Amana Colonies Golf Course, Amana, Iowa - A 4 1/2 - Star Golf Course in the Historic Amana Colonies in Central Iowa

The Amana Colonies Golf Course is located in the historic Amana Colonies in central Iowa - a historic landmark on the state's prairie for more than 150 years. The Colonies consist of buildings and culture dating back to the mid-1850s and showcase a coupling of German heritage and Colonial America.

The golf course, which opened for play in 1989, is a daily fee golf course with an "Open to the Public'' guest policy. The course was designed by William J. Spear with a goal of preserving the natural features of the land, much the same as the Colonies - whose name "Amana'' means to "remain faithful'' - have attempted to preserve a simpler time.

The 18-hole championship course winds through 300 acres in central Iowa and features meandering streams, ponds, and stately white oaks and forests. According to the course Web site, guests typically describe the Amana Colonies Golf Course as "beautiful, breathtaking, charming, enjoyable, playable, tough, and intimidating.'' In this serene setting, golfers who have played the course report seeing deer and wild turkeys during their round.

The course offers five sets of tees and plays to par-72 and 6,824 yards from the longest tees on Bent grass tees, fairways and greens, with a USGA rating of 73.3 and a slope rating of 136. Sand bunkers have been strategically placed throughout the course and come into play on many of the holes. There are numerous trees lining the fairways, and one of the reasons the course plays to such a difficult rating are the many elevation changes.

The course has received a number of honors and awards over the years, including being rated one of the state's "Top Public Golf Courses'' by Golf Digest for 12 years. The magazine also gave it a "4-Star'' rating in its 2002 list of "Places to Play,'' while GOLF Magazine awarded the course 4? stars for 2008-2009.

Practice facilities at the course include a driving range and chipping and putting greens. The course also features the Golf Shop stocked with the latest equipment and clothing, as well as souvenir items. Professional golf instruction is also available from a PGA-certified staff.

The course also features a distinctive clubhouse with striking views of the course as well as the charm of historic Amana traditions, all in a private-clubhouse atmosphere. Food and drinks are available at the Bar & Grill, and a scenic dining room overlooks the 18th hole.

The course also offers lodging accommodations, featuring one-bedroom guest rooms, as well as condominiums that can house up to eight guests. The condominiums are fully furnished and include a number of amenities.

In addition to golf, the Amana Colonies offer a number of activities, such as a barn tour of historic, century-old barns, an audio driving tour, camping, and several hiking and recreational trails.