Public Golf Course: Hours of Operation

[enisthemenace]

Can someone explain to me why a public golf course isn't open every day of the week, weather permitting? I have client's coming to town in a couple of weeks, and they want to play "the best Iowa has to offer", so I call Harvester (really nice, and relatively close to Des Moines. I mean, I could go to Burlington, but that's a haul). Harvester isn't open, right now anyway, on Sunday's.

Why does this make any sense, at all? It's not like they are saving any money by shutting down a day a week, right? They still have to maintain the course.

 

[IcSyU]

I think it's only open Thursday-Saturday period.

And it might be "public" but they aren't going after your average joes.

 

[ISUME]

They are probably trying to limit the number of rounds played on the course. This is a easy way to keep the appearance great and allow them to charge a premium.

 

[DSMCy]

Course doesn't get beat up, ie divots, carts driving on it, etc.
Don't have to pay staff for that day; bartender, cook, etc.


I know its not the Harvester, but Legacy in Norwalk is a real nice course.

 

[arganbright2]

I've driven past Harvester everyday for the last 4 years to and from work and I have never once seen a golfer out there playing.

 

[AdRock4Cy]

Try TCI in Polk City.

 

[enisthemenace]

Try TCI in Polk City.

Yeah...I think TCI is the 2nd option, but we'll see.

 

[erikbj]

Why don't you just join one of the country clubs in DM? They have some solid tracks.

 

[RoseClone]

Can someone explain to me why a public golf course isn't open every day of the week, weather permitting? I have client's coming to town in a couple of weeks, and they want to play "the best Iowa has to offer", so I call Harvester (really nice, and relatively close to Des Moines. I mean, I could go to Burlington, but that's a haul). Harvester isn't open, right now anyway, on Sunday's.

Why does this make any sense, at all? It's not like they are saving any money by shutting down a day a week, right? They still have to maintain the course.

He is catering to corporate outings and that is about it. If you want to pay a fortune to play His golf course he might let you but I wouldn't guarantee it. The guy is a money genius so it is hard to argue however.....

 

[HardcoreClone]

I think it's only open Thursday-Saturday period.

And it might be "public" but they aren't going after your average joes.

Was actually just on their website the other day and noticed the Th-Sat hours. I thought that was odd as well. Is that always going to be public, or could it turn into a private course?

 

[enisthemenace]

Why don't you just join one of the country clubs in DM? They have some solid tracks.

Hahaha...I don't have the bank roll for that, and the situation I'm in is a "one time" outing with clients from out if state. Every golf publication says Harvester is the best course in Iowa, and the clients want to play what they see in these publications. I can't give them DMGCC West (which is "rated" below Harvester anyway).

 

[brianhos]

Course doesn't get beat up, ie divots, carts driving on it, etc.
Don't have to pay staff for that day; bartender, cook, etc.


I know its not the Harvester, but Legacy in Norwalk is a real nice course.

TCI is way better than Legacy around town.

 

[DSMCy]

TCI is way better than Legacy around town.

Yah not sure why I didn't think of TCI. That is a really nice course.

 

[Tre4ISU]

I don't get the Harvester thing either because it's not like a bunch of people are going to pay what it takes to play there and ruin the course anyway. It's his course, though, so he can do what he wants.

 

[mywayorcyway]

Out of state golfer here that has played all three tracks mentioned...who owns Harvester? I've played it a few times but it's been years and I don't remember an issue getting a tee time, being closed, etc. Has it changed hands?

As far as TCI vs. Legacy, I would argue that Legacy is the better course. TCI is a bit more picturesque and isn't littered with houses (which is awesome), but I think Legacy is a better test of golf. TCI has also been in rough shape a couple times I played it, though that definitely could have changed as it has been a couple of years. If offered to me, I wouldn't object to playing either of them.

A funny about Harvester. A friend and I met my Dad out there for a round of golf a long time ago. My Dad isn't much of a golfer but he agreed to go anyway. I get there early to pound balls on the range, finally my Dad shows up roughly four minutes before the tee time. And he's wearing cut off jean shorts and a blue farmer shirt. Dad, WTF.

I had to buy him a golf outfit (he refused, he was just going to go home) and he had to change in the clubhouse. That was an expensive round of golf. At least I got to keep the shirt.

 

[Incyte]

I'm sure Sundays are members only.

 

[DJSteve]

Out of state golfer here that has played all three tracks mentioned...who owns Harvester? I've played it a few times but it's been years and I don't remember an issue getting a tee time, being closed, etc. Has it changed hands?

Dickson Jensen / Jensen Group owns it. (Same owner as Jensen Property Management in Ames.)

Don't believe ownership has changed, however my understanding is/was they underwent somewhat of a transformation a few years ago. What I heard at the time was that the course was becoming private (maybe psuedo-private, it seems) and that they were turning the clubhouse into a residence, or at least converting it to something such that the bar/restaurant would no longer be there and they would not be hosting banquets/weddings.