Novels have the Pulitzer, movies the Oscars, and music the Grammys. In golf, we have the rankings – and Geneva National’s Gary Player Course was just called up to stage this spring as one of Golfweek’s 2018 Best Courses You Can Play. The Black Knight’s par-72 layout is the only Lake Geneva, WI course to make the list this year.
To compile Golfweek’s coveted list, a team of some 850 experienced raters assess courses based on 10 criteria, including routing, conditioning, variety and memorability of holes. The resulting average of scores determines a course’s overall ranking. The number of courses honored per state is based on the state’s course supply, population and level of play.
“I play about 50 different courses throughout the U.S. and Europe each year, and I keep coming back to Player,” says Geneva National’s Member Head Pro Bryan Brotchie. “Every tee box is framed by stunning scenery, and every hole offers a tempting risk-reward opportunity. I’ve no doubt Player scored high with the raters on memorability.”
When it comes to naming a favorite on Player’s diverse design, Brotchie points to no. 10, which at his skill level can set up an eagle … or double-bogey. “You need to employ a strategy to be in the right spot on this hole, which is complicated by dual tree lines, a water hazard, and diners spectating from the Hunt Club Steakhouse – that is, if you’re unnerved by an audience.”
Each year, Wisconsin rises in the ranks as a premier golf destination, which makes the competition to make the cut increasingly fiercer. “Sometimes when you have a resort that offers more than one top-notch course, the courses get lumped together,” adds Brotchie. “This just proves how memorable the Player Course truly is.”
If you haven’t taken on Geneva National’s Player design, might we suggest you add it to your must-swing bucket list this year? With its spectacular views, rolling hills and bent grass tees, fairways and greens, this Wisconsin beauty will not disappoint.