What are the Worst Golf Courses in Each State (Iowa)?

Shady Oaks

Here’s a take on three public golf courses in Iowa that, based on repeated reviews, seem to struggle more than most — offering cautionary tales for visiting golfers.

1. Shady Oaks Golf Course (Ackworth)

For those hoping to tee it up around the Des Moines area, Shady Oaks unfortunately comes up often in complaint forums. One TripAdvisor reviewer titled their submission: “Worst coarse in Iowa.” (Tripadvisor)

The good (or at least neutral)

- It’s affordable and easily accessible from the metro area, which means lower expectations for luxury.

- It likely draws local players rather than destination golfers, so the pace of play may be manageable.

The issues

Multiple reviewers cite poor maintenance: worn tee boxes, thin or patchy fairways, and inconsistent greens. (Yelp)

There are complaints about general course condition overshadowing enjoyment — one reviewer said they “didn’t golf 1 hole due to another kid that was only going to …” (indicating management or operational issues). (Yelp)

The vibe & takeaway

Shady Oaks feels like the “budget” option gone wrong: you get the lower price, yes—but you also get the kind of conditions that might frustrate a golfer used to decent turf and fair play. If you’re desperate to play a round and want cheap, go in with very modest expectations (and maybe a good sense of humor).

Airport National

2. Airport National Golf Course (Cedar Rapids)

This one is a little unusual: the issues raised are less about pristine turf and more about design and safety concerns.

The good

As a municipal‐type facility, it likely offers value for local play.

The issues

A TripAdvisor reviewer raised alarm about the layout: “The layout of Holes 19-27 is horrendous. Way too tight to one another with tee boxes close to greens. I didn’t feel safe the entire round.” (Tripadvisor)

When safety (or perception of safety) enters the picture, the fun of golf can quickly erode—especially when drives, holes, or paths feel constrained.

The vibe & takeaway

Airport National appears to suffer more from design and spacing issues than pure turf condition. If you pick this one, know it might feel congested, somewhat quirky, and less comfortable for a relaxed round—especially if you’re playing with others who hit long or stray off line.

Copper Creek

3. Copper Creek Golf Course (Pleasant Hill, near Des Moines)

A third contender for the “what to watch out for” list is Copper Creek. While not universally panned, there are specific reviews calling out serious shortcomings.

The good

Proximity to the Des Moines metro area makes it convenient for local play.

The issues

A specific TripAdvisor review states: “Copper Creek gets the distinction of WORST. This course is poorly maintained, with holes that no golf architect in his right mind would ever build. The greens …” (Tripadvisor)

The reviewer hints at design flaws and maintenance problems—double trouble for golfers expecting a playable round.

The vibe & takeaway

If you play Copper Creek, go with realistic expectations and maybe view it as a casual round rather than a “memorable golf experience.” The turf and layout might disappoint, but if you’re in the area and just want to swing, it might serve. Still—be prepared.

Final Thoughts

Golf in Iowa has many standout courses, but as with any state, there are tracks that fall short of golfer expectations. Among the three above:

- Shady Oaks for maintenance and general condition challenges.

- Airport National for layout and safety/spacing concerns.

- Copper Creek for a mix of condition and design issues.

If you’re planning a golf outing in Iowa and want a positive experience, you might want to skip these (or go in with low expectations) and instead aim for one of the highly‐rated options in the state.