There are nearly 16,000 golf courses in the United States, and hundreds of golf resorts lining our landscapes. While many feature championship tracks, none of them can boast the big-name, treasured trio of architects that Geneva National Resort offers:
Palmer. Player. Trevino.
Three of the greatest names in golf, all in one place, and the only one of its kind. That’s a prime example of how unique Geneva National Resort really is. Situated on some prime real estate on the shores of Lake Como in Geneva, WI, Geneva National Resort is comprised of Geneva Ridge Resort and the newly-acquired and renovated Inns of Geneva National. Together, the resort offers full-service spa, golf, dining and much more. The result is a resort undergoing a dramatic transformation at every level, one befitting the big names behind its golf courses.
“We’ve really raised the bar for our service and what we offer,” said Jesse Seykora, Marketing Manager for Geneva National. “We said, ‘We’ve got to make sure everything fits with the level of service and the quality of the golf.’ It’s all things that are moving this property to a must-visit Midwest destination. We’re elevating our brand to a new level that really hadn’t been touched before on this property and in this area.”
But Seykora said the resort hasn’t for- gotten what’s gotten it where it is today, and what will drive its success tomorrow.
“At the core of it all, is a golf property built by the legends,” Seykora said. “The three of these guys came out here and designed these courses themselves. The courses are so unique. I don’t think there’s another place in the world with three courses by Player, Palmer and Trevino. “Everything leads to golf.”
Big Names, Big Challenges
And what a destination that is at Geneva National. The Palmer Course is the most heralded at the resort, a 7,008-yard gem whose par-5 17th hole is considered the signature. Measuring 573 yards from the tips, this classic risk-reward stunner skirts the shores of Lake Como from stem to stern, giving players a true Palmerian test.
The Player Course is considered a fan favorite, and at 7,171 yards from the tips, a challenging test, as well. With plenty of woods, wetlands and water (not to mention lake views), it’s easy to see why the Player Course is so popular.
The Trevino Course is a woodland beauty that’s equal parts fun and fierce — just like it’s namesake. The Trevino Course features plenty of dogleg-right holes, playing to Mr. Trevino’s famous fade. At 7,120 yards from the tips, even those doglegs can reach out and bite you.
Should your game require a tune-up (and whose doesn’t?), Geneva National is home to the Midwest’s only David Leadbetter Golf Academy. Resorts guests can take advantage of the complementary daily clinics. The resort even offers minute-by-minute tune-ups, giving you the pit crew you need to get back and playing smoothly.
Ravishing Rooms
Geneva National has put considerable effort (and investment) into raising the level of accommodations, too, ensuring where you stay is as memorable as where you play. The Geneva Ridge Resort features 146 finely-appointed rooms, as well as a remodeled Aspen Ballroom and a $600,000 addition of an outdoor veranda (complete with plush loungers and an elegant fire pit). With stunning views of Lake Como, it’s no wonder Geneva Ridge Resort is a wedding wonderland.
The resort’s recent acquisition of the nearby Inns at Geneva National has also elevated its level of accommodations, with the ability for families, friends and golf groups to stay in self-contained splendor. These elegant inns underwent a dramatic transformation, remodeling each of the six inns’ six guestrooms and main living areas, to the tune of $1 million.
“It’s really been a huge transformation,” Seykora said. “We’ve updated all the rooms, all the living areas. It’s really breathtaking the changes they’ve made. If you visited a few years ago and visited today, you’d see a substantial difference.”
Plenty More in Store
Of course, Geneva National offers all the amenities you’d expect at a resort of its caliber: fine dining in the Hunt Club Steakhouse, Lake Como’s premier steakhouse, and casual fare in the Legends Tavern. They’ve also added Bar 55, a state-of-the-art, high-end art bar and lounge overlooking the lake.
The resort also features the full-service Spa at Geneva Ridge, with everything from couples to sports and hot-stone massages. There’s an indoor pool, outdoor pool, kayak rentals, canoes, jet skis, and more. Guests with wanderlust can even take the 24-mile walking trail all around the lake.
Another great “amenity” of Geneva National is its location. In addition to Lake Como, the resort is close to Geneva Lake and everything that tourism hub has to offer.
“We consider it the crown jewel of the area,” Seykora said. “We’ve got the wooded slopes and shores of Lake Como — the sister lake of Geneva Lake, which is well-known for its boating and guided tours — and its shopping and nightlife. There’s a lot going on, and we feel Geneva National is the superior experience.”
The resort is also located just 90 miles from downtown Chicago, making it a great getaway that’s not too far away from anywhere in the Midwest. Which leaves little excuse for not visiting.
Visit www.genevanationalresort.com for more information.