Crystal Mountain Golf Season Opener: Mark Fenech Shares Course Updates and Putting Tips
As one of the premier family golf destinations in the country, Crystal Mountain Resort continues to set the standard for resort golf—and 2026 is shaping up to be another strong season. In a recent Lesson on Golf segment, Director of Golf Mark Fenech called in directly from the resort's practice green to share updates on course openings, early-season operational adjustments, and expert advice to help improve your putting speed control.
A Premier Northern Michigan Destination Getting Ready for the Season
Crystal Mountain operates two championship courses in Thompsonville, Michigan, making it one of the most acclaimed family resort networks in the region. Following a cool and brisk spring stretch, conditions on property are pristine and greening up fast. The resort's seasonal layout status includes:
Betsie Valley: The resort's original, highly scenic course is officially open for full play.
Mountain Ridge: Designed by Bill Newcomb and home to the Michigan Women's Open, this championship track is fully open and welcoming golfers.
Crystal Mountain Golf Learning Center: Featuring a full-size range, short game practice greens, swing lab, club fitting, and professional coaching schools.
Because of Northern Michigan’s brisk spring weather, Fenech was bundled up in a jacket on the green, demonstrating that while the air might be crisp, the turf and putting surfaces are in fantastic early-season shape.
Early Season Operational Plans & Putting Speed Advice
Rather than just focusing on green reading, Fenech’s strategy on the practice green emphasizes that speed control is the true key to reducing three-putts. Demonstrating directly on camera, he illustrated how improper speed can ruin a putt with perfect direction.
"There's two things: you have distance or direction on the putting green, and I don't see enough people practicing their speed control and their distance,"
Fenech noted regarding common amateur mistakes.
"When you throw a ball to somebody, you don't look at your hand on the way back, you look at the target and you just throw the ball to the target. So do the same thing when you're putting."
To build a solid pre-game routine, Fenech recommends spending time hitting 20-, 30-, and 40-foot lag putts to the fringe first to calibrate your eyes to the green speed. Just before teeing off, head back to hit a few short 3- to 5-footers to build confidence before stepping onto the first tee.
Special Events and Holiday Celebrations
Crystal Mountain continues to earn major recognition for its family-friendly atmosphere and popular seasonal events.
Upcoming resort highlights include:
Men's League Kickoff: The Thursday Men's League has officially launched with flexible weekly attendance and competitive formats.
Mother's Day Weekend: Celebrating moms with special carnations and complimentary sleeves of pink golf balls on the tee.
This type of high-profile hospitality reinforces what many Michigan vacationers already know—Crystal Mountain delivers an exceptional, welcoming golf experience for players of all skill levels.
Built on Experience, Not Just Courses
While the two 18-hole championship courses are a major draw, Fenech highlighted that a complete resort getaway relies on complete guest amenities:
Top-tier instructional programs at the award-winning Golf Learning Center
Custom package options and flexible stay-and-play bookings
Family-focused activities, lodging, and resort amenities throughout Thompsonville
For visiting golf groups and families, that means every aspect of a golf vacation is managed seamlessly by an experienced, dedicated staff.
Planning Your Trip
Golfers can explore tee times, special package deals, and overall availability directly through Crystal Mountain’s official site at crystalmountain.com.
With summer demand rising and both courses operating at peak conditioning, early planning is highly recommended for groups looking to secure prime tee times and stay-and-play packages.
Lesson on Golf is hosted by Jeff Lesson and produced by Make The Turn, the team behind Metro Detroit Golfers—one of the largest golf communities in Michigan.
The show highlights courses, destinations, and golf experiences across the state.
👉 Explore more episodes on the Metro Detroit Golfers YouTube channel.
Comments