The Preserve on Rathbun Lake

About The Preserve on Rathbun Lake

You'd be hard-pressed to find better bang for your buck than this hidden gem tucked along Rathbun Lake's shoreline in southern Iowa. The lakeside setting provides both scenic beauty and strategic challenge, with several holes playing near or over water that actually comes into play rather than serving as mere decoration. The routing takes full advantage of the natural terrain, offering elevation changes and lake views that make you forget you're playing a public course in a town of fewer than 700 people. What sets this place apart is how well-maintained the course stays despite its remote location and modest green fees. The 4.5-star rating from over 120 reviews tells the real story, golfers consistently leave impressed by both the course conditions and the genuine hospitality. Walking is encouraged here, which suits the natural flow of the layout perfectly. If you're planning a golf trip through Iowa or find yourself anywhere near the Missouri border, this is absolutely worth the detour for a round that punches well above its weight class.

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