Golf
For a century, the Wakonda Club golf course has been recognized as one of the best courses in the state, as well as the Midwest. Golf Digest previously ranked the William B. Langford-designed course #1 in Iowa, the Des Moines Register readers have voted it the best in the state, and Golf Week has recognized Wakonda as a Top-100 Classical Course in the United States. Wakonda plays host to the award-winning Principal Charity Classic, bringing PGA TOUR Champions to the course. The golf course is member friendly with social golf programs, Men’s and Ladies leagues, and Operation 36 instruction.
The Wakonda Club golf course averages 18,000 rounds annually. Beyond the beautiful & challenging course, the winter practice facilities has four individual hitting bays. The member-owned Golf Professionals Shop offers an exceptional full-service experience with corporate customization and special orders, personal customer service and member-discounted prices.
| Aaron Krueger, PGA, Director of Golf Aaron is beginning his fourteenth season at Wakonda Club in 2024 and his eighth as Director of Golf. Aaron is originally from Fulton, Illinois and is a graduate of the University of Iowa, where he competed on the men’s golf team. Aaron worked as an Assistant Professional at both Wildcat Run Country Club in Estero, Florida and Sunnyside Country Club in Waterloo, Iowa. In 2007, Aaron became a Class A Member of the PGA of America. He served as the Head Golf Professional (2008-2010) at Pinnacle Country Club in the Quad Cities prior to coming to Wakonda in 2011 as the Head Golf Professional. Aaron was the President of the Iowa PGA Board of Directors in 2017-2019 and was the 2008 & 2013 Iowa PGA Section Champion. He was recognized as the 2017 Iowa PGA Golf Professional of the Year and the 2019 Iowa Golf Association PGA Professional of the Year. In 2014, he competed in the John Deere Classic and the PGA Championship. Aaron and his wife Tonya have one daughter, Lydia. Tyler Christians, PGA, Head Golf Professional Tyler began working at Wakonda in 2012 in the bag-room and will be in his twelfth season in 2024. Tyler grew up in Urbandale and developed a passion for the game at age 12. He attended Urbandale High School and actively participated on the varsity golf team along with the bowling and soccer teams. Tyler then attended Grand View University in Des Moines where he studied Sport Management and competed on the golf team. Tyler’s greatest golf accomplishment came at the 2014 Kohler Classic when he won medalist honors at Whistling Straights in Kohler, WI. During his final year of college, Tyler completed an internship with Wakonda. Upon graduating from Grand View University in 2015, Tyler began the PGA Apprentice Program at Brown Deer Golf Club in Coralville. After completing Level 1, Tyler returned to Wakonda to continue growing his knowledge of the PGA. Tyler spent two winters working in Arizona at Desert Mountain Golf Club. From 2018 - 2020, Tyler was appointed Head Men’s Golf Coach at Simpson College while working at Wakonda. He dreams of playing in a PGA Tour event, has a passion for cars and believes that he can beat anyone in a game of ping pong. Kieran Green, Assistant Golf Professional Kieran Green joined the golf industry in 2022 and built his experience at respected clubs and facilities across the East Coast. Originally from West Chester, Pennsylvania, he began his career at local driving ranges and quickly earned leadership roles, which laid the groundwork for his transition into high-level country club operations. Kieran began the PGA PGM Associate Program while working at Porters Neck Country Club in Wilmington, NC. After enrolling in PGA Level 1, he moved north to continue growing his experience at Pinebrook Country Club in Weston, MA. Since 2022, he has developed skills in all aspects of golf operations — from running tournaments and assisting with junior instruction, to assisting in managing the pro shop and coordinating member travel across the country. Kieran is committed to pursuing PGA membership as he advances in his career during his time at Wakonda Club. Off the course, Kieran officiates NCAA Division I and Minor Pro ice hockey, balancing his passion for golf with a lifelong dedication to the game of hockey. |
Additional golf amenities:
- Individual or group private golf lessons and club fittings available with our PGA trained Golf Professionals using the latest technologies and equipment, including the Track Man Launch Monitor.
- Full season schedule of member-only and member-guest golf events highlighted by our Men’s Blazer Day Member Guest and Ladies Lone Leaf Member Guest.
- Yearly guided golf excursions (domestic and international) by experienced Golf staff.
- Flexible weekend tee time scheduling, with no priority legacy tee times and walk-up play opportunities.
- The Junior Golf Program boasts over 200 kids annually playing the game, from basic skills through advanced competition.
- Staff conducts golf clinics including short game, full swing, bunkers, uneven lies and couples’ clinics.
Master Planning began in 2020 for a fully restored golf course. The 2023 restoration of Wakonda Club was led by Golf Course Architect, Tyler Rae and his Lead Design Associate, Jim Ryan, Jr. Wakonda's Grounds Superintendent, Dane Wilson and his staff worked to coordinate contractors and ensure the project was on-time and on-budget. This restoration focused on address a combination of architecture and infrastructure.
| 2023 Restoration Details: TEES
GREENS
BUNKERS
TURFGRASS
IRRIGATION
TREES
SHORT GAME PRACTICE AREA
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