Fall golf trip to Lake Geneva in Wisconsin shows its true colors

LAKE GENEVA, Wis. – I could be feeling sorry for myself right about now.

I had tickets to the ALCS game between the Detroit Tigers and Texas Rangers with my family Tuesday night, but instead I’m out of town for work. While I’d love to be watching the Tigers beat up on the Rangers in the ‘D’ this week, I’m having a pretty good time playing golf in Wisconsin.

Lake Geneva, a small tourist town about an hour and 1/2 north of Chicago in southern Wisconsin, is proving to be a great golf destination, especially at the moment, where the fall colors are ripe for photography like the shot above on the Gary Player Course at Geneva National. Lake Geneva, I’m told by my hosts, came to be after the Chicago fire when wealthy city dwellers built homes around the lake while the city was being rebuilt. Today, it’s a wonderful collection of resorts, marinas, restaurants and golf courses. There are more than 20 courses in the county.

My first 36 hours has been taking in all 54 holes at Geneva National, home to courses by Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino and Player. Not a bad trio, huh?

Tonight’s meal was a special event at The Baker House (bakerhouse1885.com), a beautiful home built in 1885 where people come to celebrate life with dinner and drinks among its parlors and front lawn overlooking the lake. Actors dressed up in old-world costumes welcome guests. It is customary to wear wacky hats while enjoying a cocktail on the front lawn or to drink the nightly sunset toast. It’s great fun, and the perfect way to end a day after 36 holes of golf.