By Paul Seifert, Special Contributor
Over the past few golf seasons, Destination Geneva National has become one of my absolute favorite resorts in all of the Midwest and in Wisconsin in particular.
Even living an hour away (it’s 45 minutes from Milwaukee; 75 minutes from Chicago), I think of it as my “home course” with how often I visit. The staff is always friendly and welcoming, the food and drinks are great, they’ve got 54 well-designed holes of scenic, strategic championship golf, a world-class Himalayas-style putting course, high-end, on-course accommodations, and gorgeous views of Lake Como.
It’s tough to explain, but Geneva National has a cool, laid-back vibe. Maybe it’s the classic rock music pumped through speakers throughout the property, or maybe it’s the genuine Midwest hospitality. It’s probably both of those – and more. Everyone wears a smile, and they’re quick to say hello. Geneva National is a place for friends to congregate, but it’s also a spot where new friendships are born.
It doesn’t take long to tell the resort has undergone a complete culture change over the past several years. While they had the same great golf a decade ago, I remembered the atmosphere being a bit stuffy. Not today. Far from it.
The resort is full of energy these days, and it is unapologetically welcoming with significantly upgraded dining and lodging experiences.
The 4-Star accommodations at Geneva National are a short 3-minute walk from the main clubhouse and Dance Floor putting course. Whether traveling as a couple or larger group, there are lodging options available for everyone. The Cottages feature six bedrooms (12 beds) with ensuite bathrooms, a fully stocked kitchen and open concept living room, game room and outdoor grill and firepit.
The Suites, added in 2020, have spacious floor plans with elegant, upscale finishes. The resort also manages the neighboring, ultra-modern Ridge Hotel that connects to Geneva National via a convenient 24/7 shuttle service or quick 5-minute drive. The pool scene at the Ridge Hotel is not to be missed!
With six different, award-winning dining options to choose from on property, my personal favorite is the Hunt Club Steakhouse. You can’t go wrong with Crafted Italia or Turf Smokehouse, either. Whichever restaurants you choose, you’ll indulge in high-end cuts of steak, freshly prepared pasta, or melt-in-your mouth southern BBQ.
And you’re in Wisconsin, so don’t forget those cheese curds!
While the lodging and dining are wonderful, it’s the golf experience that truly steals the show at Geneva National. The resort boasts a rare opportunity for golf enthusiasts to play championship layouts designed by three of the game’s biggest legends: Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, and Lee Trevino each have a signature track at Geneva National.
Each course brings a unique perspective to the rolling topography of Southeast Wisconsin, and if you were to ask 10 different players their favorite course, you should expect a split-decision.
My personal favorite is the Player Course. It’s beautifully designed from start to finish, while featuring a handful of incredible golf holes. The par-3 fourth, drivable par-4 fifth (maybe the best short par-4 in the state!), downhill par-5 10th, panoramic par-3 13th, and spectacular par-5 16th are all in that vein.
As a guy who loves risk-reward golf, this layout is phenomenal.
The resort is only getting better, too. This past fall, for example, Geneva National commissioned longtime Palmer Design architect Brandon Johnson to redesign several green complexes on the Palmer Course. One of Wisconsin’s most challenging tracks, the Palmer Course has quick, undulating greens and narrow fairways. The entire course is excellent, but it’s the finishing stretch of holes 16-18 that stands out most. The 17th, wrapped against the shores of Lake Como, is famously ranked as one of Arnold Palmer’s “Dream 18” holes.
The Trevino Course winds inland amongst tall oaks with holes mostly favoring Trevino’s patented left-to-right fade. Low scores can be had for those playing a cut, but drawers can be in for a real challenge! The 18th is widely considered the best finishing hole on property and may be one of the best in all of Southeastern Wisconsin.
Geneva National is quickly becoming a top destination for golf enthusiasts around the country, and it’s easy to see why. With three memorable courses and so much to see and indulge in, it’s the kind of property you remember fondly, and the kind of golf resort you can’t wait to return to. That’s certainly how it always is for me.
To learn more or book your trip, click here.
