Rebirth After the Flood
When the Iowa River surged in 2008, Blue Top Ridge lost several holes to catastrophic flooding. Rees Jones returned, rerouting four holes to higher ground and giving the course a second life with fresh landform variety.
The verdict
Iowa's big, bold championship resort
Blue Top Ridge delivers a memorable challenge with long scenic par 5s, striking elevation changes, and fast, undulating greens. It's a regionally elite course, ideal for golfers seeking a formidable but fair test and a strong casino-resort experience.
Course DNA
Difficulty
82
Scenery78
Conditioning86
Shot Variety83
Walkability58
Green Complexity87
Wow Factor78
Design Quality76
At a glance
Quick facts
Longest hole
16th, 665 yards — the longest in Iowa
Strongest nine
Back nine, notably memorable
Elevation change
Significant, creates visual drama
Flood rerouting
Four holes redesigned after 2008
Resort amenity
Integrated with casino hotel
Course rating/slope
77.6 / 146 (back tees)
Multiple tee sets
Up to 8 different yardages
The design
The architecture
Blue Top Ridge exemplifies Rees Jones’s signature championship resort style—modern, dramatic, and generous off the tee but increasingly demanding around its sprawling, multi-tiered greens. The course leverages three distinct landforms and substantial elevation changes to create a sense of scale, while water hazards and sidehill lies add both tactical and visual excitement. The four holes redesigned after the 2008 floods give the front nine unique character, while the back nine rolls over grander ground, culminating in spectacular long par 5s. Throughout, conditioning is excellent, and there’s a strong emphasis on varied shot-making and strategic navigation.
Rees Jones is renowned for blending player challenge with resort accessibility, making each hole playable for all but a true test for advanced golfers. The post-flood rerouting with Bryce Swanson added fresh dynamism and resilience to the layout.
Defining features
- Bold use of elevation across both nines
- Large, undulating green complexes requiring precise approaches
- Multiple expansive fairways with water in play on key holes
- Signature par 5s including Iowa's longest hole
- Strategic bunkering and forced carries
- Routing that blends original and rerouted holes for variety
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 3
Risk-Reward Short Par 4
PAR
4
YARDAGE
278–333 yds
A drivable short par 4 that tempts big hitters but punishes carelessness with tight angles and tricky green contours. Its template mirrors the 17th, rewarding precision and self-control.
Play it smart
Lay up short of bunkers for the best angle in, or challenge the green with a long drive if you dare.
Where it bites
Miss left or long and you'll face a treacherous recovery with little green to work with.
Course management
Shots to think about
Tee shot on hole 7
Aim for position over distance—water shapes both tee and second shots
Approach to a raised green
Factor in elevation—take an extra club to ensure the ball holds the putting surface
Laying up on 16
Don’t press for max distance on the second shot; leave an angle short of the creek
Short par 4s (3 & 17)
Resist the urge to bomb driver; control distance and shape for a better angle in
Approaching fast, sloping greens
Play for the correct tier or shelf—being pin-high is not always best
Navigating sidehill fairways
Plan your stance and shot shape around expected lies—ball above or below feet affects flight
Watch
See it before you play it
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Excellent—lush fairways and fast, undulating greens; top-tier for Midwest public golf
Pace
Generally fast; 18Birdies and reviewer consensus note quick play even at peak times
Vibe
Energetic, welcoming, and resort-focused; a relaxed but professional casino destination atmosphere
Dress code
Standard modern golf attire recommended
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Map out the par 5s
Study 7 and 16 in advance—distance alone won’t guarantee a scoring chance
02
Practice sidehill putts
Extra work on breaking putts and elevated green approaches pays off
03
Hydration and snacks
The spread-out routing and variable elevation make for a long but rewarding walk—pack accordingly
04
Allow time for casino amenities
Plan to enjoy the full resort, but don’t let the fun distract from your game focus on the course
The lore
How it came to be
- 2007
Original course constructed by Rees Jones and Bryce Swanson
- 2008
Iowa River floods cause major course damage
- 2009
Course officially debuts to the public
- 2011
Rees Jones reroutes and reopens revised layout above floodplain
- 2011
Grand reopening with PGA/celebrity guests
- 2012
Hosts a national PGA Junior tournament and Iowa club team championship
Stories & legends
What makes it special
Iowa’s Monster Par Fives
The 7th and 16th are two of the boldest, brawniest par 5s in Midwest public golf. The 16th rumbles through the valley at a jaw-dropping 665 yards—the state’s longest hole—demanding thoughtful layups and a nervy approach over water.
A Casino Course With Tour-Level Conditioning
Blue Top Ridge runs alongside a full-scale casino and resort, but the golf is no afterthought. Reviewers consistently rave about its lush fairways and fast, undulating greens that stand up to championship play.
Grand Re-Opening Ceremony
After the restorative redesign, local sports figures and golf personalities, including J.C. Snead and Bobby Clampett, celebrated the revamped course at a widely covered grand reopening that marked the start of a new era.
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
Home to Iowa’s longest hole, the par-5 16th, at 665 yards
2
Course routing was rerouted after flood devastation—four holes repositioned on higher ground
3
Casino and golf resort combo draws both serious golfers and entertainment seekers
4
Back nine receives consistent praise as stronger and more memorable than the front
5
Signature holes echo Rees Jones's bold design philosophy, especially with large greens and sweeping vistas
Build the trip
If you’re making an Iowa City golf trip out of it
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
Finkbine Golf Course
Public/University
Premier Iowa City public track, excellent value and conditions
Brown Deer Golf Club
Public
Strong public variety, complements a Blue Top Ridge trip
Amana Colonies Golf Club
Public/resort
Challenging alternative with resort amenities nearby
Crow Valley Golf Club
Private
High reputation private club if you have access
Briarwood Golf Club
Private
Another solid local private option for those with connections
Iowa City or Coralville for easy access to all public courses and area restaurants
Course DNA
If You Like Blue Top Ridge
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Strong DNA Match7.9
Kenwood Country Club (Kenview Course)
Cincinnati, OhioGreen Complexity
Why it matches: Kenwood Country Club (Kenview Course) is a natural next stop after Blue Top Ridge: it makes the greens a central strategic puzzle.
Strong DNA Match8.9
Colorado Golf Club
Parker, ColoradoWhy it matches: What links these two? A comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character — a familiar feeling, expressed in Colorado Golf Club's own setting.
Strong DNA Match9.1
Oak Hill Country Club - East
Rochester, New YorkWhy it matches: Oak Hill Country Club - East is a natural next stop after Blue Top Ridge: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Community Sentiment
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