Lake Panorama National Course
Lake Panorama National Golf Course




About this course
Lake Panorama National Golf Course sits on the shores of Lake Panorama in central Iowa, roughly forty miles west of Des Moines. Designed by Dick Watson and opened in the early 1970s, the course was developed as part of the Lake Panorama residential community, which centers around a large man-made reservoir created by damming the Middle Raccoon River. The layout takes advantage of the rolling terrain characteristic of this part of Iowa, with elevation changes that are notable for the region and views across the water from several holes. The course plays along and near the lake's edge on multiple occasions, bringing water into play both visually and strategically. The routing incorporates wooded areas, open meadow-style holes, and lakeside stretches, providing variety in both setting and shot requirements. The property's natural topography allows for some dramatic downhill tee shots and approach angles that are less common on courses in the surrounding agricultural plains. Lake Panorama National serves both the residential community and outside daily-fee play, functioning as a recreational amenity for property owners while remaining accessible to the broader golfing public in the region. The course has hosted various Iowa state and regional amateur events over the decades, contributing to competitive golf in the central part of the state. Its setting within a recreational lake community gives it a resort-adjacent character, though it operates primarily as a traditional golf facility rather than a full resort destination.
Rankings
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.
Best in World
Best in USA
Best in IA
Quick facts
- Location
- Panora, IA, USA
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 1971
- Holes
- 18
- Designer
- Dick Watson
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 7,024 yards
- Difficulty
- 73.4/132
- Course Vaults score
- 8.0
Getting there
Lake Panorama National Golf Course sits in the rolling farmland of central Iowa, most easily reached via Des Moines International Airport (DSM), roughly ninety minutes to the southeast by car. The drive west from Des Moines carries you through the gentle agricultural heartland - a landscape of open fields and small-town main streets that gradually gives way to the wooded shoreline of Panorama Lake itself. Private aviation options exist at nearby regional strips, though the journey by road remains the preferred passage, winding through quiet county roads that frame the transition from prairie to the club's secluded lakeside setting. Your arrival at Lake Panorama National marks the culmination of a journey through authentic Midwestern terrain, where the course's championship layout unfolds against the serene backdrop of the lake and native timber that define this distinctive destination.

FAQ
Common questions about Lake Panorama National
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Lake Panorama National has a Course Vaults score of 8.0 out of 10 based on 12 logged golfers.
Lake Panorama National was designed by Dick Watson.
Yes. Lake Panorama National is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Lake Panorama National is 72.
Lake Panorama National plays 7,024 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Lake Panorama National is 132.



