Crystal Downs Country Club
- Par
- 70
- Yardage
- 6,508yds
- Holes
- 18
- Opened
- 1932
- Access
- Private
- Design
- Classic
History
Crystal Downs Country Club, completed by Alister MacKenzie and Perry Maxwell in 1932 on a bluff above Crystal Lake and Lake Michigan in northern Michigan, is considered MacKenzie's finest American course outside of Augusta National. Maxwell translated MacKenzie's sketched routing into reality on terrain of extraordinary natural beauty, with sweeping fairways that tumble over heather-covered ridges toward Lake Michigan in the distance. The course's brilliance lies in deceptive simplicity — fairways appear wide but greens are cleverly oriented to demand precise angles, rewarding bold risk-taking. One of the most sought-after rounds in American golf.
Signature Hole
9th hole, par 4, 430 yards — a dramatic downhill hole with Crystal Lake and Lake Michigan visible from the fairway
In the context of the top 100
Where this course sits against every ranked course on the list.
Frequently asked questions
Is Crystal Downs Country Club public or private?
Crystal Downs Country Club is a private club. Play is generally limited to members and their accompanied guests.
Who designed Crystal Downs Country Club?
Crystal Downs Country Club was designed by Alister MacKenzie & Perry Maxwell and opened in 1932.
Where does Crystal Downs Country Club rank among the top golf courses in America?
Crystal Downs Country Club ranks #15 on our consensus ranking of America's 100 greatest golf courses, synthesized from Golf Digest, Golfweek, and GOLF Magazine.
What is the signature hole at Crystal Downs Country Club?
The signature hole at Crystal Downs Country Club is the 9th hole, par 4, 430 yards — a dramatic downhill hole with Crystal Lake and Lake Michigan visible from the fairway.