Des Moines is Iowa's largest golf market — a city with a strong Des Moines Parks & Recreation golf system, competitive mid-tier courses in Ankeny, Waukee, and West Des Moines, and a summer-focused season (May through October) that delivers excellent conditions across all price tiers. Weekday rates run $22 at city-operated courses to $85 at the metro's top daily-fee facilities. Des Moines' compact geography means most public courses are within 20–25 minutes of downtown — an uncommon convenience for a mid-size metro market.
Des Moines Green Fees by Tier (2026)
Pricing data limited for this market
Most courses in Des Moinesdon't publish green fees on their own websites. See individual course pages for verified rates where available, or call the pro shop directly.
Des Moines Parks Golf: Five Courses, Great Prices
Des Moines Parks & Recreation operates five 18-hole public courses at weekday rates of $22–35. Grandview Golf Course (east Des Moines, 4.1 stars) is the most popular and highest-quality city course — well-maintained parkland with views of the downtown skyline and consistent value for the price. Waveland Golf Course (northwest) and Willow Creek Golf Course (southwest) round out the city system with more modest layouts at the same price tier. All five Parks courses allow unrestricted walking.
The Mid-Tier: Otter Creek and Copper Creek
Des Moines's best mid-range golf is found in the northern and western suburbs. Otter Creek Golf Course (Johnston, Dallas County, 4.3 stars, $45–65 weekday) is consistently the most-recommended public course in the metro — excellent conditioning, a challenging layout, and pricing that makes it the default recommendation for visiting golfers. Copper Creek Golf Club (Pleasant Hill, $40–60) and Hyperion Field Club (Johnston, limited public access, $55–75) round out a strong northern-suburban corridor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest public golf course in Des Moines?
Des Moines Parks & Recreation courses run $22–35 for 18 holes weekday: Grandview Golf Course, Waveland Golf Course, Willow Creek Golf Course, Blank Park Golf Course, and A.H. Blank Golf Course. All five allow unrestricted walking. Grandview is the highest-quality of the five.
What is the best public golf course in Des Moines?
Otter Creek Golf Course in Johnston (4.3 stars, $45–65 weekday) is consistently rated the best public-access course in the Des Moines metro — strong conditions, a challenging and varied layout, and pricing well below comparable quality in larger Midwest markets. It's the first recommendation for visiting golfers.
How long is the golf season in Des Moines?
Des Moines' season runs May through October. Iowa winters close courses November through April. The best playing windows are May–June and September–October. July and August are warm (85–90°F) with moderate humidity. Weekend tee times at popular courses fill quickly in summer — book 5–7 days out.
Is Des Moines golf affordable compared to other Midwest markets?
Yes — Des Moines is among the most affordable Midwest golf markets. City courses at $22–35 and mid-tier at $40–65 run 10–20% below comparable Chicago-suburban or Minneapolis courses. The compact geography also reduces drive time to quality courses, making the overall value proposition strong for local and visiting golfers.