Golf Course Review: Waveland Golf Course | 8.6 Score

More than 100 years old, Waveland features one blind tee shot after another, which makes it an exception to the modern architecture rule

Location: Des Moines, Iowa
Course architect: Unknown
Opened: 1901
Par: 72
From the tips: 6,544 yards
Rating: 71.5
Slope: 122
Saturday morning green fee: $ (Under $50)
Caddie service: No
Walker friendly: No
Fairways: Bluegrass / Rye
Greens: Bluegrass / Rye

THE REVIEW

Starter: More than 100 years old, Waveland features one blind tee shot after another, which makes it an exception to the modern architecture rule. The course follows the lay of the land and it’s doubtful that much dirt was moved to design this old masterpiece.

Play because …: If you want to really feel how golf was played in the United States at the turn of the 20th century, then Waveland delivers that experience. With nearly every tee shot being a blind one, the course is a handful, but in an intriguing and fun way. 

Takeaway: Finding a municipal course that provides the fun, challenge and historic depth that Waveland offers is difficult these days. Thousands of courses have been designed since Waveland opened in 1901, but few still have the “Way Back Machine” feeling that this course offers. Playing Waveland is a once in a lifetime experience. 

RATINGS [1 to 10 scale, 10 being the highest]
Food | beverage: 6
Pro shop: 3
Clubhouse: 3
Difficulty: 8
Pace of play: 8 

INSTAGRAM HOLE IMAGES:No. 12

THE COURSE 
Best par 3: No. 10 (243 yards). The tee is elevated 20 feet higher than the green and the hole calls for a hybrid or fairway wood off the tee. If lucky enough to hit the green, then pat yourself on the back. This is a beautiful hole to behold.
Best par 4: No. 4 (371 yards). Not a long hole, but precision is the key. One of the course’s many blind tee shots is to a small perch on top of the hill. The second shot is over a ravine to a green that is harder to reach than it appears. Trees frame the approach to a green that looks to be sitting on a pedestal. The use of land on this hole is a great example of the classic architecture of this era.
Best par 5: No. 12 (565 yards). A classically designed hole. The green cannot be seen until about 125 yards out. The blind tee shot leaves a second blind shot and if it’s not hit far and right enough to a plateau, the green, situated 20 feet below, is still not in view.

INFO
Website: GolfWaveland.com
Phone: 515.248.6302
Facebook: @WavelandGolfCourse
Instagram: n/a
Twitter: @WavelandGC