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7-3-08
Geneva National GC in Lake Geneva boasts three great golf courses, and it’s fair to say the architects know a little something about championship golf. With designs by Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino and Gary Player, Geneva National’s architects have racked up a combined 21 major championship titles.
The Palmer Course, like its two sister courses, plays through hilly, wooded terrain along the shores of Lake Como. All three courses also explore the residential areas scattered across the 1,600-acre property.
The par-72 Palmer Course measures 7,177 yards from the back tees, and there are five sets. For the most part, the first 14 holes flow over wooded ground high above the lake and through occasional residential areas. But things change when players arrive on the 15th tee and the routing emerges from the woods.
All 18 holes on the Palmer Course are terrific and fun to play, but the final four make for a special finish. The 15th is a dogleg-right par-4 measuring 393 yards from an elevated tee. With a pond guarding the inside elbow of the dogleg, players have choose their line carefully on the drive.
The 16th is a long par-3 (218 yards) playing directly toward Lake Como. With the lake guarding the back edge and two big bunkers in front, this can be an intimidating par-3.
The par-5 17th – which has been compared to the 18th hole at Pebble Beach – might be one of Wisconsin’s best golf holes. At 573 yards from the back tee, the 17th hugs Lake Como from tee to green as the fairway bends to the left. Thanks to the exposed shoreline, the hole is often influenced by wind.
The uphill, par-4 18th hole, at 435 yards, plays straight away from the lake toward the clubhouse. Players contend here with a network of bunkers in the landing area and around the green.
Contact: www.genevanationalresort.com; (262) 245-7000
Directions: Geneva National is located just south of the intersection of Highways 50 and 67, west of downtown Lake Geneva.
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