Harvester Golf Club - Iowa

[Almostscratchonce]

Don't think his sentencing happens for a month or 2... haven't kept up since reading the articles about his guilty plea a few weeks ago. It is a crazy/sad situation. Have played several of his originals and restorations, and really like his work.

[endy]

Don't think his sentencing happens for a month or 2... haven't kept up since reading the articles about his guilty plea a few weeks ago. It is a crazy/sad situation. Have played several of his originals and restorations, and really like his work.

 

Sentencing in March sounds like. What a crazy situation.

[mci711]

Don't think his sentencing happens for a month or 2... haven't kept up since reading the articles about his guilty plea a few weeks ago. It is a crazy/sad situation. Have played several of his originals and restorations, and really like his work.

 

Harvester is one of my favorite courses in the country.. If it were in Chicago, or a major area it would have been ranked way higher than 54 or whatever it was by Golf Digest. So underrated. I am going to find a way to play it the way it reopens that is for sure.

[endy]

Don't think his sentencing happens for a month or 2... haven't kept up since reading the articles about his guilty plea a few weeks ago. It is a crazy/sad situation. Have played several of his originals and restorations, and really like his work.

 

Harvester is one of my favorite courses in the country.. If it were in Chicago, or a major area it would have been ranked way higher than 54 or whatever it was by Golf Digest. So underrated. I am going to find a way to play it the way it reopens that is for sure.

 

Sounds like it may be a ways off, but if you do find a way, let me know!! Still kicking myself for never playing it and living within 30 minutes ?

[Skaffa77]

Sorry...so what is the situation with the architect?? Why is he facing charges?

[mci711]

got caught smuggling endangered animals... https://golfweek.com/2018/12/20/golf-architect-facing-5-years-in-prison-for-smuggling-endangered-wildlife-goods/

[KC4441]

Don't think his sentencing happens for a month or 2... haven't kept up since reading the articles about his guilty plea a few weeks ago. It is a crazy/sad situation. Have played several of his originals and restorations, and really like his work.

Harvester is one of my favorite courses in the country.. If it were in Chicago, or a major area it would have been ranked way higher than 54 or whatever it was by Golf Digest. So underrated. I am going to find a way to play it the way it reopens that is for sure.

 

I'm up in Des Moines all the time and got to play it once, by myself. Went off first and had a blast. I wish I would have taken the time to go back with some buddies. Maybe I can make it on again soon.

[Skaffa77]

got caught smuggling endangered animals... https://golfweek.com...wildlife-goods/

 

Oh man...that sucks...he can deal with the consequences for his smuggling activities, but Harvester was a great track that now is not available for others to enjoy.

[endy]

got caught smuggling endangered animals... https://golfweek.com...wildlife-goods/

 

Oh man...that sucks...he can deal with the consequences for his smuggling activities, but Harvester was a great track that now is not available for others to enjoy.

 

Blows my mind they caught him on tape saying he is the only one dumb enough to risk it. I mean, WHY ?

[Schley]

They responded that they will email interested members in the near future with an update. Nothing on pricing or member options yet as I asked. I have heard it was this year they will open btw.

[callawayjay]

Just got the email for membership. According to the email it looks like they will allow unaccompanied guests the ability to play at $275. Still a bargain to this Texas boy.

 

Some highlights:

 

CLUB INFORMATION

1. The Harvester Club will open May 15th and close October 15th. We will operate on a 5 month season. The 2019 season will be from July 1 - October 15.

2. No tee times required, but advance notice of arrival at the club is encouraged.

3. Golf Rates for Guests:

» Accompanied Family: $100/round

» Accompanied Guest: $125/round

» Unaccompanied Guest: $275/round » Golf Industry Rate: $100/round

4. Other charges include:

» Locker Charge: $300/year (optional)

» Year End Service Charge for golf staff: $300/year » Cart Fee: $25/player/round

» Members will not have food minimums.

5. Non-tipping club, except for caddie program and F/B.

6. Caddie program consisting of a mixture of A-level and B-level caddies. This gives members opportunities for a walking caddie, forecaddie with cart, forecaddie while walking, playing with carts, or walking carrying own bag. Suggested tipping will range from $20-150/player. The Club has on-site lodging for caddies.

 

The Harvester Club is a golf club, nothing more and nothing less. It exists simply to be a place where members and their guests can experience great camaraderie while enjoying a game they love.

