Crystal Downs first time - Michigan's secret monster?

[BirdieQueen]

Nobody talks about this place enough and I'm honestly mad about it. Crystal Downs, up in Frankfort MI, perched on this bluff over Lake Michigan. MacKenzie and Maxwell, 1929, and the greens are just... unhinged. I mean that as a compliment.

Played it last July with three buddies who all thought I was dragging them to some random northern Michigan track. First green we hit, my buddy three putts from 12 feet and just stands there staring at the hole like it insulted his mother. The greens have these little spines and bowls and false fronts that make no sense until you see them from the fairway. Then they make perfect sense and you still miss.

Wind was blowing maybe 25 off the lake and I hit a 7 iron from 130 on 14 (or was it 13? the back nine all blurs together). Shot 88 and felt like I won the lottery. The par 3s are the whole show for me, tiny little targets with nowhere to miss.

Anyway. Is this a top 10 course in America or am I just a homer for Michigan golf? Been arguing with my group chat about it for three weeks. Anyone else played it? What did you shoot and did the greens eat you alive?

[PuttMaster]

Wait, 130 yards with a 7 iron into 25mph wind? That's either a hero shot or you're way stronger than me lol. Either way respect.

I haven't played Crystal Downs but it's been on my list forever. Every Michigan guy I talk to either says it's the best kept secret in the country or that Arcadia Bluffs gets all the hype while Downs quietly sits there being impossible. Which side are you on?

Also 88 with those greens in that wind sounds like you're underselling yourself. What did your buddies shoot?

[Mulligan_Mike]

Haven't played Crystal Downs yet but I've been low-key obsessed with it for like two years now. Every review says the same thing you did, that the greens make zero sense until you're standing over them. Arcadia gets the drone shots and the Instagram, Downs gets the guys who actually know.

But hold on, 7 iron from 130 into 25 mph? Was that wind helping or hurting? Because if it was in your face I need to know what swing speed you're working with lol.

Which side am I on? Secret side. Mostly because Arcadia's price made me close the tab. You never said what your buddies shot though, I'm genuinely curious if you beat them all or if one of them snuck past you.