The Boys are Back in Town
It’s April. And the boys are back.
Each spring, a certain group of 12 millennial men from Chicago, Dubuque, and Charlottesville, VA make the pilgrimage to Geneva National Resort for a three-day golf competition and reunion.
“Most of us worked together in Chicago at one point,” says Tom Delaney, a portfolio manager who organizes the customized Unlimited Stay & Play outing each year. “Even though we don’t all work at the same firm anymore, most of us still make the trek.”
When looking for a destination during the golf group’s inaugural year, Delaney said they shopped around and honed in on Geneva National. “The courses – accessible but challenging – the staff, the amenities and the overall setup are unrivaled in such close proximity to Chicago,” he notes. “We found Geneva National so perfect after year one that we have never looked anywhere else. The entire setup and structure is perfect for what we are looking to do.”
Specifically, the group plays 18 on Friday, 36 on Saturday and 18 on Sunday. They divide into teams of six and do a multi-round Ryder Cup style tournament, with two rounds of two-man better ball, one two-man scramble and finish with individual matches. Skill levels are a mixed bag, according to Delaney, with most guys slotted in the 15-21 index range. “We’re able to play and put up some good scores, but not consistently. Guys still come regardless because of the camaraderie of the weekend. Even if you’re bad, you still have a great time!”
A coveted trophy is passed about Stanley Cup-style before returning to the tourney.“Years one and three turned out to be relative blowouts, but last year, we were tied through all the matches,” recalls Delaney. “The captains had to play a one-hole-winner-take-all for the trophy. There may have been a little beer sprayed by the winners when a 15-foot-putt rolled in to seal it.”
Each year, the group convenes in early spring, “and the maintenance of the courses for April never fails to impress us,” notes Delaney. "Seventy-two holes over three days can be a lot, but when you’re on well-kept courses, with great views, it is a lot more palatable.”
Their lodging of choice is the Inns of Geneva National, with the 12 buddies sharing a six-bedroom villa along the Gary Player Course. “We hang out after our rounds and play cards through the night, retreat to our private rooms, and make breakfast in the kitchen,” says Delaney. “We can wake up as close to our tee times as we want, and we’re on the course in no time flat.”
This year, they shook up tradition a bit, reserving the private Crane Room at the Hunt Club Steakhouse for dinner.“We are now big fans,” Delaney states. “The food was great and the service, spectacular. The steakhouse has definitely made the cut for 2018.”
Here at Geneva National, we welcome their repeat performance. Until next April, boys.
To peruse Stay & Play packages at Geneva National, visit www.genevanationalresort.com/stayplay or call 262.245.7037.
About Geneva National Resort
Geneva National Resort is located along the wooded slopes and shores of Lake Como in the Newport of the Midwest - Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Geneva National features a legendary trifecta of semi-private golf courses designed by Palmer, Player and Trevino paired with on-course lodging and award-winning dining at one singular and stellar location. Explore the possibilities at www.genevanationalresort.com.
