 destination in Scramble's catalog covering 7 independently researched courses, with the strongest trip-planning anchors ranked below. Pricing, weather, and primary airports are all real, pulled from the catalog at build time.
Every Iowa destination, ranked
Sorted by national-ranking depth, then catalog course count.
| # | Destination | Nearest airport | Courses | Peak greens fee | Price band |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Des Moines | DSM (Des Moines) | 4 must-play / 7 total | $51–$115 | $ |
Where is the best golf in Iowa?
Finkbine Golf Course at Des Moines is the strongest catalog course in Iowa, earning Hogan Tour Event Host (1991) on national rankings. Iowa carries 4 nationally ranked courses in Scramble's catalog overall, so the choice between them depends on what trip you're planning.
The Iowa destination lineup
Iowa destinations
via Google1🏆 4 award winnersWhen to plan a Iowa golf trip
The strongest months for golf in Iowa are Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, based on 20-year playability scores combining temperature and precipitation across the state's destinations. Tee-time inventory and rate stacking both tighten as those windows fill; book early in your preferred month rather than late, especially for the marquee courses.
Frequently asked questions about golf in Iowa
Is Iowa a good state for a golf trip?
Yes, with depth that surprises casual visitors. Iowa has 1 destination in Scramble's catalog covering 7 independently researched courses, including 4 courses ranked on national best-of lists. Des Moines anchors the state catalog, with neighboring destinations rounding out a long-weekend or full-week itinerary depending on group size.
How much does a Iowa golf trip cost?
A 3-round, 4-golfer trip to Iowa runs about $1,006 per person on average across the state's 1 destinations, with mid-range ($$) lodging. Flights are excluded since they depend on your home airport. Use the trip calculator on any destination's page to lock in the actual number for your group.
Plan a trip
Start planning your Iowa buddies trip
Pick your dates and group size. Scramble pairs the courses, lodging, and timing automatically.
Plan itMore golf-trip destinations
This page ranks every Iowa destination in Scramble's catalog by national-ranking depth, must-play course count, and total catalog course count, with editorial overrides where the auto-rank misses something. Trip cost is computed by sample-planning a 3-round, 4-golfer trip at mid-range ($$) lodging for each destination. Weather scores combine 20-year temperature and precipitation data.
Published June 2026. Updated when the data or Scramble’s recommendations change.