Lake Geneva Golf Pros Weigh in with Tips for Playing the Area’s Legendary Courses
As the 2023 golf season is upon us, we turned to the pros for their best advice on playing the signature holes at Lake Geneva’s six legendary courses. Golfers, read up (courses are listed in alphabetical order), then chart your next golf getaway to try out all these tips.
ABBEY SPRINGS
Ryan Vegter, Assistant Golf Professional
Q: What is the signature hole at your course and why?
A: The 17th hole has historically been regarded as our signature hole. This three-story drop par 4, with beautiful Geneva Lake as the backdrop, is one of the most scenic holes in Wisconsin and it’s only become prettier after renovations, with a new pond adjacent to the green on the left side. Yet, some would argue that the par 3 6th hole now rivals the 17th, with a new pond and boulder wall bordering the front of the green complex. When you step on the tee, you'll notice that this hole has an "Augusta" type feel to it. We will let golfers decide which of these two magnificent holes they deem as our signature.
Q: Describe the views from that hole through the seasons.
A: The fairway is lined with trees on both sides and trees behind the green. With an abundance of trees, this makes for a stunning view all year long, and especially with fall colors.
Q: Tips for playing that hole?
A: Many players decide to take out their driver or wood as this green is technically "drive-able." The reality is that a golfer would need to be very precise in hitting this shot. With the fairway lined with trees on both sides, the smart play is to hit a longer iron down the right side of the fairway and allow the grade of the fairway to take your golf ball's roll closer to the center. You do want to hit your ball far enough to reach the more level approach to the green. If left short, your second shot will be a difficult downhill lie. Golfers need to be careful to avoid the two bunkers sitting on each side in front of the green. There is a bank on the back right hand side of the green that can also be utilized on approach shots.
What’s New: In autumn 2021, Abbey Springs completed a $2.5M project focused on renovating all 18 green complexes, including new bunkers, drainage, and "007" bent grass on greens. The greens had time to mature in 2022 and are in pristine condition for the 2023 season.
DESTINATION GENEVA NATIONAL
Charlie Brown, Member Head P.G.A. Professional & Membership Director
Q: What is the signature hole at your course and why?
A: The 17th hole on the Palmer Course is our signature hole. The entire hole runs along Lake Como and is a picturesque, classic risk/ reward par 5. This hole ranks among Arnold Palmer's top 18 favorite holes he’s designed.
Q: Describe the views from that hole through the seasons.
A: The spectacular lakeside views change seasonally, from summer boats and jet skis to vibrant fall leaves.
Q: Do you have any tips for playing that hole?
A: The aggressive route is to hug the left side of the fairway to try and go for the green in two shots. The second shot is sent out over Lake Como and back to the green sitting tightly against the water to set up a possible eagle chance. The safe approach is to play as a classic 3 shot par 5 hole. A drive to the middle or right side of the fairway sets up a second shot lay up in a wide and generous fairway to your favorite wedge distance to knock your third shot close for a short birdie putt.
What’s New: All three signature golf courses are getting new tee boxes to enhance the playability for all levels of golfers. The new Dance Floor, a Himalayan Putting Course, is an amenity not to be missed.
EVERGREEN GOLF CLUB
Bill Rogers, General Manager
Q: What is the signature hole at your course and why?
A: My favorite is 2 North as it is very strategic. A short par 4, that requires a well-placed tee shot, not necessarily a driver, then a short iron over water to a diagonal green that is not real deep. Once on the green, the putting surface is relatively steep towards the back, making for some breaking putts.
Q: Describe the views from that hole through the seasons.
A: This hole is entirely surrounded by trees with evergreens down the right side and the left side has a large pond with oak and maple trees behind it. It’s truly one of the most colorful spots on the golf
course in the fall.
Q: Do you have any tips for playing that hole?
A: Tee off with a hybrid or club you know you can place accurately 150-200 yards off the tee. This will leave a second iron shot of 100-150 yards to the green.
GRAND GENEVA RESORT & SPA
Ryan Brown, Director of Golf
Q: What is the signature hole at your course and why?
A: Brute #9 because of its stunning view.
Q: Describe the views from that hole through the seasons.
A: From the elevated tee, you see the dogleg right par 4 with our private lake on the left along with two bunkers guarding the right. The White River flows across the hole and the colors of the trees surrounding the lake are breathtaking in the fall season.
Q: Do you have any tips for playing that hole?
A: Off the tee, you are best to play your ball short and down the left side. This will leave you a clear view of the green and you’ll avoid the bunkers on the right.
What's New: Grand Geneva’s golf professionals are bringing the PGA HOPE program to the course. This program introduces golf to veterans with disabilities to enhance their physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being. The 6-8 week curriculum is taught by PGA Professionals trained in adaptive golf and military cultural competency and it’s free to all veterans.
HAWK’S VIEW GOLF CLUB
Jake Bandi, Head Golf Professional & Director of Golf Operations
Q: What is the signature hole at your course and why?
A: Hole #17 on Como Crossings is our signature hole. The dramatic 100-foot drop is picturesque and challenging all at once.
Q: Describe the views from that hole through the seasons.
A: The view from the top really gives you the "Hawk's View" (pun intended) of the surrounding area. With vistas of the 36-hole property and Lake Como in the distance, this tee shot gives you a unique perspective on the Lake Geneva area. From seeing flowers bloom in the spring, to leaves changing colors in the fall, this view of the surrounding area never gets old.
Q: Do you have any tips for playing that hole?
A: When playing this tee shot be sure to factor in the wind a little more than you normally would. Tee shots can be impacted up to an additional club length from this tee box depending on the day.
MAJESTIC OAKS
Thomas Howe, Director of Golf
Q: What is the signature hole at your course and why?
A: Hole #3, for two reasons: First, this scenic par 5 is reverting back to playing as hole #3, which is part of a rerouting plan designed to enhance the golfing experience - this hole has played as hole #12 since 2016. Two, we are reintroducing the original back tee box, which will play as long as 620 yards from the tips. This will make the hole a true three-shot par 5, meaning that only the longest of the big hitters will be able to come close to reaching the green in two shots. The green is smallish, undulated, and surrounded by sand traps. Therefore, it is more conducive to a holding wedge shot than a 3 Wood. We’re excited to play the hole again as it was originally designed.
Q: Describe the views from that hole through the seasons.
A: The setting is what makes this our signature hole. Hole #3 is bordered by Delavan Lake all along its left-hand side, so golfers get dramatic views of the lake life enjoyed by our guests at Lake Lawn Resort. For anyone playing from the reintroduced back tee box, they’re sure to see people kayaking and the Lake Lawn Queen Tour Boat on the water. Even more impressive is the unbelievable display of fall colors around the lake in fall. Autumn at Assembly Park is stunning, for example.
Q: Do you have any tips for playing that hole?
A: The best way to play this hole is to plan on reaching the hole in three shots. The key is to make sure to leave a comfortable yardage into the green for your third shot. Meaning, if you have a club that you like to hit from 100 yards, make sure to lay up to that yardage so that you land on the green and have a great chance to two putt.
For more information on Lake Geneva area golf courses, click HERE.