Harper Lin
Waveland Golf Course, located in Des Moines, Iowa, is one of the oldest golf courses in the country and possibly the oldest municipally-owned course. The land was deeded to the Des Moines Park Department in 1894 by Fannie Mae Ingersoll, and the course was officially established in 1901, designed by Warren Dickson (or Dickenson). It is a challenging course set on hilly, wooded terrain with a classic layout that has stood the test of time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year Established | 1901 |
| Location | Des Moines, Iowa |
| Course Designer | Warren Dickson (or Dickenson) |
| Course Type | 18-hole municipal golf course |
| Course Features | Hilly, wooded terrain; classic layout; dramatic terrain; sloping fairways |
| Course History | One of the oldest golf courses in the country; history spanning over 122 years; land deeded to the Des Moines Park Department in 1894 by Fannie Mae Ingersoll |
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What You'll Learn
Waveland Golf Course was established in 1901
Waveland Golf Course, located in Des Moines, Iowa, is one of the oldest golf courses in the country. It was established in 1901 and is the oldest municipal golf course west of the Mississippi River. The golf course has a rich history and is spread across hilly, wooded terrain, offering breathtaking vistas and a challenging experience for golfers.
The land on which the golf course sits was deeded to the Des Moines Park Department in 1894 by Fannie Mae Ingersoll. In 1901, the golf course was designed by Warren Dickson (or Dickenson), a local amateur champion, and was formally dedicated. The course was initially laid out with eighteen holes, which were later expanded to twenty-seven. The unique features of the park include a large elk paddock once located in the northeast corner and remnants of a trolley car rail track visible near the parking lot entrance along University Avenue.
The Waveland Golf Course is known for its classic layout, featuring dramatic terrain nestled among rolling wooded hillsides and significant slopes that challenge even seasoned golfers. The course is not particularly long, measuring just over 6,500 yards, but the tree-lined playing corridors demand accuracy. The greens are of the older style, mostly sloping from back to front. The course has a mix of par 3s, par 4s, and par 5s, with the signature hole being the tough par-5 3rd hole nicknamed "The Tunnel."
Over the years, the Waveland Golf Course has undergone some changes, but many original greens, fairways, and tee areas remain. It is now an irrigated, high-tech course that still retains the charm of early golf architecture. The course is open to the public, and the overall condition is typical of a municipally-owned golf course, with well-maintained bunkers and playable roughs. The Waveland Golf Association, formed in 1951, works continuously to improve the course and promote the game at Waveland.
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It is the oldest municipal golf course west of the Mississippi
Waveland Golf Course, located in Des Moines, Iowa, is the oldest municipal golf course west of the Mississippi River. Established in 1901, the golf course has a rich history spanning over 122 years. The land was originally deeded to the Des Moines Park Department in 1894 by Fannie Mae Ingersoll and was designed by Warren Dickson, a local amateur champion. The course was later expanded to 27 holes and, in the early 1930s, a new clubhouse was constructed with funding from the New Deal and Public Works Administration.
The golf course is set on hilly, wooded terrain, featuring dramatic slopes and rolling wooded hillsides that challenge even seasoned golfers. The tree-lined playing corridors demand accuracy off the tee and with the approach shot. The greens are older-style, mostly sloping from back to front, and the fairways are well-maintained with playable roughs. The bunkers are also well-maintained, with light and fluffy sand.
Waveland Golf Course offers breathtaking vistas and is a cherished destination for golfers and nature enthusiasts alike. The course is home to a variety of wildlife and is utilised by skiers, sledders, and hikers during the winter months. It is also known for its unique features, such as the remnants of a trolley car rail track near the parking lot entrance and the foundation of the former caddie shack near the 14th tee.
The Waveland Golf Association (WGA), formed in 1951, is a dedicated group of over 200 members who promote the game of golf at Waveland Municipal Golf Course. They organise a popular league every Tuesday during the summer, donate to course improvement projects, and volunteer for the Des Moines City golf tournament. Their efforts have led to numerous enhancements to the course, including the installation of a clock near the 10th tee, sprinkler head yardage markers, and the construction of stairs for safer access to the 4th tee.
