Follow in the Steps of Albert Einstein

You can count your lucky stars, because University of Chicago’s famed Yerkes Observatory is just four miles from Geneva National, allowing visitors the opportunity to test their celestial vision and marvel at the Roman brick-and-terracotta building’s late 19th century architecture and mythological ornamentation. Founded in 1897, the astronomical observatory is home to the world’s largest refracting telescope, a 24-inch and 40-inch reflecting telescope and more than 170,000 photographic plates precisely detailing star locations. Known to this day for its research and popular for its educational tours, star parties and summer day camps, Yerkes also attracts building and landscape architects as well as photographers to its 77 acres designed by John Olmsted, whose brother was the landscape architect for New York’s Central Park. Visit the website for up-to-date tour times, special events and to make reservations for an observing session.

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.

As far as restaurants in Lake Geneva go, the Hunt Club Steakhouse in the historic 100-year-old Crane Manor is in a category of its own. Offering the choicest cuts and winningest wine list in a casual and clubby atmosphere, this Geneva National gem sits along the Gary Player Course with panoramic views of Lake Como. Winner of Wine Spectator’s “Best of Award of Excellence” for eight consecutive years with repeated accolades from TripAdvisor and Open Table, this chic southeast Wisconsin steakhouse delivers a passion for excellence with every dish and drink.

Just an hour from Milwaukee and 90 minutes from Chicago, Geneva National Golf Club presents the unique opportunity to take on the design challenges of golf legends Arnold Palmer, Gary Player and Lee Trevino at one singular and stellar location. Carved out of the rolling Wisconsin countryside and bordered by the Lake Como shoreline, these magnificent signature courses feature meticulously manicured bent grass tees, fairways and greens and five tee boxes for every level of player.

EVENT DETAILS
Shhh- THe Award-Winning 1920’s SpeakEasy Bar, located in the basement of the Maxwell Mansion will be open Fridays from 9pm- Midnight. A password is required for entry and can be found their their FaceBook page, if they don’t have one posted, messege them and they will respond with the password phrase of the week and you will gain entry.

This is a one of a kind Bar that is open during Special Events during the OffSeason. THere is a secret entrance, swanky rooms and the feel of a real 1920’s SpeakEasy. While you are there, be sure to head upstairs to the Apothecary Bar (Open Daily from 4pm-10pm)(Lake Geneva’s Oldest and Newest bar).

Tom Stanfield is also playing most Fridays with Piano and horn at the same time- an amazing sight to experience.

 

The Hunt Club’s bartender Ralph Kennedy says, “Mixology is more of an art than a science,” as he shared drink recipes enjoyed by both locals and tourists. Tito’s Cosmopolitan is a friendly pink drink shaken with upscale Tito’s vodka, triple sec, fresh lime juice and a hint of cranberry. The upscale vodka and fresh lime juice turn this everyday Cosmo into a fun and flirty version just right for party time.

The Chocolate Martini is decadent and delish. The vodka and Kahlua mixed drink is laced with Lady Godiva dark chocolate creating a dessert and drink all in one. Served beautifully with a chocolate-etched starburst design, this is a chocolate lovers dream.