Golf Course Review by: Billy Satterfield
Rankings:
The Takeaway: Crow Valley features perhaps the most perfect conditioned greens I’ve ever experienced with the precise balance of being firm while still receptive. The back nine is an absolute treat, and if both sides were that good, Crow Valley would be among Iowa’s elite. Grade B-
Quick Facts
Designer: John Cochran in 1970
Cost: Private
Phone Number: (563) 359-1676
Course Website: Official Website - Visit Crow Valley Golf Club's official website by clicking on the link provided.
Directions: Get here! - 4315 E 60th St, Davenport, Iowa 52807 – UNITED STATES
Photos: See additional photos of Crow Valley Golf Club
What to Expect: Located in Davenport, IA four miles west of the Mississippi River that creates the border between Iowa and Illinois, Crow Valley Golf Club is a traditional facility with a focus on families. The golf course can make an argument as one of the best conditioned courses in the Midwest and feature perfect greens that are firm, yet receptive, and roll as pure as the driven snow. There are no waste areas and limited forced carries which accommodates every range of age and skill level to enjoy their round. On average, 3-4 bunkers will come into play per hole and a few water features; just enough to deliver interest to the layout but not so much of either feature to dominate the terrain. With a comfortable routing and limited opportunities to lose your ball, Crow Valley is a great "everyday" course that you can enjoy on a consistent basis without getting frustrated. That being said, the front nine is solid, but the back nine is where the course really shines with several compelling holes. Though the course is found in a neighborhood, homes rarely come into view and are virtually never a consideration before hitting a shot which allows for a feeling of being away from things while still enjoying the convenience of the location. The course is an enjoyable walk, however carts are provided for those that prefer to use them. From a comparison aspect, Fircrest and Tacoma CC in Washington come to mind in terms of terrain and conditioning. In the end, Crow Valley is a very good golf course and the perfect place for a family to enjoy. There are other tracks in Iowa that get more national attention, but if you are in the Quad Cities, Crow Valley is an ideal club to enjoy.
By the Numbers
| Tees | Par | Yardage | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Championship | 71 | 6774 | 73.4 | 138 |
| Crow | 71 | 6405 | 71.8 | 135 |
| Crow/Middle | 71 | 6204 | 71.1 | 131 |
| Middle | 71 | 6074 | 70.5 | 130 |
| Middle/Forward | 71 | 5604 | 68.0 | 127 |
| Forward (Women) | 71 | 5329 | 72.0 | 126 |
| Front (Women) | 71 | 5224 | 71.4 | 125 |
Individual Hole Analysis
Signature Hole: 14th Hole – 435 Yard Par 4 – The pinnacle of offerings at Crow Valley is found on the 14th, a dogleg right where you need to be on your game. The tee shot plays downhill to a fairway that bends right around a trio of bunkers and features terrain that slopes from left to right. The pond on the left side of the green features an inlet that fronts the putting surface and must be carried to safely arrive at the green. With a sidehill lie in the fairway, players will need to start their approach at the edge of the water and trust that it will cut towards the green and avoid a watery grave.
Best Par 3: 3rd Hole – 191 Yards – The dropshot 3rd hole descends 30 feet from tee to green and features a trio of bunkers surrounding the putting surface. Chunked shots may find the creek crossing short of the green while those that don't properly judge the change in elevation may find themselves in a bunker or skipping off the cart path. The mound on the right side of the putting surface can be utilized to work balls towards the center of the green, so be grateful for the forgiveness that feature can deliver.
Best Par 4: 13th Hole – 381 Yards – The inviting downhill tee shot is countered by a fairway that moves slightly left while the terrain kicks balls to the right. Tee shots that start on the right edge of the bunkers on the left will have the greatest chance of success before setting up an approach shot that must climb back uphill to the greensite. A circular bunker fronts the green while additional bunkers flank each side of the putting surface and demand that players hit a precise shot into the green. Playing southwesterly from the northernmost portion of the property, players need to consider the crosswind that often comes into play.
Best Par 5: 7th Hole – 569 Yards – The 7th features a creek meandering up the right side before moving further right onto the opposite side of the cart path where it becomes less of a factor. The slithering fairway features a row of trees up the left side that become thicker the closer to the green you get, but should still be favored with the tee shot to avoid the water. If you are going for the green in two then you'll need some extra juice since the putting surface sits 25 above the fairway on a plateau. Players laying up need to leave themselves enough yardage to hit a shot they can control the spin with so that they don't leave themselves with a putt from the back towards the front that can be difficult to control the pace on.
Birdie Time: 18th Hole – 512 Yard Par 5 – If you get to the last hole and still need to get one stroke back from Old Man Par, you are in luck because this short par five awaits. The fairway takes a nearly 90 degree turn left and has two bunkers on the outside of the dogleg which are both reachable off the tee, so you either need to turn the ball over to the left or layup short of the trouble. The inviting green is receptive to aerial or ground shots and the left side should be favored since the fairway slopes to the right and two more bunkers are found on the right side of the green. There is no reason not to go for this green in two, even if you aren't confident in reaching it, as the closer you can get to the green the better the chance you wedge it close and walk off with a bird.
Bogey Beware: 15th Hole – 425 Yard Par 4 – The 15th concludes a fantastic three hole stretch but you'll have to be on top of your game to get through it at even par. The 15th is the stoutest of those challenges and begs for players to be able to hit a draw off the tee to get around the large tree that protects the inside of the dogleg. A tee shot that you can't turn over from right to left needs to stay short of the two bunkers on the outside of the dogleg before hitting an approach to the green sitting 20 feet above the fairway. Crow Creek cuts in front of the green and the rough covered face below the putting surface ensures players won't get a clean lie if they don't get all the way on top with their approach shot. Worse than bogey is common here, so do what you can to minimize the damage.
