General Golf Course and Pro Shop - Galena, Illinois

Travis M.

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.

Mark M.

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.

Hunter B.

The General is one of the best tracks in America, hands down. Scenic and challenging, but fair and fun, this course is a must play for any golfer. Add in a top notch staff that is full of very helpful info and eager to please, plus impeccable course conditions that can't be beat, and you have a 5 star experience!!

Fred G.

Amazing golf course. The views, the playing conditions, the staff, THE GOLF. INCREDIBLE. Can’t say enough about this course. Still talking about The General 3 days later.

Brian E.

One of the best courses we've ever played, hands down. Played it 3 times in 2 days we enjoyed it so much. Better bring your A game! I salute you 5 star General

John D.

Golfed the general, this golf course was hard. Poor markings on the couse, carts dont tell you the distance to the flag, rough was a foot high, maybe if you are a pro you would have a better time. If you are a few times a year golfer bring two dozen balls.

MD K.

Time here was great, from carrying clubs to cart and cleaning heads when you are done to an amazing course view and clubhouse.

Bob K.

The General is a cool course if you like never seeing a beverage cart and 6 hour rounds. It’s a difficult course and too many people who suck at golf are playing. They’re greedy though so they stack the times. I’ll never come back.