Awesome members only golf club was there for a wedding in October and it was spectacular. The wedding was outside at the clubhouse and one side you can see lake michigan and the other side you can see crystal lake.
I was very lucky to play this course as a guest of a member on my golf trip to Michigan. The course reflects true McKenzie design and the greens are challenging, the course is very well kept and the views are amazing.
This is currently my favorite golf course. EVER!
The layout was amazing... fun, challenging, unique. The course was not as manicured as I imagined, and the clubhouse and gift shop were 'meh'... but again, the course. Wow!
We had an absolutely amazing time playing Crystal Downs. It was a chilly windy October morning and it really felt like we had an authentic experience on the course. I’ve driven past this area so many times and when I finally had the opportunity to play it it did not disappoint. The caddie who was still working was extremely helpful and friendly.
This place is classic. Honestly, the best course ever. I’ve played Sand Hills over 100 times, Chicago Golf Club, and several others. I had my worst round In the last 10 years and how there is 10 better courses in the USA is not possible... just unreal. If you don’t like architecture, then it doesn’t mean anything. Place is simply fabulous
Ranked by the paid subscription mags as #1 course in Michigan. It has historic value thanks to age, location, and designer. However, all is a bit misleading.
As for age, yes, it is old. It is also VERY short, like an old course. The range is 5 iron or less only.
As for location, it is right by Lake Michigan but you are never near Lake Michigan on the course. You can see it quite well on a couple greens, with the best view being #17 (which is also likely the most interesting short par 4 hole).
It is designed by Alister Mackenzie which also ties to age. Unfortunately, Alister had great ideas and lazy ideas. I managed to push and fade into the scabs. That was ugly but great. There are many arrow straight holes that are just simple and forgettable. There is an interesting L shaped, almost U shaped green on hole 7. It does slope to allow a roll from one end to other but feels more mini golf than Championship. 12-16 are just a disappointing waste and mundane. The greens are near-perfect but fairway are a mixed bag.
In summary, it pushes its history and carries the attitude of members before golf. Other courses in the area have matured to golf first, members second. Courses like Kingsley (much more creative, better conditioned, and enjoyable) and Arcadia leave it all on the course - fluff and attitude stay in the bunker.
An astounding course. The holes accentuate the surroundings, elevation is part of each hole, and undulating greens and fairways. The greens were comically fast and the rental clubs weren't great but minor quibbles for a world class course.
