Coldwater Golf Links

Coldwater Golf Links occupies rolling terrain on the outskirts of Ames, Iowa, designed by Tripp Davis and opened in the early 2000s. Davis, a Texas-based architect known for naturalistic routing and strategic design, shaped the course to work with the property's existing landforms and native grasses. The layout reflects the minimalist design philosophy that gained prominence in American golf architecture during that period, emphasizing ground game options and visual simplicity over heavily manufactured features. The course takes its name from Coldwater Creek, which influences several holes and adds both strategic interest and natural definition to the routing. The property's topography provides elevation change uncommon in central Iowa, allowing Davis to create variety in hole character and sightlines. Fairways are typically generous, but green complexes feature subtle contours and surrounds that reward precision in the short game. The design incorporates native fescue grasses in the rough areas, creating a links-inspired aesthetic that distinguishes the course from more traditional parkland layouts common to the region. Coldwater serves as a daily-fee facility accessible to the Ames community and visitors to the Iowa State University area. The course has hosted regional amateur competitions and collegiate events, benefiting from its proximity to the university. Its walkable routing and firm playing conditions appeal to golfers seeking a more traditional experience in a part of the country where cart-dependent resort courses are common.