When this golf writer read that Crystal Lake Golf Club had been sold to a local investment group, to say I was surprised… is an understatement. With 50 years experience in the golf business, I have learned that golf courses are usually sold in two different scenarios. After the real estate developer sells all his lots on the golf course that he developed to create more value in the lots, and he does not want to own and run a golf course. Or when business at a golf course is slow in generating little or no return on the owner’s investment.

Neither is the case with Crystal Lake. The course is in peak condition and a full tee sheet with little room for additional golfers.

I asked a lot of questions in a recent meeting with Gary Ziehr who coordinated the formation of the investment group that purchased the property. Gary, co-general manager along with Michael Pahl, has assumed the responsibilities of Jim Orlando, GM for many years. Gary gave, what this writer would consider, very good and clear answers. He then expanded on most answers with a vision for the future. His answers focused mostly on improving amenities that exist today and expanding the entertainment complex into a more year-round community asset.

“Two things that we are not going to do with the golf course,” Ziehr stated emphatically. “We are not going to close the golf course and sell the land for housing development. Second, we are not going to make Crystal Lake Golf Club a private, members only, golf club. I have lived near and played Crystal Lake for over 20 years. Crystal Lake Golf Club will remain a public access golf course and a valuable community asset.”

In a recent newspaper story co-manager, Pahl, was quoted, “The vision we share for Crystal Lake Golf Club is a friendly, welcoming public golf club, but with the premium feel and benefits of a private club. I’m excited to share ideas we have for adding new entertainment amenities and fun events to encourage more year-round use of the facility.”

Ziehr went on to state, “The golf course we purchased is a solid business. Our group feels it can be made even better with some well thought out improvements to what is currently at Crystal Lake. Plus, the addition of some 21st century capital improvements to give community residents even more reason to invest their recreational time and entertainment dollars close to home, right here in Lakeville.”

This writer has followed the growth and maturity of Crystal Lake Golf Club since its inception. Garret Gill did an amazing design job blending spectacular views with 18 interesting golf holes. Each hole has its own feel and unique design features. The single-family homes that share boundaries with the golf course do not interfere with sight lines or give the feeling of playing golf down a tunnel of houses. The golf course has matured under, the supervision of Jim Temple, golf course superintendent, since 2001. Today Crystal Lake is one of the finest public access golf courses in the south metro area.

No need to worry about the condition of the golf course. Good superintendents hover over their course like parents over children. Jim Temple is no exception. In addition to growing and continually improving turf conditions, Temple has created what he calls a “mini-arboretum” throughout the property. “We have tried a lot of different varieties of trees,” he said. “We have experimented with Sycamores, Japanese Maple, American Chestnut, Peaches, Apple, Pecans and Hickory. Some have done better than others. My favorites are the Tulip trees along the left side of  #2 and between the cart path and the back tee on #12. They only bloom for about two weeks in late May. They are truly something to see.”

Jim Orlando and his loyal staff did a fine job of building a solid business with a consistent golf product and a loyal staff that understood his management style. As the south metro population has continued to grow residents have developed a loyalty to the course and pride in Crystal Lake as a community asset.

Many times, when a golf course is sold and long-time management leaves the business suffers. Not so in the case of Crystal Lake. Under Gary Ziehr’s management, with instinctive observation skills and years as a patron of Crystal Lake, things have remained remarkably the same. His experiences as a lifetime entrepreneur and a sense of how “this business” runs, the transition should move forward smoothly.

One of the first things that Gary Ziehr did was to bring longtime friend, PGA Professional Tim Murphy, “Murph” as he is known to all, to Crystal Lake as Director of Golf Operations. With almost 20 years at Izatys Resort on Mille Lacs Lake, Murph knows how to read people and be respectful to their individual needs. His infectious smile leaves patrons at ease while he deals with around 300 individuals on a daily basis.

Ziehr got to know Murph on his frequent mini vacations to the big lake over the years. The relationship grew into a solid friendship based on experience and trust. “As negotiations of the sale solidified, I knew Murph was our guy,” Ziehr said.

Improving on a successful business operation is always a challenge, but with the team that Ziehr and Pahl have assembled the future looks bright. With the large number of undeveloped acres available in Lakeville, plus the continually improving access to the entire south metro, the future is bright for the community and the golf and entertainment operation at Crystal Lake Golf Course.