Golf Course Review by: Billy Satterfield
The Takeaway: A course I had an instant love affair with given the vibe of the club and the top shelf front nine. While the back features some great holes, including the course’s signature, if the back was as good as the front Cedar Rapids would comfortably be a top 50 course in America. Grade A-
Quick Facts
Designer: Donald Ross in 1915 and Restoration by Ron Prichard in 2015
Cost: Private
Phone Number: (319) 363-9673
Course Website: Official Website - Visit The Cedar Rapids Country Club's official website by clicking on the link provided.
Directions: Get here! - 550 27th St Dr SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52403 – UNITED STATES
Photos: See additional photos of The Cedar Rapids Country Club
What to Expect: The only course that Donald Ross ever built in Iowa, Cedar Rapids is an absolute gem that somehow stays out of the national spotlight. Much of that incognito existence can be rooted in the suffocating overgrowth of trees that the course has been freed from with the brilliant restoration work Ron Prichard performed in 2018. The result is a course that highlights the Golden Age architecture of its roots and is one of the finest tracks in the Midwest. Of particular note are the quality of the par fours throughout the routing. They are unique, engaging, and varied two-shotters that consistently keep your attention and test your game. With the renovation work performed at Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Harvester, Iowa has suddenly become a must-play destination and can stand proudly among its bordering states as offering top shelf golf to experience. The elevated opening tee box that hugs the clubhouse offers a commanding view of the 1st hole that is an inspiring way to start the round before embarking on the all-world par four 2nd. In fact, the front nine is without question one of the finest outward nines in the game and a set of holes I could never possibly tire of playing. While the back nine features some solid holes to enjoy, it is the front nine where Cedar Rapids really shines and would easily be a top 50 course in America if the back nine were its equal.
By the Numbers
| Tees | Par | Yardage | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Championship | 72 | 7328 | 75.7 | 138 |
| Championship/Back | 72 | 7042 | 74.6 | 136 |
| Back | 72 | 6643 | 72.6 | 131 |
| Back/Ross | 72 | 6205 | 70.5 | 127 |
| Ross | 72 | 5878 | 68.8 | 124 |
| Ross/Forward (Women) | 72 | 5328 | 71.6 | 127 |
| Forward (Women) | 72 | 4876 | 69.1 | 120 |
Individual Hole Analysis
Signature Hole: 14th Hole – 376 Yard Par 4 –
Best Par 3: 8th Hole – 200 Yards –
Best Par 4: 3rd Hole – 414 Yards –
Best Par 5: 9th Hole – 585 Yards –
Birdie Time: 10th Hole – 397 Yard Par 4 –
Bogey Beware: 2nd Hole – 430 Yard Par 4 –
