The Harvester Golf Club, Rhodes, Iowa - A Championship Golf Course Built Around Lake Harvester

The Tournament Course, also known as "Harvester 1,'' at the Harvester Golf Club in Rhodes, Iowa is a high-end 18-hole championship golf course designed by Keith Foster. The Tournament Course opened in 2003 and spreads throughout 300 acres of land surrounding Lake Harvester.

The course plays to a whopping 7,340 yards from the longest tees, with a USGA rating of 75.3 and a slope rating of 133 on Bent grass fairways and greens. The layout features rolling fairways that play through the area's natural wetlands, as well as densely wooded areas and some dramatic elevation changes - up to 110 feet in some cases.

In addition to Lake Harvester, the course also features several smaller ponds and streams that come into play. There are up to 80 sand bunkers on the course, but they are generally large and flat, rather than deep and punishing. The greens also tend to be large, with an average size of 7,500 square feet, but still challenging.

The course features a number of particularly noteworthy holes, including No. 3. This par-3 hole goes by the name "Humble Crossing,'' referencing the fact that it's essentially a peninsula surrounded by water. It's both visually stunning and unsettling, as golfers must take dead aim at the green in order to get home in three.

Hole No. 9 is named "Wish and a Prayer,'' and golfers may be doing just that as they contend with Lake Harvester, which not only runs along this par-4's left side, but also cuts the fairway in two. This is the #2-handicap hole on the course, with a green that's also guarded by two of the deeper sand bunkers on the course.

Hole No. 11, "The Sickle,'' is said to be the course designer's favorite hole. This par-4 is rated the second-easiest hole on the course, but it's not as simple as it looks. Surrounded by natural wetlands, the hole is designed to play at angles, with a slight dogleg left just off the tee. The green is guarded by bunkers that are cut well into the slope, including three on the left and one on the right.

Hole No. 17 is named "The Thresher,'' and it may be an even more intimidating and exacting par-3 water hole than No. 3. The hole curves around Lake Harvester on the right, making the tee shot all carry to the hole. Adding to the difficulty, the green is guarded by two deep bunkers and swales for any shots that fly the hole.

The finishing hole is named "Promised Land,'' and it's one of the most interesting holes golfers may ever encounter. The par-5 hole is a dogleg right that will have golfers thinking they're "island hopping,'' as there are three distinct land masses. Off the tee, golfers must be straight as Lake Harvester is in play on the right the length of this hole. The next shot plays to a mid-way island , surrounded by water and connected only by cart paths on and off. Approach shots then play to a peninsula where the finishing green can be found, guarded by more water and several bunkers.

Practice facilities include a driving range with grass teeing area, chipping and sand play area and putting greens. Lessons and rental clubs are also available.

The Harvester Club also features the Village Center, which provides a number of amenities for residents, and a clubhouse for golfers. The View Bar & Grille is located in the clubhouse and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, while providing beautiful views of the course.