Waveland Golf Course, which has been around for many years, is a historical golf course that is public. It is located in Des Moines, Iowa and features a classic golf course design and a municipal golf course feel that make Waveland Golf Course a place for golfers who want to play a traditional round of golf at a reasonable price and have a good time while playing.
About Waveland Golf Course
Waveland Golf Course is an 18 hole municipal golf course located in Des Moines, Iowa. The course has a rich history, tree-lined fairways, and moderate difficulty allowing for the golfer to experience a traditional round of golf.
Golf Course Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Type | Public / Municipal |
| Holes | 18 |
| Par | 70–72 |
| Terrain | Rolling |
| Setting | Parkland |
| Skill Level | Beginner to Advanced |
Why Play Waveland Golf Course?
- One of the oldest municipal courses in the U.S.
- Classic parkland layout
- Affordable public golf
- Strong local community presence
- Suitable for all skill levels
Waveland Golf Course Ownership & Management Details
Waveland Golf Course is a public golf course in the US which was built many years ago and has park-like features, is affordable, has a strong sense of community, and offers golfers of all abilities an excellent opportunity to enjoy golfing.
Ownership Structure
- Owner: City of Des Moines, Iowa
- Ownership Type: Municipal (Government-owned)
- Operator: Des Moines Parks & Recreation Department
- Management Partner: C Corporation (long-term operations partner)
This facility is part of an entire city’s golf infrastructure along with several other municipal golf facilities.
Management Model
Waveland utilizes a Public/Private Hybrid Management System; combination of city ownership and Professional Management.
1. City Administration (Ownership Level)
- Des Moines City Council
- Major decisions and contract oversight.
- Approve budget and long-term planning.
- Parks & Recreation Department
- Management of policy; establish pricing strategy; manage how the community can access Waveland location.
- Community-first operation.
2. Operations Management (Private Partner)
- C Corporation (C-Corp)
- Responsible for overseeing day-to-day programme at golf course.
- Day-to-day management of staff, generating of revenue and providing an excellent customer experience for golfers.
- Has been a successful partner with the City of Orange since approximately mid 2000’s.
3. Golf Operations Team
- General Manager / Course Manager
- Oversees daily operations and scheduling
- Head Golf Professional
- Provide instruction / lessons, run pro shop and engage with players.
- Tournament & Event Coordinators
- Provide management of outings, leagues and tournaments.
4. Course Maintenance Team
- Golf Course Superintendent
- Responsible for quality of turf and irrigation.
- Grounds Crew
- Responsible for mowing, bunkers and course set-up.
5. Guest Services & Hospitality Staff
- Pro shop staff
- Food & beverage team
- Customer service representatives
Waveland Golf Course Ownership History Timeline Guide
1894: Land Acquisition
- Fannie Mae Ingersoll has given the land for Waveland Park to the Park Department of Des Moines.
- This park is part of the city’s early plans for recreation.
1901: Course Establishment
- Waveland Park was opened as a public golf course with 18 holes.
- The golf course was designed by Warren Dickson.
- It became one of the first public golf courses in the United States.
Early 1900s–1920s: Expansion Era
- Local golfers enjoyed playing at Waveland Park and developed a love for this course.
- There were many additions made to the original course (at one point Waveland had 27 holes).
- Waveland Golf Course is a part of the recreational system of Waveland Park.
1930s: Public Investment & Renovation
- New Deal/Public Works funding received
- Construction of:
- New clubhouse
- Course redesign and improvements
1960s: Major Infrastructure Changes
- Construction of Macvicar Freeway (I-235)
- Loss of approx. 25 acres of course property
- Redeveloped landscaping and Holes reconfigured
1970s–1990s: Community Golf Hub
- Continued to be used as a high volume municipal golf course
- Popular for:
- Daily public play
- Local leagues/tournaments
2000s: Operational Modernization
- We are introducing:
- Digital Booking System
- Improved Maintenance Practices
- Partnership with Private Management (C-Corp)
2020–Present: Modern Era
- Ongoing Upgrade Areas:
- Golf Course Conditions
- Customer Experience
- Initiatives Being Explored:
- Extended Play Options (Lighting Proposals)
- Expanded Revenue Strategie
Waveland Golf Course Tee Times & Booking (Detailed)
- Online booking available
- Walk-ins accepted (limited)
- Advance booking recommended
| Time Slot | Description | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| 6:30 AM – 9:00 AM | Early morning (best conditions) | High |
| 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Peak play | Very High |
| 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Moderate pace | Medium |
| 3:00 PM – Sunset | Twilight (discounted) | High Value |
Daily Timmings
| Days | Open-close |
|---|---|
| Sunday | 6:30 am–9 pm |
| Monday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 6:30 am–9 pm |
Waveland Golf Course Membership Fees, Plans & More
The Waveland Golf Course in Des Moines, IA has a great municipal member system that gives golfers flexibility and affordability at several of the City’s golf courses. Waveland is a hybrid between a private country club that has a season pass and public play. So, golfers have the option of paying for the round or having a full-season access pass.
