Des Moines, Iowa
Wakonda Club
About the club
Located on a beautiful property cut with ravines and depressions in south Des Moines, Wakonda is a textbook example of what happens when golf courses age: they tend to get dulled and more narrow, overgrown, restricted by trees and contracting grass lines and lose the character that made them exemplary in their day. Wakonda was built by William Langford, one of the most distinctive architects of the Classical Era of the 1920s. However, by the 2000s, little of his architectural expression remained. A major renovation by Tyler Rae in 2023, though, reversed the aging effect. Rae was able to reestablish Langford’s principles and trademark style, defined by large plateau greens, steep-faced bunkers cut into their bases and more spacious fairways that set up strategic driving lines off the tee. Rae considers Wakonda one of the country’s greatest hidden gems, and while the course has always been respected (it ranks fifth in Iowa), the sharpening of the dramatic architecture could push it toward the top of the state list.
Amenities
Casual Dining
Clay Tennis
Club House
Dining
Event Spaces
Fine Dining
Golf Course
Hard Tennis
Course
Membership
Official membership prices are available on request. Use the Membership Fees calculator, then Enquire.
Wakonda Club
Membership
2026/27
Monthly Equivalent
On request
over 10 yrs
Year 1 Total
On request
Lifetime Total
On request
These figures are estimates you set. They are not published club prices. Enquire on this page for current membership pricing. Estimates do not include food and beverage minimums, capital assessments, or activity fees.
Enquire for membership fees
Membership Concierge
Christopher Knight
Location
3915 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, Iowa 50321, United States
Loading map…
Reviews
4.5
275 reviews
A long time Des Moines legend. Wonderful place for party. I played in a band that played Christmas music for clients and was impressed with the entire facility.
Randy Ward
The staff is amazing! Each time I talked with a different staff member I felt like I was the only customer they had. Often at an older country clubs you will have a men’s only vibe, my wife and I didn’t feel that here. The golf course looked really good. Also their swimming pools are some of the cleanest I have seen.
Chad Smith
Classic golf & tennis country club that has a great community and is very inviting. The golf course has beautiful old trees and tight fairways, the tennis center is quite popular and has a highly talented pro with a large youth program. Food and beverage options are above average with some wonderful views from the terrace in the summer time. The pool is the heart of this club in the summers. There are lots of families but never feels too crowded. There is a tiki bar as well as food service in the pool area. The swimming and diving teams are quite popular and they tend to have some talented coaches. This is a 100 year old club which brings some history and charm however the facilities are starting to show their age. The men's locker room is nice an even includes an attendant. However the women's locker room is an absolute dump; quite embarrassing actually compared to all the other wonderful features of this club. However this is currently a committee in place that is exploring a clubhouse renovation and golf course update. Beware those improvements will come with a big price tag but will likely make this the nicest club in the state. We very much enjoyed our time as members here and would highly recommend to any family looking for a club in the Des Moines area.
Brad Kosar