Crystal Lake Golf Club Continues To A-Maize

Critical mass. Gravitational forces. Positive energy. No, I’m not talking about the healing powers of crystals at a New Age retreat in the Arizona mountains… I’m talking about what happens when you plan well, execute flawlessly and drive a standard of excellence second to none. I’m talking about Crystal Lakes Golf Club. I realize these are somewhat lofty terms to use for a sport that has its origins in sheep herding, but I guarantee you will feel the mojo when you pull into the parking lot at this Lakeville golf institution.

The maestro at the center of all this operational excellence is Jim Orlando. Jim is General Manager, a very down-to-earth guy and oversees the Crystal Lake GC operation that is scoring big on all fronts. Those fronts include a course that year-on-year continues to improve, tweak and exceed player expectations while maintaining exceptional turf, fairway and greens conditions. It also includes a very healthy instructional program headed up by one of the state’s best instructors in Sheryl Maize. The spacious clubhouse is also part of the mix as it hosts numerous events large and small throughout the year in the newly renovated space. If there was one area that was bothering Jim, it was the food concessions – but in true maestro fashion that has been addressed in spades as Crystal Lakes has added The Pub. Just the kind of place people are seeking for a little post-round wind-down and a menu loaded with savory choices.

You can see why there is a gravitational pull in play at Crystal Lake, they have addressed all aspects of the golf and hospitality operations and have kept the bar raised high on all these fronts. Why wouldn’t you be attracted to this great value and quality? The answer is… you should be. And that is exactly what is happening as the number of rounds continue to trend in the right direction, the banquet and events facility business is growing and the incredibly busy training calendar on Sheryl’s desk continues to fill-up.

On the impeccable course, Superintendent Jim Temple is employing a new fleet of high-tech equipment to keep the greens and fairways just right. Crystal Lake has been designated as an Audubon Certified course under the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf. To further this cause in 2018 Mr. Temple has set-up three beehives to promote and support the bee population with the addition of an estimated 30,000 bee’s taking up residency. I guess he can now add beekeeper to his Superintendent title. The takeaway being that the clear commitment to environmental stewardship that Crystal Lake champions is also improving. Further to this point is the new GPS chemical sprayer, which surgically applies chemical only where needed at only the amounts needed. Very cool stuff. What’s next? Drone ball spotters?

As the 2017 season was coming to a close in October Golf Digest released their annual ranking of state-by-state instructors honors. Sheryl Maize was ranked #4 among all training professionals in Minnesota. – evidence of another facet of the Crystal Lake operation that works smart and hard to stay on top. Sheryl’s high-energy and positivity is perfect for the type of commitment that is needed to master this technical game. As an LPGA Professional she continues to champion the development of young women and all students at an accelerated rate. She provides instruction across all age groups and genders. She is particularly passionate about her work with the LPGA Girls Only Camp, which provides bi-monthly events and the opportunity to build friendships as well as confidence all while improving golf skills. Her teaching philosophy is focused the individual, on solid fundamentals, mental confidence and a practice plan to build success. The goal is to create or enhance a swing that is “perfect” for the individual, not necessarily a search for the ‘Perfect Mechanical Swing’.

Maintaining a leadership position in the competitive golf industry requires more than bunkers and greens. With this in mind Crystal Lakes opened The Pub in a newly renovated and remodeled space in the existing clubhouse. In true Jim Orlando fashion they didn’t cut any comers. The ambience is classic Pub with dark, rich wood trim, subtle, classy lighting, plenty of elbow room and service that wouldn’t be out of place at the best restaurants in town. The menu features a great selection of sandwiches, wraps and burgers. While it is all done very well, my personal favorite is the Black and Blue burger, medium rare thank you. The appetizers are a good place to start or end depending on your agenda. The stuffed mushrooms and beer battered onion rings won’t disappoint. Sunday afternoon’s last fall saw a nice crowd for the football games (go Vikes!) with The Pub offering the NFL Ticket on DirectTV on multiple HD screens. The Pub is another dimension of the Crystal Lake game done just right.

Feel the pull, the center of gravity is calling you to visit Crystal Lakes and enjoy all the amenities and quality of a country club at a price that an average patron will surely appreciate.