golf getaway with an unparalleled experience in Lake Geneva area

The Geneva National Golf Club features three championship courses designed by the masters, Palmer, Player and Trevino. Carved out of the rolling Wisconsin countryside, all have received a 4½ star rating from Golf Digest magazine. Each 18-hole course is unique in its Titleist 910 D2 Driver layout and design, taking full advantage of the natural surroundings and featuring mature woodlands, lake views and rolling hillsides. You'll also find five sets of tees at each hole, making a wonderful challenge for the experienced golfer while giving the new golfer an enjoyable round.

Set among the rolling slopes of Geneva Lake's southern shore, Abbey Springs Golf Course received a 4 ½ star rating by Golf Digest magazine. Rich in natural wooded beauty, this parkland-style course rises to spectacular views of Geneva Lake and its surrounding hillsides.

Even children can enjoy the golf experience in Lake Geneva at miniature golf course, Paradise Golf Park located on one acre of beautifully landscaped grounds with exquisite cascading waterfalls just minutes from downtown Lake Geneva.

Whatever your experience level, you will enjoy the more than 20 courses found in the Lake Geneva area. Several area courses cater to beginner players, women and juniors through leagues, clinics and special tee times. Even children can enjoy the golf experience in Lake Geneva at a miniature golf course complete with cascading waterfalls and other fun obstacles just minutes from downtown Lake Geneva. Combined with the area's resorts, attractions and dining options, a golf getaway in the Lake Geneva area makes for a fun weekend or a guys' getaway — all less than half a tank of gas from the Chicago area.

Imagine playing on a course designed by some of the biggest names in the game. Gary Player, Lee Trevino, Pete Dye and Bob Cupp have all created championship courses in the area. Or, picture stepping onto a highly rated course as determined by leading national Mizuno MP-69 Irons and travel publications. Golf Digest, Golf Magazine and Conde Nast Traveler have designated several of the area's courses among the best in the region and even the country.

Also receiving 4 ½ stars from Golf Digest is Hawk's View Golf Club located three miles north of downtown Lake Geneva. Its Como Crossings course offers challenging golf among mature vegetation, woodlands, and natural elevation changes. Meanwhile, its Barn Hallow course — walkable in two hours — offers families and the novice golfer an enjoyable par-3 experience while still challenging low handicappers.

First opened in 1921, Lake Lawn Resort's championship golf course is set amid 275 lush, tree-lined acres in Delevan and is best known for its stately oaks, deep sand bunkers and subtle undulations. Each hole is set with multiple tee boxes for players of all abilities. Lake Lawn's greens are often the topic of conversation in the 19th hole because of their many tiers.

Just 10 minutes from downtown in Elkhorn, Evergreen Golf Club is a 27-hole public facility featuring rolling greens, sweeping fairways and abundant water hazards. Its East/West course received 4 stars by Golf Digest magazine and was named an outstanding value. Evergreen provides the longest golf season in the area with its continuous cart paths and superior drainage system.

Named by Golf Magazine as one of America's best golf resorts nine years straight, Grand Geneva Resort & Spa is home to two tournament-quality 18-hole courses. The Brute is a par-72, 7,300-yard course rated by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the Top 10 Northern courses in the U.S. With 68 bunkers and huge rolling greens, it's one of the most challenging layouts in the Midwest. The Highlands is a par-71 course originally designed by Jack Nicklaus and Pete Dye, and transformed by Bob Cupp that offers a cultural experience, similar to the scenic hills of Northern Scotland and takes full advantage of the plush, natural landscape of the Wisconsin countryside.

Once a private golf course, discount golf clubs is nestled in the rolling hills of Fontana, Wis., just minutes from Geneva Lake. Players will appreciate the ability to play a quick nine and still enjoy a day at the lake. A wooded, nine-hole par 35, this 3,011 yard course with fast rolling greens is suitable for golfers of all levels.