OB Sports Golf & Leisure

FALL 2018

Golf sports and leisure

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l DESTINATIONS OB SPORTS GOLF & LEISURE x FALL 2018 x obsports.com I n the late-1960s, local businessman E.C. "Eddie" Coppola, who owned a piece of land on which he had previ- ously raised quarter horses, joined forces with another local business- man, Hy Diamond. The men dreamed of turning the property into a first-class country club with an atmosphere welcom- ing to all who wished to become members. A half-century later, Echo Valley Coun- try Club, set in the rolling hills of central Iowa near the capital of Des Moines, is still family owned and continues to thrive on the strength of its membership. "You won't find a group of people who are more active, inviting, welcoming and fun anywhere," said Matt Matthias, the club's PGA General Manager. "While many of our members could choose to be- long anywhere, they choose our club. Whenever you walk through the door, you feel like part of the family." The membership also enjoys a top-notch layout as Echo Valley's blend of natural beauty and 27 holes of pristine, challeng- ing golf makes it one of the most lauded courses in the state – with the property's three distinctive nines all possessing their own character. "We have a lot of beautiful land in a great location," said Matthias, whose track was named Course of the Year by the Iowa Golf Association in 2013. "We are fortunate to have 27 holes that work very well to- gether, providing players with different and interesting experiences each round." Part of the original 18 holes completed in 1969, The Creek nine offers an old- school layout where position is key and water hazards confront golfers on seven holes, while The Vale is a parkland-style track with mostly flat, tree-lined fairways. The Ridge opened in 2004 and presents a challenge with its dramatic elevation changes, fescue-lined fairways and steep terrain. This is exemplified by the signature risk-reward par-5 ninth hole, which drops 100 feet from tee to green with a stellar view of the downtown Des Moines skyline. But the golf, while integral to Echo Val- ley, is only part of the overall experience. Matthias says it's the members that most make Echo Valley what it is. "There is something special here," he said. "And it's the quality of our members. From our very beginning, we were built to be welcoming to everyone. That philoso- phy still holds true to this day." HOT LINKS ›› TAKE a tour of Echo Valley Country Club. ................................................ ›› CHECK OUT video of the golf course. ................................................ ›› DISCOVER the history of the property. ................................................ ›› INQUIRE about memberships. SCROLL through the slideshow to view more photos from Echo Valley Country Club. ........................................................................ << ECHO VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB NORWALK, IOWA

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