Goldeneye Club

Lakewood is one of the greatest golf experiences I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying. I’ve played a lot of golf over a lot of years but nothing else can match the mix of quality golf course and unique perfect golf atmosphere of the golf and club at Lakewood. It’s been an absolute treat to spend time and get in rounds of golf there.

Well Lakewood is something you dream about if you had enough money in the world to build your own golf course. From the quirky holes, to the good conditions, to the open bar all the time. What more could you ask for in the golf course.

The course is not overly long at all but definitely requires some shot making and some target golf here and there. Oh and their is a par 3 with a floating raft to tee off on. This is course that the more you play the better you get because you will know where to miss and which clubs to hit on some blind shots.

Favorite holes for me. 15 the literal horseshoe par 5 that if your risky could go 7 iron and 7 iron over a pond or take it all the way around the pond. Also like the closing 18th. Short par 4 with huge mounds shooting your ball towards the cattails. Narrow sliver of a green.

Couple holes were tough even with someone who as played their telling you where to hit. Like the par 5 3rd hole. Less room then you think.

All in all you cant beat a course like this. I am a fan of courses that make think and require some shot making. Well done Lakewood.

All in all L

The Good: Extremely private, personal golf club of wealthy Chicago real estate developer Dan McLean based in the outskirts of Lake Geneva is one of the quirkiest, most unique golf experiences I’ve had. Centered around a beautiful reservoir, this design created by McLean and quasi-architect buddy Mike Lasch, features double fairways, double greens, and multiple holes with “boomerang” style shaping around ponds. Impressive property that has to be a thousand acres, includes a modest, nice clubhouse that is fully stocked with cocktails and beer at all times, a little putting green, and has a nice staff that operates the facility despite its limited play. Was in very good shape considering the poor weather in the Midwest and the lack of revenue stream for small membership and no public play.

The Bad: No practice facilities other than a small putting green. Too many holes with blind tee shots and crazy small greens for my liking. The fake turf on several of the tee boxes is understandably economical & slightly comical, but not the best for consistent play. NOTE: The club has to outsource its cart maintenance when there are group outings: our cart died on the first hole.

The Verdict: Lakewood is one of the most unique golf experiences in all of Wisconsin if you are lucky enough to get on. Once you get past some of the quirk and interesting features, it truly is a fun golf course and one that is great to talk about over a beer on their patio dining area that overseas the reservoir.

Best Hole: While the 10th & 11th holes on the other side of the reservoir are interesting, nothing holds a candle to the Par 5 15th, one of the craziest holes I’ve ever played. Almost a complete U-shape, you can either play around the large pond guarded by tall trees or you can take on the green with your second shot over the carnage if you have the stomach.