Built on the enduring principles of the past, The Harvester Club is an old-fashioned golf club dedicated to the simplicity and authenticity of the game. Honoring, preserving and advancing the timeless traditions of the game of golf are at the core of our beliefs.

Members will experience a challenging yet enjoyable round of golf with few rules, no tee times and fast play, all while being surrounded by others that share the same love for the game.

FULL MEMBERSHIP

Initiation Fee: $15,000 00 | Yearly Dues: $7,500 00 NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP

National Memberships have a capped number of days of golf per year. Level I members are allowed up to 20 days per year at $4,000 yearly. Level II Members are allowed up to 10 days per year at $2,500 yearly. There is no distance requirement to be a National Member, however, you must be a member at another club.

Initiation Fee: $6,000 00 | Yearly Dues: $2,500 00 or $4,000 00

 

CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP

Corporate Membership includes 4 transferable Full or National Memberships. Membership can be transfered once per year. Customized Corporate Memberships can be made upon request.

Tax Not Included.

[Warrick]

Good lord, just played Classic Club in Palm Desert for half that price.

[okular]

dont believe classic club has ever been on top 100 courses in US, also has the benefit of golf year round and is open to public.

[mci711]

Just got the email for membership. According to the email it looks like they will allow unaccompanied guests the ability to play at $275. Still a bargain to this Texas boy.

 

Some highlights:

 

CLUB INFORMATION

1. The Harvester Club will open May 15th and close October 15th. We will operate on a 5 month season. The 2019 season will be from July 1 - October 15.

2. No tee times required, but advance notice of arrival at the club is encouraged.

3. Golf Rates for Guests:

» Accompanied Family: $100/round

» Accompanied Guest: $125/round

» Unaccompanied Guest: $275/round » Golf Industry Rate: $100/round

4. Other charges include:

» Locker Charge: $300/year (optional)

» Year End Service Charge for golf staff: $300/year » Cart Fee: $25/player/round

» Members will not have food minimums.

5. Non-tipping club, except for caddie program and F/B.

6. Caddie program consisting of a mixture of A-level and B-level caddies. This gives members opportunities for a walking caddie, forecaddie with cart, forecaddie while walking, playing with carts, or walking carrying own bag. Suggested tipping will range from $20-150/player. The Club has on-site lodging for caddies.

 

The Harvester Club is a golf club, nothing more and nothing less. It exists simply to be a place where members and their guests can experience great camaraderie while enjoying a game they love.

Built on the enduring principles of the past, The Harvester Club is an old-fashioned golf club dedicated to the simplicity and authenticity of the game. Honoring, preserving and advancing the timeless traditions of the game of golf are at the core of our beliefs.

Members will experience a challenging yet enjoyable round of golf with few rules, no tee times and fast play, all while being surrounded by others that share the same love for the game.

FULL MEMBERSHIP

Initiation Fee: $15,000 00 | Yearly Dues: $7,500 00 NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP

National Memberships have a capped number of days of golf per year. Level I members are allowed up to 20 days per year at $4,000 yearly. Level II Members are allowed up to 10 days per year at $2,500 yearly. There is no distance requirement to be a National Member, however, you must be a member at another club.

Initiation Fee: $6,000 00 | Yearly Dues: $2,500 00 or $4,000 00

 

CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP

Corporate Membership includes 4 transferable Full or National Memberships. Membership can be transfered once per year. Customized Corporate Memberships can be made upon request.

Tax Not Included.

 

I miss working in golf and getting that golf industry rate.. Luckily, a kindly worded email explaining my 10 years in the business usually gets me a deal anyway. Good to know there is some "public" availability though, there is always wiggle room. Also, I am willing to bet classic club isn't in the league of Harvester. Prior to the renovation is was an amazing property, and extremely underrated even as a top 50 course, I would have it up there with some of the top courses I have played that are ranked up there. If it were in Chicago instead of nowhere Iowa it would be rated much higher.

[callawayjay]

I completely agree. This golf course was ignored by locals because I’ve stated before it’s not hard to grow grass in Iowa. It was always overlooked because there were better pricing options available but this golf course is not like anything I’ve ever played before and it may get more recognition now going private

[ode1]

Not up on the lingo for these kinds of clubs. Unaccompanied guest.....does that mean a member needs to sanction a guest to play in their absence? And any member, i.e. needs to be a member, whether it be full, national, level 1, level 2, etc?

[callawayjay]

Unaccompanied guest is just that. The rack rate. Drive up and pay that fee and play. I play it 2-4x a year. I’m in for that.

