Full disclosure -- I am very biased when it comes to opinions on Brown Deer. I tend to be very romantic about this course since it is where I fell in love with the game of golf. As a late adopter of the game, I played my first ever round of golf around 2 years ago as a 24 year old at this course, and I have been absolutely addicted to the ruthlessly challenging, yet infinitely rewarding journey that is golf. While Brown Deer isn't the nicest course I have played during my short career, I still love to play 18 here whenever I get the chance. My wife, father-in-law, and I played here last on the final day of the 2025 season. Can't wait to come back in a few weeks!!! read more

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Good course. Definitely on the short end of things, but staff is great, and 17/18 greens were in fantastic condition a few weeks back when I played. Pretty easy setup for high level amateurs, but very fair. Make sure you're hitting the greens in the right spots, or your score will tally up. Played pretty well and shot 68 (-3), and left a few out there. If you are someone who averages 285+ off the tee, you'll be hitting wedges into a lot of holes. Par 5's play longer than the card says! read more

True greens, picturesque tee blocks, plenty of water and sand traps as well as a number of challenging holes that make you think greeted our group on the back 9 at Brown Deer. I've been driving by this course for a few years and finally had a chance to play this week - I'm bummed I waited this long to play! A great course located just over the hill from downtown Coralville. The front nine is relatively wide open, but has a number of holes that make you think and is upkept as well as any course I've played. The back nine is equally impressive, but with a much more difficult layout. Some great holes have severe doglegs where placement is really important - nothing like the Amana course for those from the area, but a nice change from a completely open course. The rates are fantastic early in the season with 9 holes for $15 when you walk as well as $26 for 18. They've got early bird and late start rates as well. Overall, this is a solid course that's got a nice layout, isn't super long (6300 from the tips) and will make you think about many of your shots. It's a small step up from a three star course given the character of the holes, but it's a ways from a 5 star course given the limitations since it's located in a city. Well worth your time if you're looking for a fun round on a sunny afternoon. read more

Brown Deer Golf Course - Golf Near Me - Coralville, Iowa

This is a really nice course and is fun to play, nice challenge for the average golfer, they have a nice pro shop there and and great pub and grill there as well. read more

Average course for the price we paid. Would have rather driven to Dubuque to play at the meadows than stay in town and play here. Golf carts accelerate at too rapid of a speed that I would consider to be a hazard and don't even get me started on the service. The kid who was working the front desk was ill prepared to serve customers and was grumpier than a turtle with no legs and i will not be attending this course again. 3 hours of my life I will never get back. read more

We stopped here on a Sunday afternoon and were pleasantly surprised by the friendly and professional service received from the entire staff. Elevated tees on the back nine offer pristine views and are complimented by well maintained greens. Great value as well. read more

This is one of my favorite golf courses (in Iowa). It is both challenging & fun! The course is always in good shape (back 9 has leaf issues on some holes, but not major) & the greens are in good condition. I would like to see more trees on the front 9, but that will come with age (only 5-6 years old). If you're looking to take someone new to the area or that is visiting, this is the course to go to. Great course for the average golfer at a good rate! read more

Let me first say that if the only golf you are used to is the golf that surrounds Iowa City than this course rates higher than 3 stars. That said, I have played all over the US, and this course is a very nice three-star course, but nothing more. Here are my thoughts: Clubhouse: First impressions are nice from the parking lot. Clean on the outside, but confusing as to where to go. The sign pointing us to the pro shop, actually led us to conference rooms upstairs instead. Once we found the pro shop, again, nice. Medium in size. Lots of equipment to look at and try out. Driving Range: Yes, and located right next to the pro shop. +1. Grass boxes to hit off of, and away from any holes that players might be playing on. Practice Green: Again, good. Roughly 6 holes to putt on. Not much in regards to undulation, but enough slope to practice some benders before you go out. Course: Basically you have two different 9's. The front 9 is pretty much a links style course right now. In time the trees will grow into it, but they are a non-factor right now. The day we were playing it was windy as can be and made for a big challenge. Really like the look of the 1st hole. Risk v Reward as to whether try to clear the creek or lay up. The back 9 winds you through a subdivision and it is full of trees on both sides of the fairways. It can be tight in some places, so accuracy is a must back there. Fairways were beat up a little bit, but it was late in the season, so I won't hold that against them too much. Leaves were a problem on the back nine as well, but again, late in the season, so it should be expected. Greens were ok. Nothing special. All in all, a nice run that I did enjoy. If pressed, I would say the signature holes are 1, 17 and 18. 17 is a par 3 downhill to a green that is covered from the back tee box. Hit the club the distance you think it is, then watch the ball disappear and hope you are right. Beautiful view from the tee box is an added bonus. 18 is a sweet, hard dogleg right. The longest of hitters can clear the pond, but most are better off laying up to the left and hitting an iron into the green. Staff: Everyone we came across was friendly. Where I think this course lacks a higher rating from me though is the fact that there is no starter, no bag attendant, and no one around to offer to clean clubs after the round. These are things that do take a club from good to great. Food: I did stop in the bar between 9's to grab a bite. Brat was not good quality. Preparation was fine, just a poor product to begin with. Girls inside were nice and the prices were decent. Overall: I only get out to IC roughly once a year and then only play probably 2 round when there. I don't see myself going back to Brown Deer for a couple of years. There are other course that I want to try out, and there are other courses that I know are better. This course has some promise though and I would recommend it to a friend if asked. read more

Just played the course for the first time and was truly amazed at how fun the course was to play. Great tees boxes, fairways and greens were challenging without being too difficult. Great day to play golf with my son and we played 18 holes in exactly three hours. Would highly recommend this course to anyone looking to play a more upscale course. Beautiful scenery to be had on every hole and just enough water to be challenging without losing too many balls. read more

The greens are nice and the fairways are open. The Marshall though is on your group the entire time you play. Apparently the course is for serious golfers only. Hide you're smiles and don't have fun. read more