Meaning Lake of the Land, in the Dutch language, Landsmeer reflects the unique Dutch heritage of Orange City and the nature of the golf course. Golfers playing the course at Landsmeer will enjoy a public 18-hole championship golf course with extensive practice facilities that include driving range, designated chipping area and putting green. The course clubhouse and paved recreational fitness trail add to Landsmeer’s amenities. The prairie-style course sprawls over 160 acres of rolling Iowa hills, and features bent grass greens and bluegrass fairways. The holes are lined with tall native grasses, providing a rippling lake effect to players. Lakes and streams offer challenges on the front nine, while a links-style atmosphere is found on the back side. Landsmeer was named 18-Hole Course of the Year in 2008 by the Iowa Golf Association, and #1 Municipal Golf Course in the state of Iowa in 2009 by Golf Digest. Designed by Kansas City golf course architect Don Sechrest, each of Landsmeer’s 18 holes has its own character, making for a memorable golf experience in each and every round.
HOLE 1
This opening par 5 allows you to ease into your round with a good scoring opportunity. Avoid the big miss and you could have a good shot at birdie.
HOLE 2
Finding a par at the second is no easy task. This medium length par 3 has water surrounding the green on three sides and a green that slopes generously from back to front. Aim at the front right portion of the green to be safe and avoid a big number.
HOLE 3
This short par four can be played a number of ways. The most conventional is a layup shot to avoid the risk of the hazard that runs up the entire left side of the hole. The second shot requires a precise wedge shot but should lead to a birdie putt if handled well.
HOLE 4
A short iron to this par 3 with a large green. Avoid a lazy tee shot and par should be an easy score.
HOLE 5
Simply said the risk isn’t worth the reward. A creek splits the fairway, going left leaves a little shorter wedge but the best approach is a tee shot hit at the 150 marker in the middle of the right fairway.
HOLE 6
Another short par 4 you could be aggressive on. The green slopes front to back so be wary of the front pin location. If you get your tee shot to close to the green you won’t be able to keep the ball near the hole.
HOLE 7
A downhill par 3 with a creek protecting short and out of bounds protecting left. With a south wind this hole can play difficult. Par is a good score here.
HOLE 8
The number 1 handicap hole is a straight forward hole. There is more room left off the tee than you can see so don’t hug the trees on the right. It plays into a prevailing south wind so be prepared to club up.
HOLE 9
A great opportunity to end the front 9 with a great look at birdie. This par 5 is typically down wind so most can reach it in 2. Best advice here is don’t miss the green long or right.
HOLE 10
Avoiding the big miss on your second shot and this par 5 presents another good opportunity to get your back 9 off to a good start.
HOLE 11
A solid mid iron is needed here. Make sure to cover the front bunker and you could have a good look at par.
HOLE 12
The wide fairway off the tee can give you false security. There is more room left that you realize on the blind second shot.
HOLE 13
The close guarding OB on the left tends to get in your head. Commit to you swing or you’ll be hard pressed to make par.
HOLE 14
One of the easier par 4’s on the course. It doesn’t require driver to have a short iron or wedge into this good sized green.
HOLE 15
With a blind tee shot it can be difficult to know what line to pick. Hit the right one and you can get home in 2 on this short par 5.
HOLE 3
This short par four can be played a number of ways. The most conventional is a layup shot to avoid the risk of the hazard that runs up the entire left side of the hole. The second shot requires a precise wedge shot but should lead to a birdie putt if handled well.
HOLE 17
Often this par 3 should be a par 4 especially from the back tees. A small opening to the green guarded by bunkers and a severe drop off if you go long. missing short in the approach is your best miss.
HOLE 18
Straight forward finishing hole plays uphill and longer than the actual yardage. 2 solid shots and you will have no problem finishing with a par.
