Ypinkowitz

I played the curse for the second time this week. Used white tee box. Course is challenging but fair. Lots of woods but fairways are wide enough. Excellent greens with good roll and breaks but not too difficult to read most putts. Walked in a two some right behind a 4 some with 2 riders and 2 walkers and played in 3 hours 40 minutes. Great vale and nice lunch at the Best Western next door. Highly recommend

Mark Twain is a solid course, not easy and well maintained. Why did I rate a “2”overall?
First of all when we checked in there were about 8 players ahead of us, not a problem. The problem was that there was no suggestion to social distance (such as markers on the floor or signs) and the individual checking people in did not wear a mask. Come on!
Secondly it took a bit over 2 hours to play 7 holes. There was no attempt that we could see of anyone trying to speed up play. In today’s world of encouraging faster play and the fact that most golfers were riding in individual carts this is way to slow and no fun. We left after 7 holes and if anything play appeared to get slower.

I am an 18 handicap and play a lot and found the course in solid condition and well maintained. The layout is fun, challenging but not impossible by any means. Very fair. All staff were friendly and helpful. A good course for a low handicapper and a high handicapper and the 4 tee boxes give lots of options. My wife played the reds (front tees) which made it fun for her. Also the “19th hole”had good food for afterwards.

We arrived for a 10;50 time. I asked where the range was but as told it was closed just now for mowing. First time I ever saw a driving range mowed mid morning rather than first thing in the day or end of the day,
Hole 2 was being mowed so i waited for the mower to finish coming in my direction. Rather than go off to side and wait he turned around and went back up the right side of the fairway.
Greens were for the most part incredibly slow.
A number of signs for the next hole were pointing in the wrong direction.
Rough was very high for the average golfer. I am experienced and an 18 handicap and would say the rough was incredible challenging for a resort type course.
Not fun to play.

We selected the course just by looking at a course guide for Iowa. Challenging course but playable for an 18 handicap like me. Greens were excellent, speedy but not impossible.Every hole was different so no going back and forth. My wife is a 40 handicap and found it enjoyable and a low handicap player would have a challenge. We played in 3 hours and 40 minutes walking but most people ride due to hills. Not knowing the course I used a 5 wood off the tee which helped keep me in good positions.
Hamburger was excellent afterward with a beer and the course practiced distancing
Friendly and helpful staff.