The Golf Guide to Lake Geneva
- Best of Lake Geneva
- Apr 10
- 3 min read
You wanted a golf weekend. What you're about to find is a golf obsession.
Let's get one thing straight: Lake Geneva isnt just a cute lakeside town with a couple of courses. This place is one of the top golf destinations in the entire Midwest, and it's not even a debate. Within 20 minutes of downtown, you've got championship layouts designed by Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Lee Trevino, Pete Dye, and Jack Nicklaus.
Whether you're planning a solo bucket-list round, a guys' trip, a family outing with the kids, or a corporate scramble that actually gets people excited, the Lake Geneva area has you covered from tee to 19th hole.
The Big Hitters: Championship Courses
If you're coming to Lake Geneva for golf, these are the names you need to know.
Home to The Brute and The Highlands — two iconic courses that challenge every level of player. The Brute stretches over 7,000 yards and is consistently ranked among Wisconsin's toughest. The Highlands is a Scottish links-style layout originally designed by Pete Dye and Jack Nicklaus. Stay overnight and unlock free rounds of golf with their Stay and Golf Free package.
Three courses. Three legends. Arnold Palmer. Gary Player. Lee Trevino. Geneva National sits above the shores of Lake Como and has been a Midwest golf icon for over 25 years. Golf Digest has recognized these courses among Wisconsin's top ten, and once you see the views from the fairway, you'll understand why people make the drive just for this.
Voted Lake Geneva's best golf course five consecutive years (2020 to 2024). Hawk's View offers two distinct experiences: Como Crossings for the serious golfer, and Barn Hollow, an 18-hole par-3 course designed by Craig Schreiner that's perfect for families, beginners, and anyone who just wants to have fun on the course. Don't miss the famous Friday Fish Fry after your round.
A newly renovated 18-hole course set right on Geneva Lake in Fontana. Abbey Springs blends championship-level design with stunning lakeshore scenery. Members and guests rave about the course conditions and the unbeatable views. If you want golf with a water backdrop, this is it.
First opened in 1921 and redesigned in 1990 by celebrated architect Dick Nugent, Majestic Oaks in Delavan offers a rich history and a gorgeous lakeshore setting. Known for its majestic oaks, deep sand bunkers, and subtle undulations, this course rewards thoughtful play. The Clubhouse Bar & Grill is a perfect stop after your round.
For the Family or First-Timer
Not everyone in your crew is ready for The Brute — and that is completely fine. Hawk's View's Barn Hollow par-3 course is a standout option for mixed-skill groups. The course is walkable, water hazards keep it interesting, and it's designed so that an 8-year-old and a scratch golfer can have an equally great time. If you're staying at a resort, check whether your property offers beginner clinics or junior camp programs — Grand Geneva and Geneva National both have PGA instruction options on site.
Golf Getaway Tips
Book your tee times in advance — especially on summer weekends, courses fill up fast. Grand Geneva's Stay and Golf Free package is one of the best deals in the region if you're planning an overnight. Geneva National frequently offers multi-course packages that let you play all three legendary layouts over a weekend. And if you're planning a corporate outing, both Grand Geneva and Geneva National have full-service event planning teams to handle everything from the shotgun start to dinner.