Crystal Downs Country Club Membership Cost

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History and Founding of Crystal Downs Country Club

Crystal Downs Country Club is a historic golf club located in Frankfort, Michigan. It was founded in 1927 by two of the most prominent figures in the world of golf – Alister MacKenzie and Perry Maxwell. The club is famous for its challenging yet rewarding course design, stunning natural setting, and commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history and founding of Crystal Downs Country Club.

A Visionary Architect and a Skilled Golfer

Alister MacKenzie was a renowned golf course architect who was responsible for designing some of the most iconic courses in the world, including Augusta National Golf Club, Cypress Point Club, and Royal Melbourne Golf Club. MacKenzie was known for his innovative course designs that incorporated the natural contours and features of the land. Perry Maxwell, on the other hand, was a skilled golfer who had a passion for course design. Maxwell had already designed several courses before teaming up with MacKenzie for the project that would become Crystal Downs.

The Founding of Crystal Downs Country Club

MacKenzie and Maxwell were inspired by the natural beauty of the site where Crystal Downs Country Club now stands. The site featured rolling hills, dense forests, and stunning views of Lake Michigan. They saw the potential to create a golf course that would blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, and they set to work designing a course that would become one of their greatest achievements.

The course was built using horse-drawn carts, as motorized vehicles were not allowed on the property. The builders worked tirelessly to create a course that would challenge even the most skilled golfers while maintaining the natural beauty of the site. The result was a course that was hailed as a masterpiece of golf course design.

Crystal Downs Country Club in the 20th Century

Crystal Downs Country Club quickly gained a reputation as one of the best golf courses in the United States. In 1952, the club hosted the US Senior Amateur Championship, which was won by William Campbell. In 1971, the club hosted the US Women’s Amateur Championship, which was won by Cynthia Hill. The club has also hosted several Michigan Open Championships and Western Amateur Championships.

The club has undergone several renovations over the years to maintain its status as a premier golfing destination. However, the club has always been careful to preserve the original vision of its founders. The club’s commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation has also been an important part of its history. The club has implemented several eco-friendly practices, including water conservation, waste reduction, and wildlife preservation.

Course Design and Layout

Natural Terrain and Features

The course at Crystal Downs Country Club was designed to blend seamlessly with the natural terrain and features of the land. The site features rolling hills, dense forests, sand dunes, bluffs, and ravines. These natural features were incorporated into the course design to creating a challenging yet enjoyable golfing experience. The course offers a unique combination of short and long holes, tight fairways, and undulating greens.

Challenging Holes

The course at Crystal Downs Country Club offers several challenging holes that require precision and accuracy from golfers. One of the most challenging holes on the course is the 14th hole, which features a narrow fairway that slopes to the right, and a green that is protected by a large bunker. The 17th hole is also known to be a challenging hole, with a narrow fairway and a green that slopes severely from back to front.

Unique Course Features

One of the unique features of the course at Crystal Downs Country Club is the use of natural hazards. The course features several hazards, including sand dunes, bluffs, and ravines. These natural hazards add to the difficulty and beauty of the course. The course also features several blind shots, which require golfers to use their intuition and knowledge of the course to make the most of their shots.

Course Renovations

Over the years, the course at Crystal Downs Country Club has undergone several renovations to maintain its status as a premier golfing destination. In 2019, the club announced that it had completed a major renovation project that included rebuilding all the greens and tees and enhancing the course’s natural beauty. The club also installed new irrigation systems, which will improve the course’s sustainability and reduce water usage.

Notable Tournaments and Events

1952 US Senior Amateur Championship

In 1952, Crystal Downs Country Club hosted the US Senior Amateur Championship, which was won by William Campbell. The tournament featured some of the best senior amateur golfers in the United States. The course at Crystal Downs provided a challenging yet rewarding test for the golfers, with narrow fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and undulating greens.

1971 US Women’s Amateur Championship

In 1971, Crystal Downs Country Club hosted the US Women’s Amateur Championship, which was won by Cynthia Hill. The tournament was a landmark event for women’s golf, as it was one of the first major tournaments to be held exclusively for women. The course at Crystal Downs provided a challenging test for the golfers, with tight fairways and undulating greens.

Michigan Open Championships

Crystal Downs Country Club has hosted several Michigan Open Championships over the years. The Michigan Open is a professional golf tournament that features some of the best golfers from the state of Michigan. The tournament has been held at Crystal Downs several times since its inception in 1916. The course at Crystal Downs provides a challenging yet fair test for the golfers, with a combination of short and long holes, tight fairways, and undulating greens.