[okular]

unaccompanied doesn't necessarily mean you can just drive up and play at a private course, youd want to clear it with them before hand because they will definitely turn you down if its even remotely busy with members.

 

ill be a national member at harvester and the changes certainly are quite drastic from the pictures, going to be interesting

[Schley]

The pricing structure IMO is a little rich for National Members. You have the price as an unaccompanied guest at $275 a round then charge your national members the 6k initiation and $250 a round for just 10 rounds a year. It isn't attractive to me and I'm a Univ of Iowa grad. I wanted to like whatever they came up with, but a little too rich IMO for the national members. They did their market research so let's see how they do. Will try and play there in 2020 for sure.

[QMany]

I’ve heard great things about Harvester, but those National Memberships strike me initially as a little high, steeper than Prairie Dunes, Flint Hills National, and a few others which I’m familiar with.

[brianolson32]

The pricing structure IMO is a little rich for National Members. You have the price as an unaccompanied guest at $275 a round then charge your national members the 6k initiation and $250 a round for just 10 rounds a year. It isn't attractive to me and I'm a Univ of Iowa grad. I wanted to like whatever they came up with, but a little too rich IMO for the national members. They did their market research so let's see how they do. Will try and play there in 2020 for sure.

I've heard great things about Harvester, but those National Memberships strike me initially as a little high, steeper than Prairie Dunes, Flint Hills National, and a few others which I'm familiar with.

I agree with both of you, the national membership is steep given their round limitations. I'd rather just pay the unaccompanied rate than pay for the either national membership tier. Is that usual practice for national memberships to have those kind of limitations? I have a couple of friends/mentors who are either current or former national members at Prairie Dunes and they never mentioned anything about limitations like that. Also if I'm being honest Prairie Dunes is a much better track than Harvester for a better price, at least prior to the renovations to Harvester.

 

I will say that I'm disappointed with all of this as my parents now own a place where they will eventually retire to that's about 30 minutes away and I was seriously considering getting a national membership to Harvester if it was reasonable. It doesn't seem very reasonable to me unfortunately.

[okular]

The pricing structure IMO is a little rich for National Members. You have the price as an unaccompanied guest at $275 a round then charge your national members the 6k initiation and $250 a round for just 10 rounds a year. It isn't attractive to me and I'm a Univ of Iowa grad. I wanted to like whatever they came up with, but a little too rich IMO for the national members. They did their market research so let's see how they do. Will try and play there in 2020 for sure.

I've heard great things about Harvester, but those National Memberships strike me initially as a little high, steeper than Prairie Dunes, Flint Hills National, and a few others which I'm familiar with.

I agree with both of you, the national membership is steep given their round limitations. I'd rather just pay the unaccompanied rate than pay for the either national membership tier. Is that usual practice for national memberships to have those kind of limitations? I have a couple of friends/mentors who are either current or former national members at Prairie Dunes and they never mentioned anything about limitations like that. Also if I'm being honest Prairie Dunes is a much better track than Harvester for a better price, at least prior to the renovations to Harvester.

 

I will say that I'm disappointed with all of this as my parents now own a place where they will eventually retire to that's about 30 minutes away and I was seriously considering getting a national membership to Harvester if it was reasonable. It doesn't seem very reasonable to me unfortunately.

 

something to note, to be a national member you must also be a member of another club

 

it may seem expensive to those who live close, but if you live far away ( like i do ) ill be going there to play at least 36 holes a day and stay overnight, eat there, etc. i am curious how strict they will be on the days "limit" my guess is not very, if you're spending money, they don't care. the other course i am a national member at doesn't have those restrictions and i guarantee they are more for members who live relatively close since there is no distance restriction ( very uncommon ).

 

to play an unaccompanied round, you can't just show up whenever and however many times you want either.

 

the pictures of the renovations look amazing. they completely gave the course a huge face-lift.

[brianolson32]

The pricing structure IMO is a little rich for National Members. You have the price as an unaccompanied guest at $275 a round then charge your national members the 6k initiation and $250 a round for just 10 rounds a year. It isn't attractive to me and I'm a Univ of Iowa grad. I wanted to like whatever they came up with, but a little too rich IMO for the national members. They did their market research so let's see how they do. Will try and play there in 2020 for sure.

I've heard great things about Harvester, but those National Memberships strike me initially as a little high, steeper than Prairie Dunes, Flint Hills National, and a few others which I'm familiar with.

