Dissing Crystal Downs

[C. Squier]

In another lifetime, I can't imagine anything more relaxing than owning one of the lake/beach houses on the road leading up to Crystal Downs and being a member of their fine club. 

I've never played Augusta, likely never will....but to dismiss a course you've never seen without any thought is a little short-sided.  I'd venture to say 80% of viewers watching the Masters have never heard of Cypress Point or Pine Valley either.   

[John Pflum]

In another lifetime, I can't imagine anything more relaxing than owning one of the lake/beach houses on the road leading up to Crystal Downs and being a member of their fine club.  

I completely agree.  That area of Michigan is one of my favorite places on earth.  Pull some trout out of the Betsie River, hike through the woods, watch the sun set from the Frankfort breakwall, mmmmmm. 

[John Mayhugh]

I also hope he didn't ask"Is it safe?"

Have you ever been tempted to ask anyone that as a joke?

I haven't played Augusta so I cannot make a call as to whether it is a better course than Crystal Downs.  But I don't find the GC premise to be offensive at all. Augusta is far better known than CD.  I think preferences would be skewed towards Augusta over Oakmont, Merion, Shinny, & Pine Valley as well. 

The more offensive thing to me is the reference to Augusta National as "The National."  That's in Southampton. 

[Andy Troeger]

Man, I like Crystal Downs a lot and have no issue with it being a top 10-20 course but I have to think that without the recent changes at Augusta this would be a no-brainer. Even with the changes, I think Augusta's the pick, but its a lot closer than it might have been. I can see reason for frustration with the changes at Augusta, but that doesn't eliminate the amazing stuff still in place.

[jeffwarne]

I also hope he didn't ask"Is it safe?"

The more offensive thing to me is the reference to Augusta National as "The National."  That's in Southampton. 

"National" is in Southampton.
"The National" is in Augusta.

I've never heard anyone refer to AGNC as "National", but that's commonplace for NGLA (although I've also heard it called it The National)

[John Mayhugh]

"National" is in Southampton.
"The National" is in Augusta.

I've never heard anyone refer to AGNC as "National", but that's commonplace for NGLA (although I've also heard it called it The National)

A matter of opinion.  I believe that The National Golf Links of America was commonly referred to as "the National" long before the transformation of Berckman's Nursery into the home of the Masters.

[Brian Cenci]

In another lifetime, I can't imagine anything more relaxing than owning one of the lake/beach houses on the road leading up to Crystal Downs and being a member of their fine club.  

I completely agree.  That area of Michigan is one of my favorite places on earth.  Pull some trout out of the Betsie River, hike through the woods, watch the sun set from the Frankfort breakwall, mmmmmm. 

Take it easy on my Betsie River with those trout!  That's my fall salmon river that doesn't get much attention.