Jester Park Golf Course

This municipal track northwest of Des Moines proves that Iowa prairie golf doesn't have to be boring, with elevation changes that surprise first-timers and a routing that maximizes the natural terrain's subtle undulations. The par-4 14th plays downhill through a corridor of mature oaks before demanding a precise approach to a two-tiered green that separates pretenders from players. At under $40 for weekend golf, it's the kind of honest, well-maintained public course that makes you wonder why anyone pays resort prices for lesser conditioning.