The Tournament Club of Iowa, Polk City, Iowa - An Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course Near Des Moines

The Tournament Club of Iowa is an Arnold Palmer Signature public golf course located 15 miles from Des Moines. According to Palmer, his course design philosophy is as follows: "A golf course must be built for all golfers and should be truly beautiful. There can be no gimmicks; every aspect of the course must serve the game of golf in the purest sense."

The Tournament Club course appears to meet that standard, as it winds through 230 acres of hills, some dramatic bluffs and the timberland that surrounds two major lakes as well as Big Creek. The tees, fairways and greens play on a Bent grass blend, while the rough features several varieties of Bluegrass and Fescue.

The par-71 course plays to 7,059 yards at its longest and features a good mix of open space and forested areas, including mature hardwood trees that were preserved throughout the course. The layout is also highlighted by water on 13 holes, including 12 acres of man-made lakes, to go with bluffs, valleys, ravines, and hills. There are also some "unique and significant elevation transitions,'' and both of the nines have some dramatic topography.

Palmer also designed many of the holes with a "stadium'' feel, with holes No. 17 and 18 the highlights of that feature. The course also has excellent separation from one hole to the next, giving golfers the feel that they're alone on the course. The course also features 30 bunkers, varying from small, pot bunkers to larger waste areas. The greens tend to be large, with an average size of 7,000 square feet.

There are five par-3s on the course, and collectively they've been mentioned as the best in the state. They feature some dramatic views, elevation drops, water hazards, and forced carries.

Hole No. 3 is the first of the par-3s and is said to be "not for the faint of heart.'' The hole is not especially long, only 186 yards from the back tee, but is still intimidating. The pin can be found on an elevated green with a severe and punishing slope for any shots to the left. The right side of the green is also sloped toward the hole, and tee shots of the right distance may be rewarded with a bounce and roll onto the putting surface.

Hole No. 5 is another of the par-3s and the signature hole on the course. The most-photographed hole on the course, this hole plays to 185 yards and a massive green, which is 44 yards wide. The difficulty comes in club selection, as the hole plays downhill and tee shots must contend with swirling winds and must carry the large creek that runs the length of the green.

Practice facilities include a two-tiered driving range with six Bent-grass target greens, as well as a separate chipping green with a sand bunker, and a 10,000-square-foot putting green. Lessons are also available.

The Tournament Club also features an impressive, 24,000-square-foot clubhouse situated high above the golf course. The clubhouse has a fully stocked golf shop, locker rooms and dining at the Oak View Restaurant.