Membership Model Overview
Waveland Golf Course offers:
- Gold Membership (Unlimited Play)
- Silver Membership (Restricted Access)
- Junior Membership (Youth Program)
- Driving Range Membership (Practice Pass)
The membership applies to all of the municipal golf courses in Des Moines, which adds value to the memberships.
Membership Pricing Summary
| Membership Type | Cost | Access Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Membership | $1,150 – $2,020 | Unlimited | Frequent golfers |
| Silver Membership | $800 – $1,425 | Restricted | Budget players |
| Junior Membership | ~$300 | Limited | Youth players |
| Driving Range Pass | $395 – $495 | Practice only | Skill improvement |
| Youth on Course | ~$60/year | Limited play | Beginners |
Member vs Public Value
| Feature | Public Player | Member |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited Play | No | Yes (Gold) |
| Discounted Rates | No | Yes |
| Multi-Course Access | No | Yes |
| Practice Access | No | Yes |
| Priority Booking | Limited | Yes |
Membership Benefits
- No charge for golf or all golf rounds will be discounted
- Ability to play at multiple Des Moines golf courses
- Privileges of priority tee time reservation
- Discounted access to practice and lessons
- Access to Fountaine, tournaments and events
- Affordable alternative to Country Clubs
Waveland Golf Course Green Fees Pricing (18-9 Hole)
18-Hole Green Fees
| Category | Weekday | Weekend | Twilight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | $35 – $50 | $45 – $60 | $25 – $40 |
| Senior | $30 – $45 | $35 – $55 | $20 – $35 |
| Junior | $20 – $30 | $25 – $40 | $15 – $25 |
9-Hole Green Fees
| Category | Weekday | Weekend |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | $20 – $30 | $25 – $40 |
| Senior | $15 – $25 | $20 – $30 |
| Junior | $10 – $20 | $15 – $25 |
Waveland Golf Course Time-Based Pricing
| Time Slot | Weekday | Weekend |
|---|---|---|
| Early Morning | $35 – $45 | $45 – $55 |
| Mid-Morning (Peak) | $40 – $50 | $50 – $60 |
| Afternoon | $30 – $40 | $40 – $50 |
| Twilight | $25 – $35 | $30 – $40 |
Waveland Golf Practice & Training Facilities Pricing
Waveland Golf Course has created an experience that gives golfers a balanced, easy, inexpensive way to learn, practice, and improve in a historic and friendly environment.
Practice Facility Pricing
| Service | Price Range | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Putting Green | Free – $5 | Included with play |
| Chipping Area | Free – $8 | Short-game practice |
| Warm-Up Area | Included | Pre-round use |
Training Overview
| Program Type | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner Lessons | $40 – $70 | New golfers |
| Intermediate Coaching | $60 – $100 | Skill improvement |
| Practice Only | Free – $15 | Casual players |
Clubhouse & Amenities
- Historic clubhouse
- Pro shop
- Cart and club rentals
- Snack bar and refreshments
Community & Accessibility
- Open to public golfers
- Affordable municipal pricing
- Strong local community engagement
- Easy access within Des Moines
Location, Map, Direction, Review & More
- Highlights: Golf carts · Serves food · Eighteen hole course
- Address: 4908 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311
- Phone: (515) 248-6302
For direction you can easily search “Waveland Golf Course Des Moines” on Google Maps or click below
Reviews Insight: Waveland Golf Course has been recognized as having historical significance, affordable fees, and a cordial environment.
