This post is the first in a series of what I’m calling “bump and runs”. I will disperse these in between the longer course profiles. These are courses that I don’t have enough content to do a full write up on currently, but hope to get back to. I hope you enjoy!
Country Club Estates is a regulation 9-hole course located in Walworth, WI on the southwest side of Lake Geneva. While it doesn’t have the big name and amenities of the popular 18 hole resort courses around Lake Geneva, it is a interesting alternative.
I would describe the clubhouse as quaint. It looks like a little cottage and has enough space inside if you want to get out of the elements and a patio that overlooks the 9th green. It’s very appropriate for what the facility is.
Conditions were acceptable when I played. The greens are good, a solid B I would describe them as. The fairways were not the most full, and generally a bit scruffy, but as you’ll see from the pictures everything was green/watered. Overall, for a smaller budget 9 hole course it is what it should be.
One last thing to note is that is is fairly pricey, notably in the summer. This isn’t a surprise considering it is near a resort area. That being said, you will see a significant decrease in both price and amount of players if playing before Memorial Day or after Labor Day.
Holes to Note
1st Hole – Par 4
The course starts out oddly as a you hit your opening tee shot to the crest of a hill that is only about 200 or so yards to its dogleg. The hole then just……disappears. The approach is downhill to a green you can’t see as the green sits in a kettle. Pick a short iron or wedge, and throw one high to hope to get close. Missing left is ideal considering there is a slope to kick balls closer. The right side on the other hand has a large bunker
2nd Hole – Par 5
The 2nd has a very inauspicious start as the tee shot and second shot are both very bland. Really, the worst shots on the course. However, I think all is forgiven as the green is excellent. After your second, the hole moves downhill with a handsome green perched up. The green features big shoulders and some impressive contours that runs through the it. See below.
7th Hole – Par 5
A rollercoaster of a hole, the 7th features heavily rolling land. The tee shot is over a dip with the fairway elevated on the other side and sitting at an angle going from left to right. The rest of the hole then moves uphill to a green that is mostly hidden on your approach. Not a fancy hole, but certainly one built on great land for golf.
8th Hole – Par 4
After making your way up the hill on the 7th you now play down that same hill with your tee shot on the 8th. For this tee shot however, there is more to consider. A pond/marsh looms on your left and a section of oaks is waiting to gobble up your tee shot if you blow it through the fairway. The hole is actually a pretty severe dogleg, so from the tee pictured below big hitters could/need to cut the corner. After the tee shot, the green sits atop a hill and features a small false front.
Final Thoughts
Rolling land can help a golf course a lot, and that exactly what Country Club Estates has. Just that alone makes for strategic elements on most every hole. Couple that with more good green complexes then bad, and you have a recipe for an above average course.
If 18 at Geneva National, Grand Geneva or Hawks View isn’t enough for one day maybe check out Country Club Estates. You may be surprised at what you find.