Picture this: teeing off on a golf course where every swing is accompanied by jaw-dropping views and heart-pounding challenges – an experience that feels like a dream come true for any golfer. And that's exactly what the 2025 Michigan Golf Course of the Year award celebrates, shining a spotlight on an incredible Up North resort destination.
But here's where it gets exciting – this prestigious honor from the Michigan Golf Course Association (MGCA), a respected group dedicated to promoting and recognizing excellence in Michigan's golf industry, has landed on Crystal Mountain's Mountain Ridge course. Named on October 15, 2023, this award recognizes the course's outstanding design, maintenance, and overall appeal, setting it apart as the top choice in the state for 2025.
Nestled in the charming town of Thompsonville, Mountain Ridge truly earns its moniker with stunning landscapes and dynamic terrain. For beginners, think of it as a golf adventure where the land itself adds layers of fun and difficulty – from gentle slopes to dramatic elevation shifts that include steep descents, making each hole an unpredictable thrill. If downhill shots are your thing, you'll love the excitement on standout holes like the picturesque par-3 fifth, framed perfectly by the natural surroundings, and the legendary par-3 17th, which stands as a signature challenge that tests your precision and composure.
And this is the part most people miss – Mountain Ridge isn't just a one-time wonder. Back in 2021, Crystal Mountain earned a spot among the top 10 golf resorts and getaway spots for an Up North escape, as highlighted by the Free Press. Sports columnist Carlos Monarrez captured its essence beautifully, describing how 'Mountain Ridge lives up to its name and then some, with incredible heights and vistas sprawled among northern Michigan’s soaring pines. When you aren’t avoiding altitude sickness, you’re contending with sidehill lies on rolling fairways, large, undulating greens and tough bunkering.' In simple terms, it's like playing on a living postcard, where the pine-scented air and towering trees create an immersive, almost otherworldly atmosphere that elevates the game.
Crystal Mountain boasts two distinct courses to explore. Betsie Valley serves as the original layout, offering a classic introduction to the resort's golfing roots. Meanwhile, Mountain Ridge, which debuted in 1995 and was crafted by local architect William Newcomb from Northern Michigan, has a storied history – it hosted the Michigan PGA Women’s Open for an impressive 23 straight years, showcasing its reputation as a premier venue for professional play.
The Free Press team got a firsthand look during a fall visit in 2023, and we can attest that Mountain Ridge was in impeccable shape, set against a lush, forested backdrop that makes you feel like you're golfing in a serene woodland paradise. Plus, there's plenty of space to hone your skills on the expansive driving range and chipping green, perfect for those aiming to improve without the pressure of the course.
Beyond golf, Crystal Mountain is a family-friendly haven with a wide array of lodging choices to suit every traveler. It's ideal for a memorable vacation, featuring an expansive one-acre outdoor water playground complete with a massive 4,200-square-foot pool, water basketball courts, and dedicated lap lanes for a refreshing swim. And for adrenaline seekers, don't miss the 1,700-foot twisting track of the Crystal Coaster Alpine Slide, zooming you downhill at exhilarating speeds. There's also an adventure course packed with obstacles, a thrilling zipline, a challenging climbing wall, tubing runs, tennis courts, and even pickleball for some lighthearted fun – all designed to create unforgettable experiences for all ages.
Now, here's a point that might spark some debate: While awards like this from the MGCA are meant to celebrate the best, do they truly reflect the full picture? Some might argue that factors like accessibility or environmental impact play a bigger role in a course's worth than just its playability. For instance, is prioritizing scenic elevation over sustainable practices fair, especially in a time when climate change affects landscapes everywhere? It's a thought-provoking angle – one that could make you question whether Mountain Ridge's acclaim is deserved or if other courses deserve a closer look for their own unique strengths. What do you think? Does this award capture the essence of top-tier golf, or should we consider broader criteria? Share your opinions in the comments below – do you agree with the MGCA's choice, or is there another Michigan course that should have taken the spotlight?
Marlowe Alter is an Assistant Sports Editor at the Detroit Free Press. Reach out to him via email at malter@freepress.com.
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