Crystal Mountain

There are storied courses and there are courses with stories. This weekend’s featured destination, Crystal Mountain, could qualify as having a bit of both. Home to the Mountain Ridge and Betsie Valley courses, Crystal Mountain is revered as a premier northern Michigan golf destination.

Established in 1956, Crystal Mountain has earned distinction as:
• Top 25 Golf Schools in America - GOLF magazine
• Top 50 Women Friendly courses in nation (#24) - Golf for Women Magazine
• Best Family Resort, Best Golf School, Best Instructor (Brad Dean) - Michigan Living magazine "Best of Michigan Golf" reader survey
• "Top Family Golf Resort" - GOLF magazine
• Top Five in Nation for Instruction - Golf for Women magazine
• Top 100 Women-friendly Courses - Golf for Women magazine
• Voted the #1 U.S. Resort for Family Reunions in the 2015 Conde Nast Reader’s Choice Awards!
• #1 Resort in the Midwest - SKI Magazine
• #1 for Lodging, #1 for Dining on-mountain food - SKI Magazine
• #1 for Families - SKI Magazine

A round of golf at this multiple award-winning 1,500-acre facility is nothing short of exceptional. Crystal Mountain’s two championship golf courses have been recognized both regionally and nationally as offering one of the best golf experiences around. Both of these Golf Digest-rated 4-Star courses are cut from the same soil, though that is where the similarities end and the stories begin.

The resort’s Betsie Valley course, originally built in 1981, features water coming into play on nine of the eighteen holes. Players choose from four sets of tees while navigating strategically placed sand traps and towering hardwoods on comparatively moderate terrain. This par-72 track will keep golfers honest throughout the round, measuring a walkable 6,567 yards from the tips, testing golfers with a 72/132 course rating/slope. In short, Betsie Valley is an ideal setting for a memorable round of golf amidst gorgeous northern Michigan scenery.

The Mountain Ridge course was finished in 1998 and will proudly play host to the Michigan PGA Women’s Open for the ninth consecutive year. Regarded as the tougher test of the two courses, Mountain Ridge offers a 7,007-yard sightseeing tour, culminating in a 200-foot uphill climb with a rewarding panorama of the pristine Northern Michigan landscape. Testing your skill with a 73.5/135 rating from the tips, Mountain Ridge at Crystal Mountain also offers three other sets of tees measuring 4,956, 5,700, and 6,258 as their respective difficulties increase. Golfers at both the Betsie Valley and Mountain Ridge courses can now enjoy playing with new electric GPS golf carts equipped with touchscreens that offer dynamic pin placement distances, mobile food ordering, and pace-of-play monitoring.

Crystal Mountain’s Golf School is a nationally ranked Top-25 program, offering over 100 schools, clinics, and opportunities for golfers to take their game to the next level. With practice facilities spread over 10 acres, the lineup of PGA and LPGA professionals are among the most sought-after instructors in the Midwest. Led by three-time Michigan PGA Teacher of the Year Brad Dean, Crystal Mountain’s instructional staff has been named by Golf Digest as some of the top teachers in Michigan.

In addition to its focus on golf, Crystal Mountain has joined the "Monarchs in the Rough" program, creating pollinator habitats on the golf courses to support monarch butterfly migration. This environmental initiative enhances the natural beauty of the courses and aligns with the resort’s commitment to sustainability.

And if all the golf makes you a little hungry, don’t worry, because the dining options at Crystal Mountain are diverse and plentiful! The Thistle Pub & Grille remains a favorite, offering a cozy setting with a wide range of dishes from hearty appetizers to refined dinner entrees. This spot is known for its rich flavors and inviting ambiance. For a more casual dining experience, head over to The Wild Tomato Restaurant and Bar, where you can enjoy a variety of comfort foods, including pizzas, burgers, and salads, perfect for families and groups. If you’re in the mood for something quick and convenient, The Bru Bar in the Lodge offers a selection of coffee, beverages, and light bites, making it a great stop before or after your round. Lastly, don’t forget to check out The Kinlochen Plaza’s Pizza & Wings for a laid-back meal with outdoor seating options, ideal for a quick bite with friends or family.

A little stressed about your unfortunate luck on the course? Make sure to stop by the 18,500-square-foot oasis in the heart of Crystal Mountain. The Crystal Spa is a celebration of relaxation, renewal, and the environment on a grand scale. From the first moment you enter its doors, you’ll appreciate the comforts of this elegant and memorable retreat.

Crystal Mountain is committed to being a favorite destination among golfers and their families for years to come, as evidenced by the constant attention to a quality recreational experience and recent course improvements. Come visit Crystal Mountain, and better yet, make it a tradition — your family and friends will surely thank you for it.