Waveland Golf Course Scorecard
| Tee | Yardage | Par |
|---|---|---|
| Back Tees | ~6,400 yards | 72 |
| Middle Tees | ~6,000 yards | 71 |
| Forward Tees | ~5,200 yards | 70 |
Waveland Golf Cart & Rental Fees
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Cart (18 Holes) | $15 – $25 |
| Cart (9 Holes) | $10 – $18 |
| Club Rental | $25 – $50 |
| Push Cart | $5 – $10 |
Waveland Golf Event & Group Pricing
| Event Type | Price Per Player |
|---|---|
| Corporate Events | $60 – $110 |
| Charity Events | $50 – $100 |
| League Play | $35 – $70 |
Waveland Golf Restaurant & Hospitality Services
- Snack bar
- Beverage services
- Event catering (limited)
Other Facilities Apart from Golf Course
- Parks and walking areas
- Community recreational spaces
Who Should Play Here?
- History-loving golfers
- Beginners and casual players
- Seniors and families
- Budget-conscious golfers
Waveland Golf Course Payment & Card Policies
Waveland Golf Course utilizes a modern municipal style payment system to provide convenience, as well as having an established reservation process.
Accepted Payment Methods
- Credit Cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover)
- Debit Cards
- The Clubhouse accepts payment by cash also.
- Tee-time reservations can be paid for through an online credit card payment process.
Booking & Payment Rules
- Tee times can be booked:
- Online
- Phone reservations
- Walk-in (limited availability)
- A credit card may be required to secure the reservation.
- Payment for Golf will usually be processed at check-in before play begins.
On-Site Payment Policy
- Before tee time, all Players must check in at the pro shop.
- Payments include:
- Green fees
- Cart rentals
- Practice services
- This includes contactless payments and tap payments.
Cancellation & No-Show Policy
- 24 hours are advised for cancellation of tee time reservations.
- Missing your tee time can lead to the following:
- Charging you a fee for missing your tee time, or you will be charged the standard booking fee.
- Limitations on making future reservations will be placed on your account for a specific period of time.
Refund & Weather Policy
- After you start playing, we have limited options available for refunds for any unused portion of your round/game.
- Whether or not you will receive a rain check or credit on your course account will be determined by weather conditions and by the number of holes you played.
Waveland Golf Course Revenue Estimates
As a historic and high-traffic municipal golf course, Waveland operates on a volume-based revenue model, generating income from daily play, memberships, and events.
Estimated Monthly Revenue
| Revenue Source | Estimated Monthly Income |
|---|---|
| Green Fees | $180,000 – $400,000 |
| Membership Programs | $25,000 – $90,000 |
| Cart & Rentals | $20,000 – $70,000 |
| Practice Facilities | $15,000 – $50,000 |
| Events & Tournaments | $40,000 – $120,000 |
| Food & Beverage | $30,000 – $90,000 |
| Total (Approx.) | $310,000 – $820,000 |
Estimated Yearly Revenue
| Revenue Source | Estimated Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Green Fees | $2.2M – $4.8M |
| Memberships | $300K – $1.1M |
| Rentals & Pro Shop | $250K – $900K |
| Practice Facilities | $200K – $600K |
| Events & Tournaments | $500K – $1.4M |
| Food & Beverage | $400K – $1.1M |
| Total (Approx.) | $3.8M – $9.9M |
Social Media Links
| Platforms | Links |
|---|---|
| @wavelandgolfcourse | |
| @wavelandgolfcourse | |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Conclusion
Waveland Golf Course is a timeless municipal golf destination that combines history, affordability, and enjoyable play. Its legacy and accessibility make it one of the most cherished golf courses in Iowa.
FAQ
1. How old is Waveland Golf Course?
It opened in 1901.
2. Is it beginner-friendly?
Yes, it suits all skill levels.
3. Are tee times required?
Recommended but not always required.
4. Does it offer practice facilities?
Yes, basic practice areas are available.
5. Is it affordable?
Yes, it is a budget-friendly municipal course.
Also, Read: Blue Ash Golf Course | Dos Lagos Golf Course | Greendale Golf Course
