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.
