The North Course at Eagle Ridge Resort may not get the press that The General does, but it is still a test of golf, and a course that should definitely be played if you’re every in Galena, or staying at the Eagle Ridge Resort. We played all three and found something to like about each one.
The North Course starts right out the back door of the clubhouse. The first hole is fully in view, and relatively easy (369 from the back tees). Readers know that I’m a fan of “warm-up” holes, and this course doesn’t disappoint with its opening, short dogleg right.
The second hole is a meandering par 5, that may be reachable, but not for me. The approach to the green is all uphill, so I’d suggest making it a 3-shot par 5, and try to start par-par (or possible birdie).
The 4th is a lengthy, 204-yard par 3. Luckily, you’re better short than long here, and the green is slightly raised. Definitely try to stick it, but being short isn’t the end of the world either.
The 5th is a short par 5 that is potentially reachable, but the tee shot and approach are both uphill, so plan on taking extra clubs here. Be careful not to go long as you approach into the green; there isn’t a lot of room for error behind the green. Fortunately, there is room to bail to the right of the green, so if your chipping game is on, it may be the right play. Here are pictures of the tee shot, and approach, respectively.
The 7th is a 402 yard par 4, but don’t worry; this hole is entirely down-hill. From the tee, you can see a little bit of the lake, but as you near your approach (and eventually the green), it comes into full view. This is one of the best views on the course, so have your camera ready!
The 8th is a very scenic par 3, with some of the best bunkering of the entire Eagle Ridge Resort.
Once you’re on the 8th green, you may see some boaters or fisherman. The day we were there, it was fisherman, and they were so close we could’ve reached out and touched them.
Eleven is a 533-yard par 5, with an elevated tee shot. If your driver is working, Fire at will. It’s one of those holes where you feel like the ball will go a mile.
Thirteen is a relatively tough par three (for me, anyways), mainly because it requires a mid-iron (185 yards from the Black), yet the green is surrounded by bunkers, forcing you to stick it. Easier said then done. There is a little room to bail (front-left and back-right), but not a lot, so take a little extra time focusing on this tee shot.
Fifteen is another great par 5 (If you haven’t noticed, I like the par 5’s on this course.) This is the longest one at 566 yards, but the approach into the green is downhill by quite a bit. It’s not reachable for me, but if you plan a three-shotter, the second shot should be left at about 135 or more. If not, you may have a very steep, downhill lie. Here, you can see the 150 yard stake in the fairway, and the drop-off to the4 green.
The finishing hole is actually pretty easy (Handicap = 14), which is a little disappointing to me, but not the end of the world. Hit a strong drive up the left side, and you should have a pretty good approach to the pin. Lots of bunkers, but by this time of the round, you should be as precise as you’re going to get, so go for the flag.
We discussed the three courses at Eagle Ridge, and if we could only play one, it would be The General. If it were only two, it would be The General and the South Course, with this course coming in third. The third place designation is not by a long-shot, by any means, but we both felt this was the least scenic of the three. On a positive note, my wife thought this was the easiest of the three for women, so it may be the right course for you.
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Another great review, Dan. I’d always heard great things about Eagle Ridge but as you say it doesn’t get the press of The General.
Is the seventh drivable?! It looks like you are headed down a cliff in that photo!
@David Mihm – It’s potentially drivable, but not for me. I’d be worried about having it roll over the green, and down the hill.
Thanks for the review. Unfortunately I’m stuck with the courses in Rockford.