Western Amateur Championships

The Western Amateur Championship is one of the oldest and most prestigious amateur golf tournaments in the United States. Crystal Downs Country Club has hosted the Western Amateur Championships several times over the years. The tournament features some of the best amateur golfers from around the world and is known for its challenging course conditions. The course at Crystal Downs provides a unique test for the golfers, with natural hazards such as sand dunes, bluffs, and ravines, adding to the difficulty and beauty of the course.

Membership and Amenities

Membership

Membership at Crystal Downs Country Club is exclusive and limited to a small number of members. The club’s founders envisioned a golf course that would provide a peaceful and enjoyable golfing experience for its members, and the limited number of members ensures that this vision is maintained. The club offers several types of memberships, including full golf memberships, social memberships, and corporate memberships.

Full Golf Memberships

Full golf memberships at Crystal Downs Country Club include unlimited access to the golf course, practice facilities, and all club amenities. Full golf members can participate in all club events, including golf tournaments and social events. The club has a busy calendar of events throughout the year, including weekly golf leagues, member-guest tournaments, and holiday events.

Social Memberships

Social memberships at Crystal Downs Country Club offer access to all club amenities, including the clubhouse, dining facilities, and tennis courts. Social members are not allowed to play golf on the course, but they can participate in all social events and activities offered by the club.

Corporate Memberships

Corporate memberships at Crystal Downs Country Club are designed for businesses that wish to offer their employees or clients access to the club’s amenities. Corporate memberships include full golf memberships and social memberships, depending on the needs of the business.

Amenities

Crystal Downs Country Club offers several amenities to its members, including a clubhouse, dining facilities, and tennis courts. The club’s amenities are designed to provide members with a complete golfing and social experience.

Clubhouse

The clubhouse at Crystal Downs Country Club offers stunning views of Lake Michigan and the golf course. The clubhouse features a pro shop, locker rooms, and lounges for members to relax and socialize. The clubhouse is the perfect place to grab a drink or a bite to eat after a round of golf or to host a private event.

Dining Facilities

The dining facilities at Crystal Downs Country Club offer a range of culinary experiences, from casual dining to fine dining. The club’s executive chef prepares a menu of locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. Members can enjoy a meal in the clubhouse dining room or on the outdoor patio, which offers breathtaking views of the golf course and Lake Michigan.

Tennis Courts

Crystal Downs Country Club also offers tennis courts for its members. The tennis courts are located near the clubhouse and offer a perfect opportunity for members to get some exercise and enjoy a friendly game of tennis.

Sustainability and Environmental Conservation

In this article, we will take a closer look at the sustainability and environmental conservation efforts of Crystal Downs Country Club.

Water Conservation

Water conservation is an important part of Crystal Downs Country Club’s sustainability efforts. The club has implemented several measures to reduce water usage, including the installation of a state-of-the-art irrigation system. The new system is designed to use water more efficiently, reducing water usage by up to 30%. The club has also implemented a program to recycle and reuse wastewater, which is used to irrigate non-play areas of the course.

Waste Reduction

Waste reduction is another key component of Crystal Downs Country Club’s sustainability efforts. The club has implemented several measures to reduce waste, including the installation of recycling bins throughout the property. The club also composts food waste, which is used as a natural fertilizer for the course. In addition, the club has eliminated the use of plastic straws and has implemented a program to reduce the use of single-use plastics.

Wildlife Preservation

Preserving the natural habitat of the wildlife that inhabits the club’s property is a top priority for Crystal Downs Country Club. The club has implemented several measures to preserve the natural habitat, including the use of native plant species in landscaping and the preservation of wetlands and other natural features. The club also works closely with local wildlife organizations to monitor and protect the wildlife that inhabits the property.

Energy Conservation

Energy conservation is another key component of Crystal Downs Country Club’s sustainability efforts. The club has implemented several measures to reduce energy usage, including the installation of energy-efficient lighting and the use of solar panels to generate electricity. The club also encourages members to use electric or hybrid vehicles when traveling to and from the club.

Conclusion

Crystal Downs Country Club’s commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation is a testament to the club’s founders’ vision of creating a golf course that would blend seamlessly with the natural beauty of the site. The club’s efforts to conserve water, reduce waste, preserve wildlife, and conserve energy demonstrate its commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation. These efforts not only benefit the environment but also ensure that the club will remain a premier golfing destination for years to come. If you are a golfer who cares about the environment, Crystal Downs Country Club is a perfect place to play a round of golf while enjoying the beautiful natural surroundings.

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