Prepare for a breathtaking golf experience! The prestigious title of Michigan Golf Course of the Year 2025 has been awarded to a stunning Up North resort, leaving golfers eager to discover its secrets.
Crystal Mountain's Mountain Ridge course is the star of this story, recognized by the Michigan Golf Course Association (MGCA) on October 15th. This course is a true gem, offering a challenging yet picturesque journey through nature's wonders.
Imagine teeing off with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests. The course lives up to its name, with dramatic elevation changes and steep drops that will test your skills. But here's the twist: you'll also find beautifully designed holes, like the captivating par-3 fifth and the iconic par-3 17th, that showcase the course's unique charm.
This award comes as no surprise, as Crystal Mountain has been a top golf destination for years. In 2021, the Free Press ranked it among the top 10 golf resorts for an Up North vacation. Sports columnist Carlos Monarrez praised the course's stunning heights and vistas, adding a touch of humor to the challenging sidehill lies and undulating greens.
Mountain Ridge, designed by Northern Michigan's own William Newcomb, has hosted the Michigan PGA Women's Open for an impressive 23 consecutive years. Its sister course, Betsie Valley, is the resort's original layout.
The Free Press team experienced the course's beauty firsthand in the fall of 2023, finding it in excellent condition amidst a serene woodsy setting. And there's more to Crystal Mountain than just golf. The resort offers a family-friendly vacation with an outdoor water playground, a thrilling alpine slide, an adventure course, and even pickleball!
But wait, there's more! Crystal Mountain provides a complete getaway with numerous lodging options, ensuring your stay is as memorable as the golf itself.
And this is where it gets intriguing: Will this award bring a new wave of golfers to Crystal Mountain, or will it remain a hidden gem known only to the locals? Share your thoughts below, and let's spark a friendly debate!
