With several potential signature holes, two of them rise above the rest. The par 5, 570 yard 7th named “Big Boy” (a well deserved name) requires critical positioning of the tee shot. You can lay it up to the first landing area with a shot less than 255 yards, which sounds easy but a very downhill shot goes a lot further than you think. If laying up is not your forte then a shot that carries 285 yards is required to go over the first creek. Either way, one is not out of the woods as the second shot needs to carry Squaw Creek, a shot of 165 yards, to have a shot at the green. Once done with the “Big Boy” there is not much time to rest because the 134 yard, par 3, 11th named “Davey Jones” is all carry. A daunting tee shot that is straight uphill, not to mention if it is windy one should feel fortunate to walk away with a par. Aside form the “signature” holes there is much joy to be found all over the course including a suspension bridge that is crossed numerous times, views of the college campus, walking trails, Skunk River (don’t worry it doesn’t smell), numerous creeks, and plentiful wildlife.

If you crave a walk down your own educational “memory lane” when done with the Veenker experience, a short drive will take you to the middle of Iowa State University campus, and Campus Town. With plenty of nightlife and boutique style restaurants there is something for everyone.

Incredible value, tons of fun, the Perry Maxwell designed Veenker Memorial Golf Course has become one of the most talked about, demanding, challenging and penalizing golf courses in the Upper Midwest. And if that’s an exaggeration it’s only to make the point that it certainly should be.

Quote of the day came from Mike N. a local golfer, “These fairways are amazing! I wonder what it would be like to play from them?”

Latest Update: 3/11/2011