Planning a Golf Trip to Lake Geneva: Group Guide
A lake resort town between Chicago and Milwaukee with two multi-course golf resorts: Grand Geneva (36 holes plus an 11-hole short course) and Geneva National (54 holes). Groups can stay on property and play everything without a long drive.
The courses to play
- The Brute (Grand Geneva): Robert Bruce Harris design, par 72 and over 7,000 yards, with 68 bunkers and greens averaging over 8,000 square feet.
- The Highlands (Grand Geneva): Par-71, Scottish-inspired layout originally designed by Pete Dye and Jack Nicklaus and reworked by Bob Cupp in 1996.
- Wee Nip (Grand Geneva): New 11-hole, walking-only short course by Dusenberry Design; holes average around 90 yards and a typical round takes about 90 minutes.
- Geneva National: Palmer, Player and Trevino courses: Three 18-hole courses designed by Arnold Palmer, Gary Player and Lee Trevino at one club, each with five sets of tees.
Getting there
| Airport | Code | Drive to the golf |
|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee Mitchell | MKE | about 60 min |
| Chicago O'Hare | ORD | about 90 min |
Check live flights to MKE on Google Flights →
When to go
This is a northern summer destination, so plan for late spring through early fall. Check each resort's opening and closing dates before booking shoulder-season trips.
Group tip
Before you book
- Lock the headcount in a multiple of four.
- Set the per-person budget with the cost calculator.
- Call the resort or golf desk directly and ask for group tee-time blocks, stay-and-play packages and the cancellation and rain policy.
- Collect deposits the week you book. Use the deposit tracker.
- Pick your format and build pairings.
Official resources
Fun facts about Lake Geneva
- Grand Geneva opened in May 1968 as the Lake Geneva Playboy Club-Hotel, and Hugh Hefner recruited Jack Nicklaus to help design one of its golf courses. source
- At the 1966 groundbreaking, Hefner arrived by helicopter and set off a dynamite charge while skydivers dropped onto the property. source
- Lake Geneva was home to TSR, Inc., the original publisher of Dungeons & Dragons, until Wizards of the Coast took it over in 1997. source
- Geneva Lake is described as the only place in the world where mail jumping, delivering mail by leaping from a moving boat to piers, is still practiced. source
- Geneva Lake reaches a maximum depth of 135 feet. source
Facts last checked November 7, 2026. How we check facts. Resort or tourism board? Send us updates for this guide.
Course details and access rules change. Confirm current tee-time policies and rates directly with each course before you book.
FAQ
When is the best time for a Lake Geneva golf trip?
This is a northern summer destination, so plan for late spring through early fall. Check each resort's opening and closing dates before booking shoulder-season trips. Best months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.
What airport do you fly into for Lake Geneva?
Milwaukee Mitchell (MKE), about 60 min; Chicago O'Hare (ORD), about 90 min.
What are the best courses at Lake Geneva?
The Brute (Grand Geneva), The Highlands (Grand Geneva), Wee Nip (Grand Geneva), Geneva National: Palmer, Player and Trevino courses.
Is Lake Geneva good for a group golf trip?
Best for: Chicago and Milwaukee groups who want a drive-in resort weekend with 90 holes in one town.. It works for groups of 4–12, 12–24, 24+ golfers.
How far ahead should we book Lake Geneva?
For 8 or more golfers in peak season, plan 6–12 months out. Call the golf desk and ask about group tee-time blocks and package rates before you book rooms.
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