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The land was deeded to the Des Moines Park Department in 1894
Waveland Golf Course, located in Des Moines, Iowa, is one of the oldest golf courses in the country. Its history dates back over 122 years, with the land being deeded to the Des Moines Park Department in 1894 by Fannie Mae Ingersoll. The course was established in 1901 and is considered the oldest municipal golf course west of the Mississippi River.
The history of the Waveland Golf Course is deeply rooted in the city of Des Moines. In 1894, Fannie Mae Ingersoll generously deeded the land to the Des Moines Park Department, laying the foundation for what would become a beloved golf course. This transfer of ownership marked the beginning of the park's transformation into a recreational space for the community.
The golf course was designed by Warren Dickson (also known as Warren Dickenson or Warren Dickinson) and was officially dedicated in 1901. The course is set on hilly, wooded terrain, just four miles west of downtown Des Moines. The challenging layout features dramatic terrain nestled among rolling wooded hillsides with significant slopes that even seasoned golfers find demanding.
The Waveland Golf Course has undergone several changes over the years, but it still retains much of its original charm. The course was initially expanded to 27 holes in the early years after its establishment. In the 1930s, the Des Moines Parks Department secured funding that allowed for the construction of a new clubhouse, further enhancing the amenities available to golfers and visitors.
Today, the Waveland Golf Course is a cherished destination for golfers and enthusiasts alike. It offers breathtaking vistas, a rich history, and a serious challenge for those looking to test their skills on the greens. The course is known for its narrow driving corridors, well-maintained areas, and older-style greens that slope from back to front. With over 40,000 rounds of golf played annually, it continues to be a popular attraction, attracting golfers from near and far.
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The course was designed by Warren Dickson (or Dickenson)
Dickson's design has stood the test of time, with Waveland Golf Course boasting a classic layout that has remained largely unchanged for over a century. The course features dramatic terrain nestled among rolling wooded hillsides with significant slopes that challenge even seasoned golfers.
The history of the Waveland Golf Course dates back over 122 years. The land was originally deeded to the Des Moines Park Department in 1894 by Fannie Mae Ingersoll. It was officially dedicated in 1901 when Dickson's design was realised.
The course is located on hilly terrain, four miles to the west of downtown Des Moines. It is billed as the oldest municipal golf course west of the Mississippi River. The entire property is filled with old-growth trees, and the greens are of an older style, mostly sloping from back to front.
Waveland Golf Course is a cherished destination, offering breathtaking vistas, a rich history, and a serious challenge for golf enthusiasts. The course has evolved over the years, but many original greens, fairways, and tee areas remain in use.
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The Waveland Golf Association was formed in 1951
The Waveland Golf Association (WGA) was formed in 1951 at the Waveland Municipal Golf Course in Des Moines, Iowa. The Waveland Municipal Golf Course is the oldest municipal golf course west of the Mississippi River. It was established in 1901 and has a rich history spanning over 122 years.
The WGA is a member-strong organisation with over 200 members. The association runs a popular league every Tuesday during the summer and is involved in various projects to improve the golf course. They donate to course improvement projects, volunteer for the Des Moines City golf tournament, and focus on promoting the game of golf at the Waveland Municipal Golf Course.
One of the notable projects undertaken by the WGA is the installation of a clock near the #10 tee, building stairs for safer access to the 4th tee, annual spring clean-up days, and the addition of trophy cases and clubhouse flooring. The flag pole and "Waveland" sign near the 15th green and 16th tee are also sponsored by the WGA and are visible from I-235.
The yearly league fee for the WGA is $85, which includes prize money and Iowa Golf Association membership, including handicap services. Members are also responsible for weekly green fees and have the option to rent carts. The WGA organises a weekly skins game and match play competitions that members can sign up for at an additional cost.
The Waveland Golf Association plays an essential role in maintaining and promoting the Waveland Municipal Golf Course, ensuring that it remains a cherished destination for golfers and continues its legacy as one of the oldest golf courses in the country.
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Frequently asked questions
Waveland Golf Course was established in 1901.
Waveland Golf Course was designed by Warren Dickson (or Dickenson).
Waveland Golf Course is located in Des Moines, Iowa.
