Crystal Mountain Season Opener: Mark Fenech Shares Course Updates and Community Golf Plans
- Daniel Marr
- Jun 18
- 3 min read
As one of the premier 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, longtime Director of Golf Mark Fenech shared updates on course openings, early-season operational adjustments, and the national recognition that continues to elevate Crystal Mountain.
A 2-Course Destination Getting Ready for the Season
Crystal Mountain Resort operates championship courses across its northern Michigan properties in Thompsonville, making it one of the most expansive golf resort networks in the region. Following a stretch of heavy spring rain, conditions are clearing, and the expected rolling rollout of course openings includes:
May 1st Openings: Nine holes have already been open, with teams clearing water to prep full access.
May 2nd Openings: Both courses are fully open for booked tee times starting tomorrow morning.
Because of Crystal Mountain’s unique layout—where golf amenities sit directly on ski slopes—early-season conditions require special care. At the mountain resort, for example, there are still piles of winter snow left to melt from the ski hills before everything is entirely cleared.
Early Season Operational Plans
Rather than rushing to open facilities before they are pristine, Crystal Mountain's strategy relies on careful preparation to ensure optimal course conditions for early play. While unseasonably warm 75-degree days are rapidly melting the remaining hillside snow packs, the grounds crew is maintaining a disciplined timeline.
"We've got a ski hill out here, so it's piled up a bit... it takes a good deal of cleanup after the winters, especially like the one we had,"
Fenech noted regarding the unique ski-slope terrain of the resort properties.
"Game on starting tomorrow morning... you can book your tee time right now on both courses."
The goal is to avoid promising early openings until the turf is fully ready, protecting the long-term health of the fairways and greens for the peak summer months ahead.
A Nationally Recognized Golf Destination
Crystal Mountain continues to earn major recognition well beyond the Midwest, especially for its top-tier training. This winter, the facility expanded its premier golf school by recruiting elite leadership to its coaching ranks.
Most recently, it was ranked:
Best Family Resort in the State of Michigan by Lesson on Golf
This type of high-profile national exposure reinforces what many Michigan golfers already know—Crystal Mountain is a true powerhouse that competes directly with the top destination resorts in the country.
Built on Experience, Not Just Courses
While the beautiful layout of the courses is impressive, Fenech喜剧 emphasized that Crystal Mountain’s stellar reputation comes down to the complete guest experience:
Specialized instructional packages like the popular "Buddy Lesson" for couples or siblings
Comprehensive stay-and-play booking configurations
Annual charity events like the upcoming "Golf and Give" fundraiser on the Betsie Valley course
For visiting golf groups, that means every aspect of a stay-and-play package is handled by dedicated operational teams to ensure a premium getaway that also supports local Thompsonville regional revitalization efforts.
Planning Your Trip
Golfers can explore tee times, custom stay-and-play packages, and overall availability directly through Crystal Mountain’s official site. Guest experience teams are also available to help build custom itineraries across multiple courses and properties.
With the season officially kicking off and travel demand rising following the national awards, early planning is highly recommended for groups looking to secure the best dates and customized multi-course itineraries.
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.
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