The General at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa – Played August 2022
- Rankings: Golf Magazine Public #98
- Location: 444 Eagle Ridge Drive, Galena, Illinois
- Year: 1997
- Architects: Andy North & Roger Packard
- Course Access: Resort
- Walking Rules: Carts Available
Score Card Information:
- Black: 6,726 yards, Par 72, 72.8 Rating/137 Slope
- Gold: 6,280 yards, Par 72, 70.7 Rating/132 Slope
- White: 5,917 yards, Par 72, 69.1 Rating/128 Slope (Men’s), 74.7 Rating/133 Slope (Women’s)
- Jade: 5,238 yards, Par 72, 66.0 Rating/120 Slope (Men’s), 70.9 Rating/125 Slope (Women’s)
My second round in Illinois was at The General at Eagle Ridge. The course was pretty quiet on a weekday and I was greeted by the cheery staff. The General is the crown jewel of the resort but Roger Packard’s work stretched for 20 years and spawned four courses.
The hallmark of the course is the elevation change that factors into many spots on the property. You’ll see that feature prominently in the photos. Let’s get started.
Hole 1 – 396 yards – Par 4
The general theme applies to the tee markers as each are denoted with a specific number of stars. Check it out below.
The first tee shot of the day demands a good strike. It is uphill and surrounded by trees all the way to the green.
Depending on where your drive ends up, the approach shot is varying levels of blind.
Hole 2 – 163 yards – Par 3
The cart attendant told me to be very careful on the cart paths. In case I doubted that, it became really clear on this hole with the steep journey to the green.
Distance control is at a premium here with a shallow green that is below the tee box.
Hole 3 – 499 yards – Par 5
This hole didn’t feel like it played less than 500 yards. The drive feels a bit pinched with the tree line but the hole opens up as you progress to the green.
Be careful on your layup or you might have an obscured view of the green.
Hole 4 – 442 yards – Par 4
It might look like I’ve gotten a weird angle of this hole, but the trees truly do block that much of the fairway. A bit of tree management would go a long way here. The hole bends to the left and there is more room than it appears.
Hole 5 – 357 yards – Par 4
Be sure to go to the front of this tee box to see what you are attacking. It’s a massive drop from tee to fairway on the signature hole.
Your approach returns to a more familiar scale.
Looking from behind the green gives you some perspective on the elevation change.
Hole 6 – 190 yards – Par 3
This hole sits in a big open space all on its own. It was a cool vibe. The green is a large target but don’t mess with the bunker.
Hole 7 – 398 yards – Par 4
We’ve got a dogleg left here that plays pretty flat. Honestly, it’s one of the tamer holes on this side.
I just enjoyed this view from the eighth tee, so I wanted to share it.
Hole 8 – 370 yards – Par 4
Back to the elevation change on this hole. With the massive uphill slope the hole plays a bit longer than the yardage. It’s an intimidating view if your tee ball is wild.
Good thing I had a cart!
Hole 9 – 520 yards – Par 5
The General at Eagle Ridge switches it up again on this one. It plays long and straight with trouble left and high grass right.
The green slopes a bit from right to left. This pin is a definite green light.
Hole 10 – 407 yards – Par 4
You can get a roaring start to your back nine from this elevated tee box. As a shorter hitter, I only had 110 yards into the green.
110 yards, still didn’t get it there!
Hole 11 – 549 yards – Par 5
My shot shape fits this corridor but I’d pray if you hit a fade. Accuracy over power is the goal here.
The hole bends slightly to the right after the tee shot.
Hole 12 – 170 yards – Par 3
From this tee the green is tucked from view a bit. The left tee provides a clearer path.
Hole 13 – 376 yards – Par 4
The thirteenth begins a three-hole stretch in an open portion of the property where you can see the other holes (more in a bit). I found this hole played a good bit longer with the slope.
The green is a small, perched target.
I had to get a photo of this quality golf bridge.
Hole 14 – 437 yards – Par 4
Time to step up and hit a good drive here. This dogleg left will play much shorter if you can cut the corner…
But beware of the large tree that will obstruct shots from the left side of the fairway.
Hole 15 – 505 yards – Par 5
Don’t bite off more than you can chew trying to shorten this hole. Three smart shots are better than dumping one in the water.
I mentioned the view of the three holes a bit earlier. Looking back from this fairway you can see 12 green, 13 tee, and a chunk of 14.
Hole 16 – 187 yards – Par 3
The card says 187, but they must have moved my tee up. It played much shorter and thank goodness for that. This is a devilish shot over the hazard.
Hole 17 – 350 yards – Par 4
The tee shot on this dogleg right doesn’t tip you off what you’re about to see.
The green is set amongst a rock wall that had me thinking of New England.
Hole 18 – 410 yards – Par 4
You’re going to have to work for par on the finishing hole. After a good drive you’re faced with an approach shot that is nothing but trouble to the right.
Here’s a look at the pin flags from the course.
The General at Eagle Ridge was a stern test. Whether is was tree-lined fairways or lengthy holes, scores are earned here. The course might be a bit remote, but I think you’ll be glad you made the trip.