EAGLE RIDGE Resort & Spa 800-892-2269
NORTH COURSE
Chicago Golf Course Review - 8/16/03
Introduction (scroll down for a review of the North Golf Course)
Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa offers four finely manicured golf courses (three 18-hole layouts and one 9-hole
course) are the highlights of a 6,800 acre development that features the 80-room Eagle Ridge Inn plus 300
resort homes. Accommodations in standard hotel rooms and in 3 to 6 bedroom homes are available, and
recreational opportunities abound, including tennis, swimming in an indoor pool with retractable windows,
Jacuzzi, sauna, boating and fishing, hot air balloon rides, children's activities, fitness activities, horseback
riding and more. For more information on what many feel is the top golf resort in the Midwest - visit our Eagle Ridge Inn page by clicking here.
Each of the four designs - The General, the North Course, the South Course and the nine-hole East Course, are
rated 4 to 4 1/2 stars by Golf Digest Places to Play - with The General considered to be the top layout - annually
ranked with the very best courses in the country. To play here - you must stay here, on one of the many
packages that are available in a great variety of accommodations. There are four separate clubhouses, each
with a pro shop, restaurant/lounge and practice putting green. The North, South and General clubhouses feature
locker rooms with showers, and a spacious grass driving range is centrally located at the North Course - easily accessible from anywhere at the resort.
Golf at Eagle Ridge provides outstanding facilities and top notch conditioning and service. Golfers on any of the
four courses will find finely sculpted tees, fairways and bunkers - and immaculate putting surfaces that roll true.
The terrain is unique for the region, as ice age glaciers left behind steep hills, limestone cliffs and breathtaking
views. Though each course is unique, one will find that all 4 maintain the same course marking systems, with
measurements on tee boxes and sprinkler heads, and with 150 yard stakes visible in the fairways. Daily pin
placement sheets for the three rotating hole locations are posted on each golf cart. On The General, cart paths also have measurements at 100, 150 and 200 yards.
REVIEW - THE NORTH COURSE
The North Course was the Two Guys Who Golf second favorite layout of the resort, and is characterised by
elevation changes that lead to lush, rolling fairways and large undulating greens. The entire course is
exceptional, and is in many ways the most playable of the designs here. A key to scoring well may rest in ones
ability to hit the ball from below or above your feet, as many approaches will be hit from un-even lies. A good tip,
especially for first time visitors - is to use the 150 stakes as targets, as they are usually advantageously positioned.
Three tee boxes are provided - measuring 6875 yards with a 132 slope from the black tees, 6386/127 slope
from the golds, and 5578 with a 125 slope rating from the jade tee areas. The middle tees are certainly
playable for mid handicappers and average golfers. From these tee boxes there are only two par fours of 400
plus yards, and the 4 par threes average about 159 yards in length. There are 59 strategically placed sand bunkers that warrant attention and 7 holes feature water hazards of some sort.
The beginning hole is a picturesque par four that presents an opportunity to get off to a good start. The well
sculpted fairway defined by bunkers and high grasses will give you a good indication of what to expect on this
course. A safe play is to the left side for a safe approach, although long hitters may try to cut this dogleg right by
aiming over the edge of the fairway traps on the right. Number two snakes to the left then back to the right with
the right side of the fairway the place to be off the tee. Only especially long hitters should attempt to cut this double dogleg. The green is well protected by sand bunkers.
The number one handicap follows - a 446 yard par four (from the tips) that bends slightly left. The right fairway
bunker comes into play about 225 out. A tree on the left side creates a tight tee shot on the par three 4th, which
initiates a five hole stretch of score-able holes. The left side of the fairway is a good spot to be on five, although
the approach is tight from any angle. Played as a three shot par five - par is fairly easy. Six is a short dogleg left
par four- which is a great birdie hole if you can place your tee shot in the right center between 120 and 90 yards
out. The 150 yard stake is a good target on seven, which features a fairway that slopes right to left with a
gorgeous view of the lake behind the green. One club less is needed on the par three 8th, which plays from an
elevated tee and is the #17 handicap. The closing hole on the front doglegs about 80 degrees left and invites a
shot placement just right of the 150 yards stake. If much further, the approach will be played from high rough with a sprawling tree in the path.
The back side plays a bit longer, with 4 par fours of 413 plus from the tips. Number 10 is the only short par four
here, and the line of fairway traps on the left that extends all the way to the green is a good deterrent for those
thinking about cutting this hole. There is an ample fairway, though tree lined, all the way to the putting surface on
the par five 11th. Twelve plays long and tight and precedes a well bunkered par three highlighted by a carry over
a natural ravine. These initial four holes on the back rate as the 18th, 8th, 10th and 16th handicaps. It gets
tougher on 14, which is a 433 yard par four along a fairway that slopes left to right. The tee shot should be
aimed just right of the 150 yards stake. Number 15 is a long par five that is incredibly open - lose a ball here
and perhaps bowling should be a consideration. The approach plays downhill and a creek crosses about 30
yards out discouraging those who would attempt to reach in two. The creek should not come into play on the par
three 16th, but be aware of the pond short right. Seventeen doglegs right but traps and a tree prevent a cut here
. Land in the left center and a clear approach is the reward. The final hole is one of the easiest of the layout.
Avoid the left fairway bunkers and an opportunity to close with authority is there for the taking.
The North Course has a nice flow to it, with score-able holes preceding or following the toughest handicaps.
The layout has ample variety and the views are gorgeous. You will find seclusion, wildlife and outstanding
conditioning from tee to green. Also - a spacious grass range is adjacent to the North property. A round here is highly recommended.
For more information on this course and a link to its website (if available) visit our detailed listing page in the Two Guys Who Golf Chicago Section: click here.
|
