Three immaculate golf courses. Three legendary designers — with 22 major championships between them. One breathtaking location.
Welcome to Destination Geneva National, a golf resort nestled in the heart of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Located one hour from Milwaukee and 90 minutes from Chicago, the resort is very close to two major international airports. Yet, it also provides an escape from city life’s hustle and bustle.
The escape begins and ends at its three championship layouts: the Palmer Course, the Player Course and the Trevino Course. Like their designers, each course has unique characteristics, leading to a completely different golfing experience on each layout.
THE KING’S DREAM
Once you arrive at Destination Geneva National, you may want to play the Palmer Course first. After all, it was one of The King’s favorite courses.
Surrounded by old oak forests, the course’s final three holes finish along Lake Como’s gorgeous shores. One hole especially stands out: Hole 17. As the course’s signature hole, it was Palmer’s 11th favorite hole in the Eastern United States. A risk-reward par-5, it has an infinity green nestled next to Lake Como’s shoreline.
“The King’s greens resemble the intrigue and difficulty of Augusta National, where he won four green jackets,” says Glen Murray, chief operating officer.
THE BLACK KNIGHT’S RISK-REWARD
According to Murray, Destination Geneva National’s Player Course is the “ultimate risk-reward golf course in Wisconsin.” The primary reason? Although it provides plenty of scoring opportunities — as the course has five par-5 holes and a drivable par-4 —it is also quite challenging.
The course is surrounded by picturesque woodlands and wetlands that will significantly increase your scores if you are not careful. However, if you can avoid the hazards, you will have many scoring opportunities, all while enjoying the picturesque scenery of Lake Como.
“Of the three courses, the Player Course features the most views of Lake Como,” says Steve Loomis, vice president of golf and membership. “It also has lots of elevation changes, as its vistas expand for miles past the lake.”
MERRY MEX’S BALL-STRIKER’S PARADISE
Throughout his career, Lee Trevino was known as one of the PGA Tour’s best ball strikers. So, unsurprisingly, his 18-hole layout at Destination Geneva National was designed with those players in mind.
Located along a mile-long ridgeline over Lake Como, the Trevino Course is routed across the resort’s highest point. Shot placement is critical, especially on the course’s par-threes, which are surrounded by large oak trees.
“The course’s large greens have a lot of subtle undulations to them,” Murray says. “Golfers who have played the course before will save at least a couple of shots per round, as they’ll know where to hit their approach shots.”
RENOVATING FOR THE FUTURE
To maintain its ever-increasing popularity, Destination Geneva National is committed to future resort enhancements. For example, the Palmer Course was recently renovated to improve aesthetics and playability, as four green complexes were reshaped in 2023 and 2024.
“The first hole used to be the hardest opening par-four in the state,” Murray emphasizes. “We knew we needed to change the routing of the fairway and green to allow for a gentler handshake to start the round.”
Over the last two years, the Trevino Course has been improved in several ways too, as various tee boxes and landing areas were expanded. Not to mention, numerous bunkers have been resized, while trees have also been added.
“Each course is fun, unique and challenging — without being overly punishing,” Loomis says. “We invite you to experience each course for yourself.”
“As you do, you’ll immediately understand why Destination Geneva National is one of the Midwest’s most popular and well-regarded golf resorts,” Murray adds.