Golf legend Arnold Palmer played the central Iowa course he designed on Thursday. It was part of the grand opening festivities at the Tournament Club of Iowa near Polk City. “I am very pleased and only time will tell how great it’s going to be,” Palmer said. “I think the Tournament Club of Iowa may have set a whole new ballgame for golf courses.” Palmer said the course goes “out on a limb” but he’s happy with the results. Palmer says the high bluffs and ravines that are major features of the course are unique to the state. “Eventually, this course will be a good fit for any player…you could play any kind of tournament here you want. It’s ready,” Palmer said. The course will become home to the Champions Tour Allianz Championship. Palmer played the back nine with new Drake basketball coach Dr. Tom Davis who said the experience was “hard to describe”. Davis thought he’d be nervous, but he wasn’t. Davis says it was fun to play with Palmer. Palmer complimented Davis on his game. The coach played the nine holes at even par. Davis says he hasn’t been playing much because of the new job with Drake, but in the past couple of weeks he’s been trying to practice a bit.
