Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa, located 150 miles west of Chicago within The Galena Territory, a 6,800-acre recreational, residential and resort community six miles southeast of the historic town of Galena, Ill., is a golf lovers paradise. The resort’s grounds include 63 holes on four award-winning golf courses, including one of the top one hundred courses in the country, The General – proving to be an adequate challenge for golfers of all ages and skillsets. For those unfamiliar with the resort’s award-winning golf courses, you should know that each course is unique – from the rolling fairways to the smooth greens and pristine tee boxes, no round of golf is the same at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa.
- The General: Known as the resort’s crown jewel, The General opened to rave reviews in 1997 and consistently ranks among Golf Digest top 100 courses. With a 289-foot elevation change from the first hole to the 18th, it boasts spectacular views of the tri-state area. The signature hole is #5, a par 4 with 180 feet of elevation change from tee to green.
- The North Course: Opened in 1977, the resort’s North Course was designed by legendary Roger Packard and thoughtfully incorporates the scenery, the landforms, and is characterized by elevated tee boxes and stunning views of Lake Galena and the surrounding countryside in The Galena Territory. The signature hole is #8, which is a 165-yard par 3 with 80 feet of elevation change from tee to green. The tee shot on #8 crosses the corner of Lake Galena, opening to a spectacular view of the lake and its majestic rock outcroppings.
- The South Course: Debuting in 1984 and voted one of the top 75 upscale courses in the country, the South Course winds through a beautiful, wooded valley where streams come into play on 11 of 18 holes. The signature hole is #18, a 406-yard par 4 with the tee set 90 feet above a landing area which is guarded by lakes on both sides and a stream that crosses the fairway 265 yards from the tee. The second shot plays uphill to a well-bunkered elevated green. Although shorter in yardage than our other courses, the South is Eagle Ridge Resort’s most difficult and the best test of your accuracy and shot-making skills.
- The East Course: This 9-hole, par-34 layout is ideal for beginners, juniors, and for those looking to play 9-holes through undulating greens and beautiful rock outcroppings. The signature hole is #3, a short, tight par 4 with a stream running up the left and a 30-foot rock wall along the right. The hole plays 290 yards through a quiet, secluded valley.
Also, as a feature on the East Course, Eagle Ridge is pleased to provide FootGolf and modified Family Course tees! FootGolf is a combination of soccer and golf. It’s played with a regulation #5 soccer ball on shortened golf holes. In partnership with the PGA, the U.S. Kids Golf Family Course setup helps young golfers and beginners play from appropriate yardages. The benefits include faster play while not feeling rushed, lower scores and more fun!
Golf enthusiasts will also be pleased to learn that all four of Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa’s golf courses have been recently renovated back to their original architecture, which means a more enjoyable time and optimal play on each course.
Recently, the resort announced that the Stonedrift Spa, a destination for signature spa treatments and therapies for nearly twenty years, will move to a completely remodeled standalone building on the Eagle Ridge property in The Galena Territory. The move, to be completed in 2022, will increase the size of the spa from 3,500 to more than 8,000 square feet, providing golf enthusiasts yet another reason to visit the resort.
Other resort features include accommodations that range from quaint Inn rooms to over 100 villas and distinctive homes, award-winning restaurants, and a new golf complex with Highlands restaurant, Lounge 289, a pro shop, Country Store and a gas station. There is also an incredible selection of outdoor seasonal activities including miles of biking, hiking and horseback riding trails, as well as tennis, hot air balloon rides, boating and fishing on the picturesque 225-acre Lake Galena.
Families and groups can take advantage of several golf packages that feature spa, dining, lodging and green fees. Package details are online at www.eagleridge.com, or golfers can call 800-892-2269 with questions, to make reservations or book a tee time.
