Crystal Mountain’s Mountain Ridge Course Named 2025 Michigan Golf Course of the Year
By Greg Johnson
Crystal Mountain’s signature golf course, Mountain Ridge, has been named the 2025 Michigan Golf Course of the Year by the Michigan Golf Course Association (MGCA).
“Being named Michigan Golf Course of the Year is an incredible honor and a testament to the dedication of our team and the quality of golf at Crystal Mountain and in Northern Michigan,” said Mark Fenech, Crystal Mountain’s director of golf.
Jada Paisley, executive director of the MGCA, said the association is happy to announce Mountain Ridge as the course of the year. The award honors a member course that meets four criteria: Unique characteristics of the course; exceptional quality of ownership and management; outstanding contribution to its community; and significant contribution to the game.
“Crystal Mountain and its Mountain Ridge course embody all of the characteristics of the award,” Paisley said. “Through the resort’s history as a family-owned destination for families, its involvement with the Michigan PGA Women’s Open and countless charitable events, Crystal Mountain and the Mountain Ridge course have benefitted its community and our state in a multitude of ways. The MacInnes family has also shared its vast knowledge and experiences as true leaders in golf and tourism.”
The Mountain Ridge course is best known in Michigan golf circles for hosting the Michigan PGA Women’s Open for 23 consecutive years and treating it as a celebration of women’s golf in the state.
It’s one of two award-winning courses at the resort. Betsie Valley is the other. The Mountain Ridge course opened in 1995 and was designed by William Newcomb, a Michigan-based architect known for his work in the state and especially Northern Michigan.
It features some dramatic elevation changes, natural sand areas, and holes cut through towering tunnels of trees. The par 3 No. 5 hole that features a dramatic 80-foot drop to a large green surface showcases all of those elements. The overlook on the path between holes 15 and 16 offers a scenic view of Northern Michigan that stretches for miles toward Lake Michigan and the challenging par 3 No. 17 hole and par 5 No. 18 that bring golfers down the mountain are equal parts challenge and beauty.
Dan Heis is the superintendent leading the course maintenance crew at Crystal Mountain.
“Our team, especially our dedicated maintenance crew, puts their hearts into every detail of both the Mountain Ridge course and Betsie Valley course,” Fenech said. “This award truly belongs to them and to everyone who makes Crystal Mountain such a special place to play.”
This is the second time Crystal Mountain has won the award, the first coming in 2009.
