The Golf Course
18 holes of championship golf carved through the natural landscape of Rathbun Lake.
A Course Worth
the Drive
The Preserve on Rathbun Lake, located within the rolling landscapes of Honey Creek Resort State Park, is the DNR's only resort and golf destination. The championship layout winds through 850 acres bordering Rathbun Lake — just 90 scenic minutes south of Des Moines.
Opened in fall of 2008, the course features 5 sets of tees and Bent Grass playing surfaces with golfer-friendly greens. The layout is favorable and enjoyable for players of all ages and skill levels.
Ranked #5 in Iowa for Best Public Golf Courses and recognized in Golf Digest's Best New Public Courses of 2009, Golf Magazine's 2009 Best New Courses, and Golf Inc.'s Developments of the Year.
Open 7 days a week, 12 months a year (weather permitting) with on-site PGA Professionals specializing in tournament coordination, corporate outings, family reunions, and special events.
Book a Tee Time
Course Layout
| Hole | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | OUT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Par | 5 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 36 |
| Yards | 560 | 520 | 243 | 420 | 536 | 420 | 170 | 410 | 165 | 3,444 |
| Hole | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | IN | TOT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Par | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 36 | 72 |
| Yards | 401 | 354 | 365 | 210 | 545 | 440 | 470 | 205 | 553 | 3,543 | 6,987 |
*Black tee yardages. Course Rating 73.6 / Slope 131.