Whether you're a beginner, serious player or competitor, Lake Geneva has golf for every level of play. The area is home to 11 courses, ranging from championship to casual level experiences, offering great golf and fun for coworkers, friends and families. With three seasons of golf to enjoy and these tips from area golf pros, you’re guaranteed to improve your game.
Geneva National Golf Club & Resort:
"Remember it’s not a race. Our courses are meant to be enjoyed, not run through. Give yourself enough time to play at a good pace. Also, play the tee box that matches your ability. Since we have five sets of tee boxes, you can play anywhere up to 7,000 yards, but most golfers have a better time moving up and making birdie putts instead of trying to make par.” While many people would say Player because of the views, elevation changes and variety of holes – from short to long and in-between – I prefer Trevino. With its doglegs and typical green complex, it is more of a country club course, which I favor as a golfer. Many others would say Palmer because with its tournament-style layout, it is the strongest test of skill that we have. This is the course we’ve used to host U.S. Open qualifiers and Wisconsin PGA events. The Trevino Course is actually my favorite layout of the three courses. It has a mixture of length, toughness and forgiveness. It has some birdie-able holes, but it also has, in my opinion, Geneva National’s toughest finishing stretch from holes 16 through 18. What a great risk-reward hole. You’ve got a split fairway that is hidden by a gulch and then fairway bunkers beyond that. The green is drive-able, but the entire left side is a hazard, which continues around the back of the green. There are many deep fairway and green side bunkers that protect a large three-tiered green. Birdies and eagles can be made, but so can bogeys and double bogeys, so the hole is an adventure.” Dave Winget, Director of Golf, Geneva National
"The risk/reward aspects throughout the entire Player Course make it my favorite. Hole 10, in particular, sets up for an incredibly fun opportunity to make birdies and eagles while also bringing bogies or worse into play if shots are misplayed. Make sure that you take a couple of days and try to play each of the three courses. The professionals here differ on their favorite course – and for widely different reasons – so you need to experience each one for yourself." Bryan Brotchie, Member Head Pro, Geneva National
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa: The Brute Golf Course:
“Always have an intended target and develop a pre-shot routine; the more you practice getting ready for a golf shot on the range the easier it is to take it on the course. Remember that a par or bogie on hole nine of the Brute course is a good score. It’s the hardest hole of the 36 on our property. The Brute course has some of the largest greens I have played on, which makes it difficult to see how severe the undulation is, do your best to keep the ball below the hole on your approach shots into these massive greens. " Kyle Kunash, PGA Head Golf Pro, Grand Geneva Resort & Spa
Uphill, Downhill and Side-hill Lies: “The key to a well-played golf shot off an awkward lie is keeping your balance. Remove the anxiety of the shot at hand by concentrating on your new plan of attack. " Jack Shoger, PGA Professional, Abbey Springs Golf Course
“Don’t over-swing. Everyone’s tendency is to swing harder and faster when playing a scramble. Remember, good tempo and a great weight transfer are required for a successful golf shot. Take a deep breath and release any tension you may have. Tension in the arms and shoulders is a swing killer because you will not be able to properly release the club.” Joe Shirk, Golf Pro, Evergreen Country Club
Majestic Oaks at Lake Lawn Resort:
"Hole number 12, is not only the most scenic hole at Majestic Oaks but probably of one of the hardest to birdie. This par 5 plays 514 yards from the blue tees as the lake guards the entire left side of the hole, tee to green! There is room right to bail out on your tee shot but it will take a miracle shot to reach it in two. A plethora of bunkers guard the right and left sides of the green with the tiniest opening between them to slither a shot through. Your best option is play a second shot leaving you a comfortable short club that you feel accurate with. Any shots pulled left here will find the water or a treacherous bunkers that will make for an impossible up and down. The green is two-tiered and runs away from any you. Putting from the back tier will leave a lengthy putt to a front pin placement. Enjoy the beauty of the hole and the fantastic views of the lake as making a par here is a good score!" Chris Goodwick, Head Golf Pro, Majestic Oaks at Lake Lawn Resort