Local Rules
USGA rules
USGA Rules govern all play.
Out of bounds
Out of bounds is defined by perimeter fencing or white stakes.
Yardage markers
Yardage markers are 200 blue, 150 white and 100 red.
Neighbor property
Do not trespass on a neighbor’s property.
Cart distance
No golf carts within 30 feet of the green.
Water hazard
Yellow stakes define water hazards.
Lateral water hazard
Red stakes define lateral water hazards.
Course Intelligence
Course Character
At only par 35 and 2,980 yards from the blue tees, precise placement and repeatable wedge play matter more than power. Three Elms Golf Course at 2074 Three Elms Park Road in Independence is a public, privately owned nine-hole course founded around 2000. The official site emphasizes a beautiful, challenging and well-kept community course near Three Elms Park. Short, strategic nine-hole family-owned course
Major Risks
Small target margins The 9-hole card has several short par 4s where a poor angle or missed green can waste a scoring chance. Long par 5 sixth Hole 6 is the 501-yard blue-tee par 5; avoid turning an opportunity into a recovery hole. Variable condition and pace Review evidence includes fair-to-poor condition comments and occasional slow groups; allow for an informal community-course rhythm.
Blue Tee Strategy
The blue scorecard is 2,980 yards, par 35, with a 424-yard opening hole and 501-yard par 5 sixth. Favor fairway position over extra distance on holes 1 and 6; the shorter par 4s then become wedge opportunities. On the 190-yard third and 179-yard eighth, take enough club and use the safe side of the green. Because this is a nine-hole course, note the pin and wind on the first loop and use that information on the second. Placement and wedge control from 2,980 yards
Golfer Reviews / Consensus
Condition scores vary: GolfPass lists conditions 3.3/5, while an 18Birdies review reports dead spots, rough fairways and slow groups of five or six. The retrieved review sample is small and mixed, so current maintenance should be confirmed. A welcoming, inexpensive nine-hole course with a fun short layout and strong friendliness/value signals; condition and pace can be inconsistent on a given day. MEDIUM 18Birdies lists 4.0/5 from 25 exact-address reviews, with fast pace and good value. GolfPass reviewers frequently praise friendliness, value and amenities, with 8 of 9 recommending the course.
Course Conditions
VERIFIED Community-course conditions can vary Call the pro shop for current green and fairway conditions. Leave extra time if groups are ahead and use normal ready-golf etiquette. Bring enough balls for recovery shots on the longer holes. 2026-09-05 Plan for an enjoyable quick round, but do not assume tournament-level firmness or perfectly consistent turf. The official operator describes the course as well-kept, while recent third-party reviews range from good to fair and mention localized turf and pace issues.
30-second Pre-round Brief
Three Elms · Independence pre-round brief 2074 Three Elms Park Rd., Independence, IA; official privately owned public nine-hole course. Identity Par 35; blue tees 2,980 yards; repeat the nine for 18 holes. Setup Protect the first and sixth, then use wedges on the short par 4s. Main plan Confirm current turf condition, pin setup and expected pace before play. Check At Three Elms, keep the long holes in play, turn the short par 4s into wedge chances, and learn the nine before repeating it.
Regulations
Metal spikes
Metal spikes are not allowed.
Group size
Groups are limited to four players.