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Nestled in the heartland of Iowa, Des Moines stands as a beacon of Midwestern charm and a burgeoning hub for golf enthusiasts. For those seeking a harmonious blend of recreation, camaraderie, and luxury living, the private country clubs in Des Moines offer an exclusive haven. In this article, we unveil the top 10 best country clubs in Des Moines IA, where manicured fairways meet the warmth of Midwest hospitality, creating an enclave for golf aficionados who appreciate the finer things in life.

Why Join a Country Club

Joining a private country club is an invitation to a lifestyle that transcends the ordinary—a sanctuary where leisure, camaraderie, and opulence converge. Beyond the manicured fairways, private country clubs offer a wealth of benefits, including exclusive access to championship golf courses, upscale dining, and a calendar filled with social events. The sense of community and belonging fostered within these enclaves creates lasting connections among like-minded individuals. Whether perfecting your swing on the golf course or networking at a club event, the private country club experience is a symphony of elegance, offering a retreat from the every day and a platform for creating lasting memories.

The 10 Best Country Clubs in Des Moines IA:

Des Moines Golf and Country Club

1600 Jordan Creek Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA 50266

Des Moines Golf and Country Club is a private country club located in West Des Moines, Iowa. The club was established in 1897 and has since been a popular destination for golf enthusiasts. The club boasts two 18-hole championship golf courses, the North Course and the South Course, both of which have been designed by Pete Dye.

The North Course is 7,301 yards long and has a course rating of 74.9, while the South Course is 7,103 yards long and has a course rating of 74.2. In addition to golf, the club offers a range of amenities, including an Olympic-sized swimming pool, 12 tennis courts, and a clubhouse. The clubhouse is the hub of all activities and features a restaurant, bar, and banquet facilities. The club also hosts various events throughout the year, including the 1999 U.S. Senior Open and the 2017 Solheim Cup.

Wakonda Club

3915 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321

Wakonda Club is a private golf and country club located in the heart of Des Moines, Iowa. The club was founded in 1922 and is known for its welcoming and friendly atmosphere. The club features an 18-hole championship golf course designed by William Langford, which is consistently ranked as one of the best courses in the state. The course is traditionally designed with mature trees and hills, and it plays differently every time you step up to the tee box.

The course is 6,859 yards long and has a slope rating of 135. In addition to golf, the club offers a range of amenities, including exceptionally cared-for clay courts and two omni courts for tennis enthusiasts of all ages and abilities. The club also features three pools, including an Olympic-sized pool, and a tiki bar that serves drinks and ice cream treats. The clubhouse offers a variety of dining experiences, including private and intimate experiences, casual al fresco dining, Sunday dinner, or celebrating special occasions with exceptional dining and service. The club also hosts nationally recognized golf and tennis competitive and philanthropic tournaments and unique events throughout the year.

Glen Oaks Country Club

1401 Glen Oaks Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50266

Glen Oaks Country Club is a private golf and country club located in West Des Moines, Iowa. The club was founded in 1994 and features an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus. The course is traditionally designed with mature trees and hills, and it plays differently every time you step up to the tee box. The course is 7,000 yards long and has a slope rating of 135.

In addition to golf, the club offers a range of amenities, including tennis courts, a fitness center, a swimming pool, and multiple dining options. The clubhouse is the hub of all activities and features a restaurant, bar, and banquet facilities. The club also hosts various events throughout the year, including the 2017 Solheim Cup and the 2018 PGA Tour Champions event.

Hyperion Field Club

7390 NW Beaver Dr, Johnston, IA 50131

Hyperion Field Club, located in Johnston, Iowa, is a private, family-friendly destination. The club was founded in 1922 and has been a favored destination for picture-perfect views and memorable occasions for more than 100 years. The club features an 18-hole championship golf course designed by William Langford, which is consistently ranked as one of the best courses in the state.

The course is traditionally designed with mature trees and hills, and it plays differently every time you step up to the tee box. The course is 6,859 yards long and has a slope rating of 135. In addition to golf, the club offers a range of amenities, including exceptionally cared-for clay courts and two omni courts for tennis enthusiasts of all ages and abilities. The club also features three pools, including an Olympic-sized pool, and a tiki bar that serves drinks and ice cream treats.

The clubhouse offers a variety of dining experiences, including private and intimate experiences, casual al fresco dining, Sunday dinner, or celebrating special occasions with exceptional dining and service. The club also hosts nationally recognized golf and tennis competitive and philanthropic tournaments and unique events throughout the year.

