Getting To Know: Ellis Golf Course

Whether you have played a course 20+ times a year or looking to play the course for the first time, insights from an insider can help enhance your golf experience. Below is an interview with David Roe who shares some valuable tidbits about the course, memorable holes and must eats and treats at the 19th.


Give Our Readers An Overview of the Golf Course/Property
Ellis Golf Course's first 9-hole course was opened for play in the early twenties with the back nine added in 1948-49. Ellis is one of the oldest and most challenging courses in the state. The front nine features holes with large elevated greens. The back nine is fully wooded with tight undulating holes that are quite scenic. The layout will demand every club in your bag and is a real pleasure to play. Wildlife will usually be seen on our back nine including white tail deer, fox, heron and an occasional eagle.

In 2001, after a donation from an anonymous golfer, a wood sculpture of Payne Stewart was completed. The unique sculpture originally overlooked the 9th green near the clubhouse. It has since been moved inside the clubhouse to preserve it.

The Bruce Company of Wisconsin Incorporated from Middleton, Wisconsin completed renovations of Ellis Park Golf Course in 2003. The scenic back nine now has continuous cart paths and is easier to walk for the fitness enthusiast.

If Someone Was Looking To Golf In The Area, Why Should They Play Your Course?
The course is very scenic, especially in the fall when the leaves start changing colors. On the back nine there are several holes that overlook the Cedar River which in the fall is gorgeous.

There are no two holes on the course that resemble each other, every hole has it's own unique characteristics, which makes you think on each shot. There are many little rolling hills that require you to position your shots or you might be left with a very tricky lie.

The front nine holes are fairly open leaving you with the opportunity to post a good score as you make the turn. Hopefully you've made the turn with a good score and you have corralled your driver as the back nine holes get very tight and requires pin point accuracy.

If you are looking for a course that will challenge your game and require you to use all the clubs in your bag, then Ellis is the place to play. You will be able to say that you use all your clubs and had the opportunity to hit every type of shot that is possible when your are done playing.

When you are done playing you will be able to say that you played one of the most challenging courses in the state, but were in awe of the beauty of the landscape. It won't matter what you shot, because you were able to enjoy breath taking views along the way.

What Tips or Local Knowledge Would You Provide To Help Them Score Better At Your Course?
You want to be hitting your driver straight on the back nine holes or leave it in the bag. As the holes are very narrow.

You want to leave yourself below the hole. If you are above the hole on the greens watch out.

Make sure that you check what is in front of you, because there are certain holes that have hazards protecting the greens.

Hole #7 will play much longer than the yardage states, it's all uphill.

Hole #13 is not a hole to hit your driver. Usually it's a 4 or 5 iron layup, depending on the tees that you are playing.

Any recent changes to the golf course? Or any upcoming changes?
The Bruce Company of Wisconsin Incorporated from Middleton, Wisconsin completed renovations of Ellis Park Golf Course in 2003. The scenic back nine now has continuous cart paths and is easier to walk for the fitness enthusiast.

Recent Awards or What You Are Most Proud About The Course?
Ellis is one of the oldest and most challenging courses in the state. In Cedar Rapids its considered the public golfers Country Club.

What Is The Signature, Most Talked About, or Most Photographed Hole?
Hole #12 - It is a long par 5, with a narrow landing area. It is a risk/reward hole, hit the driver good and you have a chance to reach it in two. But if you stray a little you are looking at a big score. In the fall the hole is gorgeous, lined with old oak trees.

What Is Your Favorite Hole? Any Tips to Play It?
Hole #15 - It is a short Par 4 that is reachable with a good drive. You want to favor the left side with your driver as the ball will kick right. If you play your drive to the left and don't reach the green, you are left with a relatively easy uphill pitch shot.

Must Have Dish or Drink after the round at the 19th Hole?
Nothing special here either. We are a public course when no dining area, just your basic concessions.

For the traveling golfer, do you have lodging onsite or partner with any area hotels?
We do not have lodging onsite, but there are plenty of area hotels that are in shouting distance of the course.

Who Holds Course Record and What Was Their Score?
Dane Worley holds the course record with a score of 63 which was shot in the final round of the 2013 Men's City Am. His nine hole scores were 36 (Back nine) and 27 (Front nine), we flip the nines for the City Am, because the ninth hole is great for spectating from the patio. His finish was birdie, birdie, birdie, Hole-in-one, eagle. It was one of the greatest finishes I've ever witnessed.

Back Tee Stats
Par: 72
Yardage: 6502
Slope: 125
Rating: 71.1

More Information
Ellis Golf Course 1401 Zika Ave NW Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 52405 319-286-5589