Waveland Golf Course - A Timeless Place To Play

Did you know that right in the middle of Des Moines, there's a place where golf history really comes alive? Waveland Golf Course, you see, is more than just a place to hit a few balls; it's a truly historic spot, holding the title of the oldest municipal golf course west of the Mississippi River. It's been around for ages, offering a place for folks to enjoy the game since the very start of the 1900s, and it has, in a way, just kept getting better with time, welcoming players of all sorts to its fairways.

This course, located at 4908 University Avenue, has a pretty neat story, you know, stretching back over a hundred and twenty years, with its official opening in 1901. It’s a spot that many folks in Iowa consider, well, probably the nicest city-owned course in the whole state, giving players a really pleasant setting for their rounds. You can expect a traditional layout across its eighteen holes, which means it feels like a classic golf experience, something that has, for all intents and purposes, stood the test of time.

So, if you're looking for a place that combines a love for the game with a real sense of history, Waveland Golf Course might just be the spot for you. It’s got a lot going on, from ways to learn the game to spots for get-togethers, and it really feels like a central part of the Des Moines community. It’s a place where, as a matter of fact, you can really connect with the long story of golf in this part of the country, and just enjoy a good day out on the green.

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Table of Contents

• The Long Story of Waveland Golf Course
• Who Helped Shape Waveland Golf Course?
• What Makes Waveland Golf Course Special?
• Getting Around Waveland Golf Course
• How Can You Get Involved at Waveland Golf Course?
• Playing a Round at Waveland Golf Course
• What Else Happens at Waveland Golf Course?
• Planning Your Visit to Waveland Golf Course

The Long Story of Waveland Golf Course

Waveland Golf Course has a truly impressive background, you know, going back more than a hundred and twenty years, making it one of the very oldest golf courses in the whole country. The actual ground where the course sits was given to the Des Moines park department way back in 1894 by a person named Fannie Mae Ingersoll. Then, a few years later, in 1901, the course was officially ready for play, which is when it truly started its journey as a place for people to enjoy golf. This opening year, as a matter of fact, makes it the first golf course to open its doors west of the Mississippi River, a pretty big deal in golf history.

In 2001, Waveland Golf Course had a big celebration, marking its one hundredth year, which is a significant milestone for any place, especially a golf course. It’s been a constant presence for golfers in Des Moines for all that time, offering a consistent and friendly place to play. This really long history, you see, gives the course a special feeling, a sense of being part of something much bigger than just a game of golf, almost like stepping back in time with every swing.

Who Helped Shape Waveland Golf Course?

So, who was the creative mind behind this truly old and rather lovely course, Waveland Golf Course, when it first came to be? Well, it was a gentleman named Warren Dickson, a champion player himself, who laid out the course's original design back in 1901. He was quite the designer, actually, going on to create more than one hundred courses all across Iowa before he passed away in 1941. His work at Waveland, you know, set the stage for what would become a beloved spot for generations of golfers, giving it its traditional feel that still holds up today.

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Today, the day-to-day operations of Waveland Golf Course are looked after by Nick Speck, who serves as the general manager. He helps make sure everything runs smoothly, from keeping the greens in good shape to making sure everyone has a good time. It’s pretty clear that a lot of care goes into keeping this historic course in fine playing condition, maintaining the spirit of its long past while still serving the needs of today’s players, which is, in a way, a really important job.

What Makes Waveland Golf Course Special?

Waveland Golf Course really stands out for a few good reasons, and it’s not just because it’s so old. It’s an 18-hole course that opened in 1901 and has what you’d call a traditional layout, which means it feels like golf was meant to be played. This traditional feel, you know, means it offers a classic golf experience, one that has, in some respects, truly stood the test of time and continues to appeal to players who appreciate the game's roots. It's located right in Des Moines, at 4908 University Avenue, making it pretty easy for most folks to get to.

The folks who play there often say it’s, well, probably the nicest city-owned course in the whole state of Iowa. This isn't just talk, either; it really does have a certain something that sets it apart from other public courses in Des Moines. The course itself has a rating of 71.2, and it has a slope rating of 124 on blue grass, which gives you a bit of an idea of the kind of challenge it offers. These numbers, as a matter of fact, tell you a little about how tough the course might be for the average player, but it’s still very much a course for everyone.

Getting Around Waveland Golf Course

If you’re thinking about playing at Waveland Golf Course, you might want to get a good sense of the layout before you go. You can find maps of the course, which show you where each of the eighteen holes is located, and how they all fit together. These maps are really helpful for getting a feel for the course, helping you plan your shots and figure out the best way to play each hole. It’s like having a little guide in your pocket, you know, to help you get the most out of your time on the greens.