Echo Valley Country Club

3150 Echo Valley Dr, Norwalk, IA 50211

Echo Valley Country Club is a private golf and country club located in Norwalk, IA, just 10 minutes from both Downtown Des Moines and the center of West Des Moines. The club offers a range of amenities for its members, including an award-winning 27-hole golf course, first-class practice facilities, a swimming pool, tennis court, and a Clubhouse.

The Creek Course, Bunkers, and Irrigation have undergone renovations in the past few years, and the club has installed a brand-new irrigation system on Creek 9. The bunkers on all 27 holes have been rebuilt as Capillary Concrete bunkers with new sand imported from Ohio. Echo Valley Country Club is dedicated to providing a place for friends of all ages to gather and enjoy.

Urbandale Golf and Country Club

4000 86th St, Urbandale, IA 50322

Urbandale Golf and Country Club is a private golf and country club located in Urbandale, IA, just a few miles northwest of Des Moines. The club features a beautifully maintained 9-hole golf course that was named the 2016 9-hole golf course of the year in Iowa by the Iowa Golf Association.

The course is challenging and fun to play on a daily basis, with tight-cut fairways beautifully lined with large trees and small greens that present a challenge for both experts and beginners. The club also offers a swimming pool, a grill, and a golf driving range. Urbandale Golf & Country Club is dedicated to providing its members with an exceptional dining and social experience, with fine food and gracious service that you would expect from a private club.

Davenport Country Club

25500 Valley Dr, Pleasant Valley, IA 52767

Davenport Country Club is a private country club located in Pleasant Valley, Iowa, approximately 150 miles east of Des Moines. The club is ranked as the best private golf course in Iowa by Golfweek. The club offers a premier golf course, and excellent dining, swimming, and tennis facilities. The club also offers a variety of membership options, including equity and social memberships.

Cedar Rapids Country Club

550 27th St Dr SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403

Cedar Rapids Country Club is a private country club located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, approximately 120 miles east of Des Moines. The club is ranked among the Midwest’s best private clubs by Golfweek. The club offers a stunning visual setting to enhance the world-class golf, tennis, fitness, dining, and aquatics amenities that the Club has to offer its members and their guests.

The club also offers a variety of outstanding facilities, including meeting and dining spaces for groups of all sizes and set-up needs. For over 100 years, the Cedar Rapids Country Club has been a retreat for discerning individuals and families in the greater Cedar Rapids area.

Des Moines Embassy Club

7th & Grand Ave, 34th floor, Des Moines, IA 50309

Des Moines Embassy Club is a private club that offers a friendly, accessible, and exclusive community for business or pleasure. The club has two locations, Downtown and West, both of which offer a range of amenities for its members. The Downtown clubhouse is located in the Ruan Center, Iowa’s tallest building, and offers a formal dining room with century-old chandeliers, a member bar with big-screen TVs, and a panoramic view of Des Moines.

The West clubhouse is located near West Glen and offers a semi-formal dining room with cart-side dining service, a member bar with TVs, and a lakeside patio with formal and lounge seating. Both locations can accommodate large parties of up to 500 people and have private event spaces available for rent. The club also offers room rental discounts for private events, private personalized dining and cocktail service, and Wi-Fi. The Des Moines Embassy Club is dedicated to providing its members with an exceptional dining and social experience, with fine food and gracious service that you would expect from a private club.

Ankeny Golf and Country Club

314 SW Irvinedale Dr, Ankeny, IA 50023

Ankeny Golf and Country Club is a private country club located in Ankeny, Iowa, approximately 10 miles north of Des Moines. The club was founded in 1962 and is member-owned and operated as a nonprofit organization. The club offers a beautiful, award-winning 9-hole golf course, private pools, and a wonderful dining experience in a private clubhouse overlooking the golf course. The course is open year-round, and the greens, fairways, and tee boxes are watered regularly. The club also has a thriving social calendar that provides members with a great opportunity to connect with old friends or make new connections throughout the year.

Conclusion

In the heart of Iowa‘s capital city, Des Moines’ private country clubs stand as symbols of exclusivity and Midwest charm. These enclaves offer not only championship golf courses but also a lifestyle where leisure is crafted with finesse against the backdrop of the rolling Midwest landscape. As the sun sets on these meticulously groomed fairways, the allure of Des Moines’ best private country clubs remains—an invitation to elevate your leisure pursuits in a city that seamlessly blends tradition, hospitality, and the pursuit of golfing excellence.