Those new to east central Iowa wouldn't expect what abounds here. (And you might get lost on the way.) Substitute visions of flat cornfields and anticipated hog farm aromatherapy with beautiful rolling hills, immaculate hallway-width fairways, and one of the tougher (highest rated) golfing experiences in the state. The walls of trees here are like a circus hall of mirrors to a dyslexic person. Once in, good luck getting out!

One could read this description as suggesting we didn't like it here. Au contraire! The thrashing we received from the course was so beautiful, so peaceful, so blatantly extraordinary that we'd be more than happy to come back and take the abuse again.

The praise begins and ends with the clubhouse staff, who are (to a person) as accommodating as the course isn't. Hackers and professionals alike are welcomed and treated with an "Iowa nice" that puts neighboring versions to shame.

But on the course... you're on your own (with the animals of course). When you typically have enough trouble hitting the ball straight, accounting for and planning your way through multiple doglegs (while also making altitude adjustments in club selection) hole-after-hole is as easy as teaching a hillbilly fluent French. Merci buckets! You just can't do it.

But you'll still love it here. For the quality of golf, it's a great value, especially at the "play all day" rate. The food options are limited but the prices are good for what you get. Course conditions are exceptional but many of the carts should be upgraded. There's beverage cart service Thursday through Sunday, but smiles and great golf every day. And stay-and-play options are available as well.

While bowlers may be more likely to admire a hacker's score here, we can't imagine there's a golfer alive who (under ideal weather conditions) wouldn't thank God for a day at this incredible course.

And all the people said... "Amana!"

*** - GPS Advice: Drive to Middle Amana. Then reset your GPS for the golf course.

Latest Update: 3/12/2011