I have been back in Michigan all week preparing for my brothers weddign that is today. I was fortunate to play both Crystal Downs and Lost Dunes on back to back days. I will post pctures of both when I return to Florida tomorrow, but for someone who has been quite critical of Mr. Doak's courses, I was BLOWN away by LD. First of all, the condition was flawless, especially considering the brutal summer that most have endured. Secondly, everything is done right at LD-The small details, from the service, to the caddies, to the dune grasses, to the maintenance of the playing areas. The greens, though VERY contoured, were at a very fair speed to accept shots and allow for a good run at putts. I wnjoyed the course so much, I hardly noticed the highway going in the middle of it. LD is a course that you can easily remember EVERY hole onthe course, which to me, is a sign of great golf course. I really can't say that there is a poor hole out there and LD is a course that I could play every day.
Crystal Downs is so packed with history, it's hard to understand it all when standing onthe first tee. We played in a 25 mph wind and had the entire course to ourselve. Mr. Fred Mueller (sp) was so gracious to give us a tour of the clubhouse and also meet us ont he 10th tee to tell us some stories. Pictures do not even come close to doing justice for the amount of movement on the course. The greens were very firm, quick and staying below the hole is the ONLY was to hope to score at CD. There is such a mix of holes, blind shots, elevated greens, downhill tee shots, great set of par 3's and great conditioning.
Along with Arcadia Bluffs, this is the best that Michigan has to offer and can hang its head proudly. TREMENDOUS golfing experiences.
Just a few pics of LD and CD
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