Iowa borders the Mississippi River on the east and the Missouri River on the west and consequently is home to some of the most fertile topsoil in the world. The north and central part of the state is gently rolling farmland while the northeast and northwest corners along the Rivers are characterized by rugged hills, cliffs, and river bluffs.

Golf in Iowa is in one word affordable for the quality of the golf courses when compared to other areas of the U.S., and interestingly, many are not located in or around Des Moines its largest city. The top public golf courses and golf resorts in Iowa include The Harvester, Blue Top Ridge, The Preserve on Rathburn Lake, and Spirit Hollow to name a few. Interstate Highways of I-80 or I-35 crisscross the state meeting in Des Moines so this guide and map will assist in finding the best public golf courses you can play just off the highway or hidden deep in the farmland.