Favorite golf public course in, and around, the Des Moines area

I have played every golf course in the title mentioned area, probably 100 times, since I was first introduced to golf 25 years ago. What are your favorite courses, and why? I ask because:

1. I struggle to choose the venue when it's my turn to set the tee time
2. I like to hear other's opinions (it might make #1 easier)

My favorite is Waveland, with Legacy a close second. I like The Wave because almost every shot is challenging. You hardly ever have a level lie and it's possible to use all the clubs in your bag. I do think spme of the greens can be unfair, but only because the speed is inconsistent from hole to hole. Stil, the character of that course makes it my #1.

Edit: probably a 3rd reason I'm bringing this up is because I'm playing twice this weekend (Beaver Creek South and "new" Otter), which is virtually impossible with two youngin's. I'm excited for this weekend.

Maybe I'm alone on this, but I like Blank. I've played Waveland more than any other course and find myself frustrated with its difficulty. I hate how you can be right in the middle of a fairway but have no idea where the pin is without walking up a hill to scope it out first. Blank is probably considered a pretty easy course but I've always enjoyed it. Plus they have GPS in the carts. Copper Creek isn't bad either. Don't get me wrong, I really like Waveland, but it definitely isn't where I want to go all the time.

Legacy and Otter Creek

Legacy

Quote:

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Originally Posted by enisthemenace

I have played every golf course in the title mentioned area, probably 100 times, since I was first introduced to golf 25 years ago. What are your favorite courses, and why? I ask because:

1. I struggle to choose the venue when it's my turn to set the tee time
2. I like to hear other's opinions (it might make #1 easier)

My favorite is Waveland, with Legacy a close second. I like The Wave because almost every shot is challenging. You hardly ever have a level lie and it's possible to use all the clubs in your bag. I do think spme of the greens can be unfair, but only because the speed is inconsistent from hole to hole. Stil, the character of that course makes it my #1.

Edit: probably a 3rd reason I'm bringing this up is because I'm playing twice this weekend (Beaver Creek South and "new" Otter), which is virtually impossible with two youngin's. I'm excited for this weekend.

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I really don't like Waveland for most of the reasons you mention. Favorite without a doubt is Jester Park.

Jester Park

Waveland, Otter and Jester are in our normal rotation. My group consists of bogey or slightly better players so these courses are all plenty tough for us. Plus we like to walk and these all allow walking even on the weekends.

Legacy is nice and worth the extra few bucks but much more difficult than the others mentioned IMO.

Played Blank last week....not bad. Greens were in great shape.

Usually go to Lake Panorama once or twice a year to play. Like that course as well and the pro is a great guy. Also went to Honey Creek in Boone this year. Course was in better shape than years past and is always a fun change of pace.

And if price is no object, the Harvester can't be beat.

Blank International Golf Course.

Waveland
River Valley
Copper
Jester

HoneyCreek -Boone (front nine only)
Toad Valley
Legacy
Blank
Veenker
Copper Creek
Riverbend -Story City
Not a fan of Waveland and Otter is a little boring. Harvester is overrated.