General Golf Course and Pro Shop
The General Golf Course at Eagle Ridge Resort in Galena tests golfers with its dramatic elevation changes and tightly wooded layout. Offering 18 holes that reward precision and strategic play, this public course is both scenic and demanding, ideal for players seeking a terrain-driven challenge in Northwest Illinois.
Course Overview
The General Golf Course at Eagle Ridge Resort in Galena, Illinois, presents an invigorating 18-hole challenge set within a strikingly rugged landscape. This public course weaves through dense forest and rolling hills, providing a retreat for those eager to engage with terrain defined by dramatic elevation shifts and strategic shot-making. Golfers will encounter holes that demand precision over power, as narrow fairways thread through trees and uneven lies test balance and creativity. The course measures close to 6,900 yards from the back tees, offering length but never forgiving errant drives.
From the moment you step onto the first tee, the land asserts itself with an uphill par 4 that requires a blind approach. Elevation becomes a defining feature throughout the round, with several holes featuring significant drops and climbs. One of the most notable holes drops nearly 190 feet from tee to green, delivering both a visual spectacle and a unique challenge that influences club selection and trajectory control. The undulating greens respond to subtle breaks, rewarding careful reading while punishing lapses in concentration.
This course appeals most to intermediate and advanced players who appreciate a test of precision and patience. Amateurs will find it approachable in the afternoon when tee times and rates favor a more relaxed pace, allowing them to enjoy the scenic environment without the pressure of tournament-level difficulty. The dense woodland setting naturally shelters the course but also invites occasional encounters with native wildlife, creating memorable moments amid the competition.
The General operates with a traditional pro shop providing essential gear and local advice, while golf carts are available without GPS technology, so players should prepare accordingly with rangefinders or course knowledge. The course’s natural features and layout encourage walking, although the rolling hills recommend comfortable footwear and good physical readiness.
While recent visitor feedback points to some opportunities for facility updates, particularly with cart performance and signage on distances, the overall experience stands out for value and design integrity. For golfers passing through Northern Illinois, The General offers a finely balanced encounter with the game’s strategic and physical demands on a course shaped by its distinctive terrain and tree-lined corridors.
Course Highlights
The course’s pronounced elevation changes set it apart from many Midwest layouts, delivering holes that test trajectory and distance control. Tight fairways bordered by mature timber demand accuracy off the tee, while expansive downhill shots provide exhilarating moments. The par-4 fifth hole challenges golfers with a spectacular 190-foot drop from tee to green, exemplifying the course’s unique topography. Despite the natural beauty, the absence of GPS carts shifts emphasis to course familiarity and traditional navigation skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Douglas Zabler
For the price you pay you don't get that great of service, but the grounds are spectacular. Very technical course, with little room to miss fairways. Next time I'm leaving the driver in the bag! NOTE:Bring CASH for beverage cart on the course, no card because the service isn't good.
J J
The course is beautiful but for $160 for 18 holes with a golf cart with NO GPS is unheard of. Get GPS in your carts if you are going to charge so much. Also, there are no red, white and blue range markers. The ones on the sprinkler heads are so hard to find. It’s unacceptable and ridiculous for $160. You can’t put down distance markers. I play on $20 courses that have distance markers $50 courses that have GPS in their carts.
Kenneth Kluckman
Course was in rough shape and incredibly backed up. Told the ranger there were five groups on one hole when he came by and he seemed annoyed by our comment and stated it is backed up everywhere.
Mike Sramek
Travis Mather
I would give six stars if I could. I almost hate to leave a review because I feel like this place is a dirty little secret that I only want to tell to my closest friends. In all seriousness, though, the General is one of the nicest, most challenging, and scenic golf courses I’ve ever had the privilege to play. Every hole is incredible, but there are a few that are truly unbelievable. Even better yet, and probably even more unbelievable than some of the views and the condition of the course, is that you can play for only $55 after 3:00pm. We were able to get 27 holes and it seriously felt like we were stealing for that price. All that to say, go play The General. You will almost certainly not be disappointed. I would, however, highly suggest packing some bug spray. Not a knock on the course by any means, but given its location in the middle of the woods, there are quite a few bugs to contend with.
J J
The course is beautiful but for $160 for 18 holes with a golf cart with NO GPS is unheard of. Get GPS in your carts if you are going to charge so much. Also, there are no red, white and blue range markers. The ones on the sprinkler heads are so hard to find. It’s unacceptable and ridiculous for $160. You can’t put down distance markers. I play on $20 courses that have distance markers $50 courses that have GPS in their carts.
Mark McCorkel
Every month, I travel through the NE quadrant of Iowa and am always looking for the best golf courses I can find to play. Today started with a 5 hour drive from home (Hudson, WI) to Dubuque. After a quick meeting, I made my way just south of Galena, IL to Eagle Ridge Resort and, based on some recommendations, played The General course. Let me start by saying this place was insane! Despite my better judgment, I took on The General from the 4-star tees (black/tips) since it comes in under 6900y. The challenge wasn't so much handing the length, but keeping the ball in play. The course winds through dense woods as climbs and falls through the hills and vallys. A few tee boxes force a shaped shot, and missed fairways are not very forgiving. I found the course to be very fair and rewarding, yet punishing if you try to overpower it. The only knock I can give it is no GPS on the carts, and some clunky old gas carts that have seen better days need to be upgraded. Slower than expected greens also were a little disappointing, but the lack of rain makes it forgivable. I can say this course has some of the most, if not the most, severe elevations that I've ever played! The course starts with a dramatic and demanding uphill par 4 with a blind shot into the green. This is followed by a stunning par 3 that looks impossibly long but is only 155y from the tips. #5 is a 375y par 4 that drops 190' from tee to green, most of which is a cliff off the tee! Where #8 is a short par 4 uphill, #10 is a 100' drop from tee to green. The huge elevation changes made for some exciting tee shots! Their green fee is listed at $140 and drops to $45 after 4pm. When I made my tee time, they booked me for 3:10pm and quoted me the $45 with cart rate. I got there early and tee's off at 2:30. I didn't see another group until the 12th hole and passed them and cruised to a 2.5 hour round. For $45, amazing value! That being said, I'm not sure it's a $140 course. Their shoulder season rate is $85, which I would say is much more in line. I'll deffinatly go back and check out the other 2 courses next time I'm back in the area. I'd strongly recommend this spot to anyone passing thru the area, or looking for somewhere different to go.
David Ryan
Kenneth Kluckman
Course was in rough shape and incredibly backed up. Told the ranger there were five groups on one hole when he came by and he seemed annoyed by our comment and stated it is backed up everywhere.
Matthew Holmes
Terrific golf course. Challenging yet fair.
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Course Details
Access & Location
109 Eagle Ridge Dr, Galena, IL 61036, USA
Eagle Ridge Resort Main Clubhouse
Walking is permitted and offers a rewarding experience if prepared; footwear with solid traction advised due to varied elevation.
Tee times available for public reservation; increased rates during peak season; afternoon rates offer value pricing.
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