I agree with both of you, the national membership is steep given their round limitations. I'd rather just pay the unaccompanied rate than pay for the either national membership tier. Is that usual practice for national memberships to have those kind of limitations? I have a couple of friends/mentors who are either current or former national members at Prairie Dunes and they never mentioned anything about limitations like that. Also if I'm being honest Prairie Dunes is a much better track than Harvester for a better price, at least prior to the renovations to Harvester.

 

I will say that I'm disappointed with all of this as my parents now own a place where they will eventually retire to that's about 30 minutes away and I was seriously considering getting a national membership to Harvester if it was reasonable. It doesn't seem very reasonable to me unfortunately.

 

something to note, to be a national member you must also be a member of another club

 

it may seem expensive to those who live close, but if you live far away ( like i do ) ill be going there to play at least 36 holes a day and stay overnight, eat there, etc. i am curious how strict they will be on the days "limit" my guess is not very, if you're spending money, they don't care. the other course i am a national member at doesn't have those restrictions and i guarantee they are more for members who live relatively close since there is no distance restriction ( very uncommon ).

 

to play an unaccompanied round, you can't just show up whenever and however many times you want either.

 

the pictures of the renovations look amazing. they completely gave the course a huge face-lift.

The new pictures do look good, and I am excited to play it once it reopens. You'll have to report back what it's like once it reopens. Hopefully some people I know in Ames will be members and have me as a guest.

 

I would hope that they would be lenient with you if you have the 20 day national membership. Even at 36 holes a day, that comes out to $125 per round with cart if they are strict about the day limits.

[henniga]

We used to do a stay and play there several years ago (maybe 10 years ago). We would do a Saturday/Sunday with overnight in one of their condos. It was about $225ish per person for 2 rounds and one overnight. It was a very nice deal. We would grill steaks, drink beer and hit a few balls outside our door at the par 3 over water(3rd hole I believe). I've played this course 8-10 times over the years. It is a very nice course, no question. But this is insane to me. The price is way too much for one thing, but you can usually play golf the first week in April and well into November. It barely got any play when it was $80 green fees. I would be surprised if they got 50 members.

[rpgolf]

is it just me or is the website down now? would love to get another newsletter update soon

[Cysmic]

is it just me or is the website down now? would love to get another newsletter update soon

 

They have a new site address:

https://www.theharvesterclub.com/

[tgard227]

Something tells me that there won't be many members given how much they are charging. As far as the unaccompanied guest fee goes the only word I can use to describe it is insane. For that kind of money one could go play Sand Valley and have enough money left over for a nice dinner and drinks and play a better course in my opinion. Or just save that money twice over and go play Pebble if you ever have plans of being in the San Francisco area. I understand that there will be people who flock to it now as it is exclusive but I guess there really is one born every minute. I played this course 10 years ago and though it was a really good course but it will never be a course that I missed.

[okular]

its weird, seems like a lot of people don't understand why country clubs exist or why people are members at them. non-members can't just show up and play. the point is to keep play to a minimum and for members to be able to enjoy it beyond just the golf and not deal with a crowded course. the prices are actually really fair, maybe not for Iowa ( admittedly don't know much about Iowa ), but for pretty much any major city in the US, these prices are in line. he's building a place to be a destination / experience club but for members only. course is consistently ranked in top 50 and the redesign looks pretty incredible. very excited.

[mci711]

its weird, seems like a lot of people don't understand why country clubs exist or why people are members at them. non-members can't just show up and play. the point is to keep play to a minimum and for members to be able to enjoy it beyond just the golf and not deal with a crowded course. the prices are actually really fair, maybe not for Iowa ( admittedly don't know much about Iowa ), but for pretty much any major city in the US, these prices are in line. he's building a place to be a destination / experience club but for members only. course is consistently ranked in top 50 and the redesign looks pretty incredible. very excited.

 

I think the confusion comes in because the Harvester wasn't packing their tee sheet as a public course. When I was there, it was a weekend in the summer, about 80 degree high, and I didn't see a single other person on the course. I don't think they will have a problem with overcrowding. A semi private course 40 min outside of Des Moines would give those members the same experience. I just don't know how they are going to fill their memberships to be completely honest. I hope they do. I started this thread awhile back because it is truly an amazing place, if the course was in a major market I think it would be top 25 public (obviously not public anymore).

[mci711]

That being said, I don't really think it is about money. The owner has said that isn't the point of the course. He wants his own golf mecca in Iowa and that is what he is doing.