Courtesy of Gary Kellner, Dimpled Rock
L.C. Lambrecht
Crystal Downs Country Club
Crystal Downs Country Club
249 E Crystal Downs Dr
Frankfort, MI 49635-9528
United States
Overview
Perry Maxwell, the Midwest associate of architect Alister MacKenzie, lived on site while constructing the course to MacKenzie’s plans, but there’s evidence Maxwell exercised considerable artistic license on some holes. Whomever did it, Crystal Downs has fairways that zigzag and rumble over the glacial landscape and greens that have doglegs in them. One drawback is that the putting surfaces are so old-fashioned that they’re too steep for today’s green speeds. But that’s part of Crystal Downs appeal. It’s short but has considerable bite.
About
Awards
Ranking history:
100 Greatest: Ranked since 1989.
Highest ranking: No. 10, 2007-'08.
Previous ranking: 14th.
2025-'26 ranking: 15th.
Best in State: Ranked first, 1989-'93, 2005-'22. Ranked inside the top 5 since 1977. Ranked 1st in state 1989-'93 & 2005-'26.
2025-'26 ranking: First.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“Certainly a special golf experience and worthy of the ranking. I do wonder aloud if the best way to honor the MacKenzie/Perry layout would be to flatten the green slopes slightly to better fit current green speeds. OR just enjoy the timelessness and enjoy the ride!"
Read More2025
Review
“Crystal Downs is an elite golf experience and among the top courses in the world. The course is located between Lake Michigan and Crystal Lake offering significant elevation changes on the majority of holes and some beautiful vistas. The holes are distinctive and offer excellent variety. The most challenging part of the course starts with approach shots into exceptional green complexes. The green complexes are among the best and will challenge all parts of the short game. The collection of high quality short 4s is unique. These holes offer a wide variety of shots options off the tee."
Read More2024
Review
“This Allister MacKenzie and Perry Maxwell masterpiece is an outstanding and memorable golf experience! If you are lucky enough to have the opportunity to play Crystal Downs, definitely do it! Strong elevation changes and very interesting hole designs make this such a unique layout."
Read More2023
Review
“Hard to add more to what has already been said. The land on which this course is laid out is so much fun. I wish I could go around it 100 more times."
Read More2023
Review
“Crystal Downs is an American classic, perhaps the best course in the Midwest US. This Alister Mackenzie/Perry Maxwell design plays back and forth over a huge meadow, the charges uphill to a back nine on a plateau before descending on the 18th hole. The course rivals the very top courses in the country for interest, pedigree, and design variety, and turning down a round here would be criminal. CD's effect on the architecture profession has extended into the 21st century, as local natives Tom Doak and Mike DeVries have taken inspiration from spending time at "The Downs" as young people into great design careers. When evaluating one of the best, we sometimes have to judge harshly. CD's greens were certainly built for the lower green speeds of 50+ years ago, so at today's speeds, playability is at odds with design intent. One of these years, the club needs to decide once and for all to keep the greens at a maximum speed, as nobody wants to cut into any more Mackenzie greens like they had to do at #11."
Read More2023
Review
“Very Uniqued with fast fairways and greens that are difficult to hold. Play it if you get a chance."
Read More2023
Review
“Old time course with many good challenging holes and fast greens."
Read More2023
Review
“This is by far the hardest, 6500 yard course I have ever played yet when you’re done with your round, you would’ve had a fun time!"
Read More2023
Review
“I certainly don't view this golf course as a Top 50 or best in State golf course. The conditioning was only slightly above average, and several good / very good golf shots in our group was not rewarded with a good outcome. It is challenging, but challenging is not enough to make it a "must play" golf course, nor should the history of the golf course. I preferred Arcadia Bluffs Bluffs course nearby. I've been fortunate to play a number of McKenzie golf courses and this is one of my least favorite. I came away disappointed."
Read More2023
Review
“Pretty special experience. If you ever get lucky enough to be invited don’t miss it. Some rework of a couple greens might really help playability w modern green speeds though."
Read More2023
