Pleasant Valley Golf Course
Pleasant Valley Golf Course offers an approachable yet thought-provoking 18-hole layout just outside Iowa City. With smooth, forgiving greens and strategically placed water hazards, this public course challenges accuracy amid gently rolling terrain and mature trees, making it a favored local retreat for all levels.
Course Overview
Located just outside Iowa City, Pleasant Valley Golf Course offers an accessible yet engaging challenge for golfers across all skill levels. This 18-hole public course spans a moderate length that balances playability with variety, set within a rolling midwestern landscape where mature trees and water hazards shape strategic decision-making. The layout invites players to maintain focus from tee to green, with water features that often run along or cross fairways, requiring accurate shot placement and course management.
Pleasant Valley’s greens are known for their smoothness and consistent speed, frequently praised for offering a forgiving surface that welcomes both novice and seasoned players. While the conditioning has occasional fluctuations, the maintenance team’s on-site nursery supports a consistently well-kept environment with vibrant landscaping that enhances the course's natural surroundings. Golfers will find a collection of bunkers and water hazards that guard several key greens, prompting thoughtful approach shots and rewarding precision.
The course’s terrain gently undulates, providing interesting elevation changes without becoming physically taxing, making it a comfortable walk even on warmer days. Covered parking adds a practical convenience for visitors, especially during unpredictable weather. The facility encourages walking, and golfers are advised to wear sturdy shoes suitable for a course that features wetland areas and occasional modest slopes.
Pleasant Valley serves a broad audience—from beginners seeking an inviting place to develop skills, to more experienced players who appreciate holes that test control and accuracy. Although not a destination course, it holds strong appeal for local golf enthusiasts looking for quality and value. The atmosphere is relaxed, though visitors should note that customer service can vary.
If your game thrives on managing natural obstacles and you enjoy a variety of shot challenges framed by traditional Midwestern scenery, Pleasant Valley Golf Course presents a worthwhile day of golf within easy reach of Iowa City.
Course Highlights
The course’s defining features include water hazards that intersect multiple fairways, forcing strategic shot selection and precise control. Its smooth, fast greens offer both a forgiving surface for beginners and a subtle challenge for experienced players. The on-site nursery ensures well-maintained landscaping and healthy turf, adding to the visual appeal without compromising playability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Peter Rainbow
Pleasant Valley GC is great value; low rates and excellent condition. The greens are perfect; fast and smooth. And having their own nursery means they know how to care for all the plants and flowers, so it really looks great. Watch out for stray shots, since there is water on several holes. Sometimes it is a creek running along side, other times a blind creek running across at just the right distance to catch a drive.
Louis
Course is in great shape as of May 10th, 2019 thoroughly enjoyed one of the few perfectly warm weather days this year yesterday! Wonderful course with some surprisingly fun golf holes & certainly no walk in the park!
Peter Rainbow
Pleasant Valley GC is great value; low rates and excellent condition. The greens are perfect; fast and smooth. And having their own nursery means they know how to care for all the plants and flowers, so it really looks great. Watch out for stray shots, since there is water on several holes. Sometimes it is a creek running along side, other times a blind creek running across at just the right distance to catch a drive.
Steve C
My 1st visit. Well maintained course. The trees, sand and water force you to stay disciplined. Keep the ball in play and you will be fine. Loved the covered parking option. Definitely would go back.
Colby Davis
Workers at this place are terrible. Tried to grab a push cart not knowing there was a fee, and one of the workers asked me “you do know how to golf, right?” I told him that the place I usually go didn’t have a push cart fee so I didn’t know, and he just kept heckling me and super confrontational. Not sure what was up his rear end but might wanna get it checked out.
Mary Coffield
Zachary Brown
Very nice course. For the price, it's a bargain.
Benjamin Potter
This is a very fun course that offers a challenge to golfers of all skill levels. It has some of the most forgiving greens in the area. It isn’t very well maintained some of the time and the “pleasant” smell can start to wear on you through 18. The staff are also not very friendly-on one experience we were charged for a full price round of golf when we arrived during twilight hours. Thankfully I noticed and had them change the bill. Despite the negatives it is a beautiful course with plenty to offer and definitely worth playing if you are a local resident!
Jessica Runge
Steve C
My 1st visit. Well maintained course. The trees, sand and water force you to stay disciplined. Keep the ball in play and you will be fine. Loved the covered parking option. Definitely would go back.
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Course Details
Access & Location
4390 Sand Rd SE, Iowa City, IA 52240, USA
Pleasant Valley Clubhouse offering pro shop and locker rooms
Walking is encouraged across the gently rolling terrain; sturdy golf shoes recommended to manage occasional wet areas and uneven footing.
Open to the public year-round; walk-up tee times often available, advance booking recommended on weekends.
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