There are also ways to get a more detailed look at the course, like viewing an aerial picture of each hole, which is pretty neat. You can also get GPS distances, which tell you how far you are from different spots on the course, and even a yardage book, which gives you even more information about each part of the course. These tools, you see, are really useful for players who like to plan their game and, in a way, really get to know the course before they even step onto the first tee. It’s all about helping you have a better round at Waveland Golf Course.

How Can You Get Involved at Waveland Golf Course?

Waveland Golf Course isn't just a place to play a casual round; it's also home to a very active group called the Waveland Golf Association, or WGA for short. This group is pretty big, with over two hundred members, and it was started back in 1951, right there at Waveland. They do a lot of good things for the course and the community, you know, showing a real dedication to the game and the place. They run a very popular league every Tuesday during the summer, which is a great way to meet other golfers and enjoy some friendly competition, and it's, basically, a highlight for many members.

Beyond playing, the WGA also puts in a lot of effort to help Waveland Golf Course. They give money to projects that make the course better, helping to keep it in great shape for everyone. And they also give their time, volunteering to help out with the Des Moines city golf tournament. So, if you’re looking to get more involved with golf in Des Moines, joining the WGA is a pretty good way to do it, offering a chance to be part of something that really supports the course, which is, in fact, a truly good thing.

Playing a Round at Waveland Golf Course

When you’re ready to play a round at Waveland Golf Course, it’s good to know a few things about how it works. You can find out about the course ratings and what they call the "tee it forward" idea, which helps players of different skill levels enjoy the game. It’s also a good idea to know about their cancellation policies, just in case your plans change, and to learn about the benefits of becoming a member, which can make playing there even better. This information, you know, helps you plan your visit and makes sure you have a smooth experience.

As for how much it costs to play, the green fees are pretty straightforward: it’s $20.00 on weekdays and $23.00 on weekends. You can often find online tee times available for Waveland Golf Course, or for other courses nearby, and these are usually offered at a bit of a discount from the regular price. This is a pretty convenient way to book your game and, in a way, save a little money too. You can also get all sorts of other details, like tee yardages, par for each hole, and handicap information, which is all pretty useful for planning your game.

What Else Happens at Waveland Golf Course?

Waveland Golf Course is more than just a place for regular golf rounds; it also has a lot of other activities and things going on. For example, they offer youth programs, which are a really good way for younger folks to get into golf and learn the ropes. These programs, you know, group campers by age, making sure that everyone has a fun and helpful time learning the game. It’s a pretty supportive way for kids to get a feel for golf, giving them a really positive introduction to the sport, which is, honestly, a great opportunity.

Beyond golf lessons, Waveland Golf Course also hosts special events throughout the year. And if you’re looking for a place to hold a gathering, they have a clubhouse that’s available for parties and banquets. This means it’s a pretty versatile spot, able to host all sorts of different get-togethers, from celebrations to formal dinners. You can also check out their event calendar to see what’s coming up soon, so you don’t miss out on anything interesting happening at the course, which is, as a matter of fact, a really good way to stay in the loop.

Planning Your Visit to Waveland Golf Course

Before you head out to Waveland Golf Course, there are some really helpful resources you can check out to make your visit even better. You can view key information about the course, like a full description, detailed scorecards, and contact information. There are also ways to get directions to the course and even take course tours, which can give you a better sense of the place before you arrive. This information is all pretty easy to find and, in some respects, really helps you feel prepared for your day of golf.

You can also find full course details for Waveland Golf Course, including things like a scores leaderboard, which is fun to look at, and a printable scorecard if you like to keep track of your game on paper. There’s also information about the weather, reviews from other players, and ratings, all of which can give you a good picture of what to expect. All these bits of information, you know, are there to help you have the best possible experience when you visit this historic and well-loved golf course, making sure your time there is, basically, as enjoyable as it can be.

So, to recap, Waveland Golf Course is a truly old and important golf course in Des Moines, being the oldest municipal course west of the Mississippi, having opened in 1901 after the land was given by Fannie Mae Ingersoll and designed by Warren Dickson. It offers a classic 18-hole layout with specific course ratings, and you can play for $20 on weekdays or $23 on weekends, often finding online discounts. The course is managed by Nick Speck and is home to the active Waveland Golf Association, which helps with improvements and runs a popular summer league. Beyond regular play, it has youth programs and a clubhouse for events, with all sorts of online resources like maps, aerial views, and detailed scorecards to help you plan your visit.