Evan Schiller
Evan Schiller
Evan Schiller
Evan Schiller
Evan Schiller
Evan Schiller
Evan Schiller
Evan Schiller
Wakonda Club
Des Moines, IA•Private
Awards
Panelists Score
Wakonda Club
3915 Fleur Dr
Des Moines, IA 50321-2199
United States
Overview
Located on a beautiful property cut with ravines and depressions in south Des Moines, Wakonda is a textbook example of what happens when golf courses age: they tend to get dulled and more narrow, overgrown, restricted by trees and contracting grass lines and lose the character that made them exemplary in their day. Wakonda was built by William Langford, one of the most distinctive architects of the Classical Era of the 1920s. However, by the 2000s, little of his architectural expression remained. A major renovation by Tyler Rae in 2023, though, reversed the aging effect. Rae was able to reestablish Langford’s principles and trademark style, defined by large plateau greens, steep-faced bunkers cut into their bases and more spacious fairways that set up strategic driving lines off the tee. Rae considers Wakonda one of the country’s greatest hidden gems, and while the course has always been respected (it ranks fifth in Iowa), the sharpening of the dramatic architecture could push it toward the top of the state list.
About
Golf Digest Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 Greatest / Best In State Scores
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“Great renovation with an outstanding routing, great set of greens and many fun design qualities. Worth getting on an airplane to visit at anytime."
Read More2026
Review
“Classic Langford design on a very hilly property. Lots of blind shots into elevated greens. Fun to play but condition just OK"
Read More2026
Review
“Wakonda is an excellent classic design on a very hilly property. The renovation work has removed many trees and the design now focuses heavily on the green complexes and bunkering. You can get away with some errors off the tee, but missing greens will make for very difficult recoveries."
Read More2025
Review
“Good solid golf course. Some awesome Langford green pads at 2,6, 11, 12, and 16."
Read More2024
Review
“William Langford original architect, renovation by Tyler Rae Very hilly and challenging course with lots of raised greens"
Read More2024
Review
“Really enjoyed my round here with the recent renovation work. Lots of trees removed opening up the original design characteristics and bunkering. I think this course has the most blind shots I have ever seen in 18 holes. I loved it and I would think it would become more fun as you get to know the sight lines and positions required."
Read More2024
Review
“A private country club in Des Moines. An original Langford and Moreau designed course in 1922 with a total course renovation by Tyler Rae in 2023. Yardage varies from 4,378 to 7,160 with course ratings of 62.4 to 75.0. Course is a parkland style layout with numerous tree lined fairways even though 160 trees were removed during renovations. Rolling hills, elevation changes and water hazards add to the challenge and aesthetics. Conditioning was very good especially considering recent renovation."
Read More2024
Review
“Great bunkering and use of elevation, needs a proper restoration"
Read More2018
