Crystal Mountain Resort - Thompsonville, MI

Crystal Mountain has been thrilling ski enthusiasts since the mid 50's and now golf is their summer season calling card thanks to a top notch golf school and two exciting courses. Crystal Mountain's Golf School was recently named one of the nation's Top 25 by Golf Magazine and is headed by Director of Golf Brad Dean, who has been named the Michigan PGA Professional of the Year twice. Adam Schriber who serves as Anthony Kim's and Morgan Pressel's swing coach uses Crystal Mountain as his summer headquarters as well. "One of the reasons our golf school has been ranked among the Top 25 in America is because of the breadth of our programs," explained Brad Dean. "Parents and their children can not only play together but learn together as well. We've created a very inviting, un-intimidating setting in which to learn. It's not unusual to see inspiring PGA or LPGA players hitting balls at the practice range right next to someone swinging a club for the very first time," concluded Dean.

Once you take a lesson or two to feel better about your game, it's time to tackle the 36 holes of Crystal Mountain. The Mountain Ridge Course gets most of the accolades, but the Betsie Valley 18 is actually tighter off the tee and presents a series of water obstacles that stand between you and a good score. "Our two courses are very diverse. Although the Betsie Valley course plays shorter than the Mountain Ridge, it requires precision with eight holes featuring water hazards that can very much come into play. At the same time, the set of green tees on the Betsie are designed for the beginners and families. In fact, each Wednesday evening we host a Family Golf Night when a family of four gets nine holes and dinner for just $48. It's a great value and has been extremely popular," stated Brad Dean.

The Bestie Valley Course is filled with memorable holes, but for Brad Dean one stands out in particular. "The ninth hole was renovated recently by architect Paul Albanese and really illustrates what the Betsie Valley course requires. You need a good tee shot to give yourself the opportunity to get your approach close to the pin and avoid a difficult putt on what is an undulating green," explained Dean.

The Mountain Ridge 18 took me back to the sand hills of Carolina or Florida for a bold collection of uphill, downhill holes surrounded by small bungalows and tall timber. The four par-3's at Mountain Ridge will rival any other courses, complete with elevated tee boxes and long hang times. "The Mountain Ridge course is considered one of the better golf courses in northern Michigan and made Golf for Women's Top 50 when it opened in 1998," stated Brad Dean. The Mountain Ridge course personifies northern Michigan golf: beautifully maintained, undulating terrain with stark elevation changes, and a peaceful setting with hardwoods, pines and incredible views (particularly those from the 16th and 17th holes). Even on a busy day you get the feeling that you are the only golfer on the course," said Dean.

Great call Brad on the seclusion you'll feel while playing Mountain Ridge as every hole plays silently unto itself. That is except for the occasional "fore" I yelled in response to a wayward drive. No matter how your day went on the links, the spa services at Crystal Mountain are to live for as the feeling of truly being pampered is hard to top. I personally recommend getting the package that comes with the adult beverage of your choice. In terms of lodging, the Lookout Condominium Complex I stayed in had a great view of the adjacent ski hill (which even in the summer you can take the chairlift to the top) and the pro shop/clubhouse has a stately Scottish charm about it. Brian Lawson, Crystal Mountain's Director of Public Relations, discusses the wide variety of lodging and amenity options.

"Crystal Mountain has over 260 lodging units ranging from hotel suites to four to five bedroom townhomes. We hear from our guests that our accommodations feel very much like home. There's nothing cookie cutter here as each has its unique décor and personality. Furthermore, they are designed so that friends and family can spend time together whether it's the great living spaces in the Bungalows, screened-in porches of the Cottages at Water's Edge or the beautiful views off the decks of MountainTop townhomes. The landscaping and the fact that Crystal is very pedestrian-friendly also appeals to our guests. Finally, the gardens surrounding the Cottages at Water's Edge have been recognized nationally," explained Lawson. For more information on Crystal Mountain, visit their website at www.crystalmountain.com or call (800) 968-7686.

In summary, I was treated to amazing weather all five days, and a glutton of fine cuisine and world class courses. Plus, it warms up by 8:00 a.m. and stays light until close to 10 p.m., so 54 holes is a possibility for those brave enough to experience Pure Michigan. For more information on all that Michigan has to offer, visit www.michigan.org.