Golfing around Ames

[HardcoreClone]

Hoping to get a couple rounds in before football games this fall. Anyone know the conditions of Veenker, Coldwater, Honey Creek? I just checked Coldwater's rates, they are already offering Fall rates and really cheap. Just curious how those courses have held up between times of heavy rains and dryness?
Thanks in advance!

 

[ClonesFTW]

Pretty sure @Thompsonclone golfs in Ames a few times a week, should be of help on what's in the best shape.

 

[TheJackWePack5]

Coldwater is in pretty decent shape, though there is some ground under repair on some fairways (I assume from flood damage). Competitive rates too.

Veenker is usually a decent place. It's probably one of my last choices for golf in the area (mostly personal preference as that course has my number).

If you can, do yourself a favor and go to Honey Creek outside of Boone. I truly think it is the most underrated course in central Iowa.

 

[KKramer]

Just don't play Cedar Pointe in Boone. That place is in terrible shape on its best day.

 

[KKramer]

If you can, do yourself a favor and go to Honey Creek outside of Boone. I truly think it is the most underrated course in central Iowa.

Agreed. Plays extremely difficult when it's dry (especially the back nine), but if you're into really scenic golf and well managed courses, this is your place.

 

[srjclone]

Just don't play Cedar Pointe in Boone. That place is in terrible shape on its best day.

If you're driving all the way to Boone and not playing Honey Creek, you're doing it wrong.

 

[brianhos]

Played Veenker 2 weeks ago, it was beat up pretty bad by the creek. 16 was almost unplayable unless you stayed way on the left side of the fareway.

 

[KKramer]

If you're driving all the way to Boone and not playing Honey Creek, you're doing it wrong.

There's a reason Cedar Pointe offers Groupons for 4 players/cart for like $50...

 

[CychiatricWard]

I will second, third, or fourth Honey Creek in Boone. One of my favorite courses to play around Iowa, honestly. Front nine isn't too bad, but the back 9 starts to get tricky as you get down towards Ledges. Some really cool views, and fun (interesting) holes. Play quite a few tournaments there during the year, and a few coming up in October!

 

[KKramer]

I will second, third, or fourth Honey Creek in Boone. One of my favorite courses to play around Iowa, honestly. Front nine isn't too bad, but the back 9 starts to get tricky as you get down towards Ledges. Some really cool views, and fun (interesting) holes. Play quite a few tournaments there during the year, and a few coming up in October!

It's the hidden gem of central Iowa, no doubt about it. If I can get outta there under 90 I'm really happy.

 

[HardcoreClone]

Coldwater is in pretty decent shape, though there is some ground under repair on some fairways (I assume from flood damage). Competitive rates too.

Veenker is usually a decent place. It's probably one of my last choices for golf in the area (mostly personal preference as that course has my number).

If you can, do yourself a favor and go to Honey Creek outside of Boone. I truly think it is the most underrated course in central Iowa.

That's too bad about Coldwater having flood damage, but not surprising.

I've played all 3 plenty of times, favorite being Honey Creek followed by Coldwater. I agree that Veenker has a few odd holes. All 3 courses can be prone to flooding, so that's why I'm curious how they have held up. That back 9 at Honey Creek can get real soft with much rain and nowhere else to drain.

Looking forward to some Fall golf!

 

[cyfan92]

Between Veenker and Honey Creek you can't go wrong with either. My personal preference is Veenker do to it's unique layout. I only hit a driver on 1,9,10,14,16, and 18 which is very different than most courses in Iowa.

 

[HardcoreClone]

Between Veenker and Honey Creek you can't go wrong with either. My personal preference is Veenker do to it's unique layout. I only hit a driver on 1,9,10,14,16, and 18 which is very different than most courses in Iowa.

For sure. Sounds like you would prefer TCI as well. Love that course.

 

[KKramer]

For sure. Sounds like you would prefer TCI as well. Love that course.

Playing TCI this weekend. Great track.

 

[cyfan92]

For sure. Sounds like you would prefer TCI as well. Love that course.

I LOVE TCI (when someone else is paying). $60 for 18 and a cart is pretty steep

Twilight at Waveland is better price

 

[Thompsonclone]

Hoping to get a couple rounds in before football games this fall. Anyone know the conditions of Veenker, Coldwater, Honey Creek? I just checked Coldwater's rates, they are already offering Fall rates and really cheap. Just curious how those courses have held up between times of heavy rains and dryness?
Thanks in advance!

I golf Coldwater probably twice a week. Conditions are improving, they have a long ways to go though unfortunately. Tee boxes and greens are still in excellent condition. #2 fairway is dirt from the start of the fairway all the way to the green. #15 fairway is extremely beat up as well. There isn’t a fairway with perfect grass right now. Outside of a few holes though, it’s still playable. Just smaller dead spots on each fairway. #2 is in such bad shape that we actually played it as a par 3 in the Ames City Open.

Veenker: Greens are good, tee boxes are fine. Hole 16 along the river is terrible. All sand and dead grass. I’m still mad about that too because it cost me in the Ames City Open. I’d say there’s less damage at Veenker but you’re still going to find yourself having to take relief after almost every shot.

Honey Creek: I saw no negative effects from all of the rain/flooding in Iowa. Honey Creek is by far in the best shape of the 3.

I don’t know if it’s out of the way for you, but I’d recommend TCI if you have time. If not, I’d go with Honey Creek.

If you’d like some pictures of Coldwater’s current conditions, I’m sure I could provide some for you.

 

[SayMyName]

I golf Coldwater probably twice a week. Conditions are improving, they have a long ways to go though unfortunately.

What do you know about the City's plan to extend Grand Ave from 4th all the way to S 16th St. and its impact to the course? Proposed drawing I saw had the road going smack down the middle of Hole #10!

 

[IaStateFB 1]

I don't know if you'll be able to play there but the Ames country club has a nice course. Also, honey creek in Boone is pretty good.

 

[CloneinWDSM]

TCI is still giving me nightmares

 

[Thompsonclone]

What do you know about the City's plan to extend Grand Ave from 4th all the way to S 16th St. and its impact to the course? Proposed drawing I saw had the road going smack down the middle of Hole #10!

I actually tweeted about this (complaining) and the City of Ames responded to me saying it’s been their plan ever since the course was built and they designed Coldwater to fit that plan. Road would in between hole 9 and 10. I feel like cars being hit could be an issue. People find that grass in between off the tee frequently.