Fluttering fairways, healthier turf and all-new electric, GPS golf carts
April 9, 2024
THOMPSONVILLE, Mich. (April 9, 2024) – The end of ski season wrapped up with a few days of people skiing and golfing in the same day. Now, the skis and snowboards are put away and it is officially time to launch another golf season at Crystal Mountain.
“Even though we still had snow on the slopes, there were many days we didn’t have snow on the golf courses, so we opened up the front nine of the Betsie Valley course and the driving range for golfers a few weeks ago,” said Jamie Davison, Director of Golf. “The milder temperatures also allowed us to get a head start on some of the golf maintenance work we had planned for this season, as well as prepare for our new fleet of golf carts.”
The first nine holes of the Betsie Valley course will remain open for walking only until the forestry management project is complete on a handful of holes on the back nine. The project will benefit the health of the turf allowing for more sunlight as well as help protect from potential damage to the cart paths. The Mountain Ridge course also underwent forestry management on select holes.
“This work is also exposing dramatic elevation changes on the courses that will enhance not only the golf experience but the Nordic trail experience in the winter as well,” said Davison.
As golfers immerse themselves in true northern Michigan golf, with elevation changes, towering pines, and panoramic vistas, they may also encounter a few more monarch butterflies. Crystal Mountain is now one of four golf course destinations in northern Michigan enrolled with Monarchs in the Rough. The program utilizes the open spaces of golf courses and the knowledge of golf course superintendents to create pollinator habitats to host and feed monarch butterflies on their global migration path.
“There are areas for potential pollinator habitats on both of our golf courses,” said Dan Heiss, Golf Course Superintendent. “In addition to having milkweed in these areas for the monarchs to lay eggs, there also needs to be an abundance of other plants such as wildflowers where the adult butterflies can receive nectar. It’s a win for us because it brings more color to our courses while also helping wildlife.”
As the season gets rolling, the golf operations team will start to reveal the new fleet of Club Car GPS golf carts. More than 150 of the new carts arrived on site last week and are being equipped with the final touches including a digital touchscreen.
“The GPS features and touch screens will give an overview display of each hole, dynamic distances to the pins, and custom pin placements,” said Davison. “This system will also allow for mobile food and beverage ordering, an electronic scorecard that can be shared via text or email, and real-time messaging to and from the clubhouse. Another benefit of the GPS technology is that it allows us to monitor pace of play to ensure all members and guests have an enjoyable round.”
Along with the enhanced amenities, the Crystal Mountain golf operations team is looking forward to hosting a slew of exciting golf events throughout the season. Highlights include the Crystal Classic to celebrate getting out on the course this spring, the prestigious Michigan PGA Women's Open showcasing top talent from across the region, and the Crystal Mountain Scholarship Invitational to support education initiatives through the Crystal Scholarship Foundation.
Crystal Mountain Golf Events:
- April 27: Crystal Classic
- June 11: Michigan Legacy Art Park Golf Classic
- June 22: Michigan PGA Women’s Open Pro-Am
- June 24-26: Michigan PGA Women’s Open
- July 3 & 5: Independence Day weekend Family Scramble
- July 20-21: Crystal Challenge
- Aug 9-10: Crystal Mountain Scholarship Invitational
Crystal Mountain also hosts weekly 9-Hole and 18-Hole leagues for men and women throughout the season, as well as Monday Night Skins Games. Leagues will begin the first week of May.
For those interested in improving their game or just learning the basics, Crystal Mountain offers a nationally recognized golf school taught by Class-A professionals. Crystal Mountain Golf School sessions begin at the end of April.
To learn more about golf lessons, events, or to book a tee time online, go to crystalmountain.com/golf.
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MEDIA USE: Photos