DMGCC features the only two Pete Dye-designed courses in the state of Iowa; the North Course debuted in 1966, while the South Course opened in 1968.

While they have hosted important amateur, USGA, and PGA Iowa Section tournaments since 1980, Des Moines G&CC rose to international prominence in 1999 when they hosted the U.S. Senior Open Championship — and drew record-setting crowds of over 250,000 for the week. (Every year since then, the Des Moines area has hosted a Champions Tour event, which is always well-attended.)

In 2017, DMGCC will host the 15th Solheim Cup matches.