What are the worst golf courses in each state (Iowa)?

Here’s a look at three public golf courses in Iowa that, based on repeated reviews, appear to be having a tougher time than most – and offer cautionary tales for visiting golfers.1. Shady Oaks Golf Course (Ackworth)

For those hoping to explore the Des Moines area, Shady Oaks unfortunately comes up often in complaint forums. A TripAdvisor reviewer called their entry: “Worst gross in Iowa.” (Tripadvisor)

The good (or at least neutral)

– It’s affordable and easily accessible from the metropolitan area, which means lower expectations for luxury.

– It is likely to attract local players rather than destination golfers, so the pace of play may be manageable.

The problems

Several reviewers mention poor maintenance: worn tee boxes, thin or patchy fairways and inconsistent greens. (Jaap)

There are complaints about the general condition of the course overshadowing the fun – one reviewer said they “didn’t golf one hole because some other kid just wanted to…” (suggesting management or operational problems). (Jaap)

The atmosphere and takeaway food

Shady Oaks feels like the “budget” option has gone wrong: You get the lower price, yes, but you also get the kind of conditions that could frustrate a golfer used to decent grass and fair play. If you’re desperate to get a round in and play cheap, go in with very modest expectations (and maybe a good sense of humor).

National Airport

2. National Airport Golf Course (Cedar Rapids)

This one is a bit unusual: the issues raised are less about pristine lawns and more about design and safety concerns.

The good

As a municipal facility it is likely to provide value for local play.

The problems

A reviewer on TripAdvisor raised the alarm about the layout: “The layout of holes 19-27 is terrible. Way too close together with tee boxes close to the greens. I didn’t feel safe the entire round.” (Tripadvisor)

When safety (or the perception of safety) enters the picture, the enjoyment of golf can quickly erode, especially when drives, holes or paths feel limited.

The atmosphere and takeaway food

Airport National appears to be more affected by design and spacing issues than pure grass conditions. If you choose this one, know that it can feel busy, a bit quirky and less comfortable for a relaxed round, especially if you’re playing with others who hit long or wander off the line.

Copper Creek

3. Copper Creek Golf Course (Pleasant Hill, near Des Moines)

A third candidate for the ‘what to look out for’ list is Copper Creek. While not universally filtered, there are specific reviews that reveal serious flaws.

The good

Its proximity to the Des Moines metro area makes it convenient for local play.

The problems

One specific TripAdvisor review states: “Copper Creek gets the WORST award. This course is poorly maintained, with holes that no golf architect in their right mind would ever build. The greens…” (Tripadvisor)

The reviewer points to design flaws and maintenance issues: double trouble for golfers expecting a playable round.

The atmosphere and takeaway food

If you play Copper Creek, have realistic expectations and perhaps treat it as a casual round rather than a “memorable golf experience.” The lawn and layout may disappoint, but if you’re in the area and just want to swing, it could be helpful. But be prepared.

Final thoughts

Golf in Iowa has many standout courses, but like any state, there are courses that don’t meet golfers’ expectations. Of the three above:

– Shady Oaks for maintenance and general condition issues.

– Airport National due to layout and safety/distance issues.

– Copper Creek for a mix of condition and design issues.

If you’re planning a golf outing in Iowa and want a positive experience, you might want to skip it (or go in with low expectations) and instead aim for one of the highly ranked options in the state.