Crystal Lake Golf Club is set-up to deliver on so many fronts. Starting with the golf course itself, which is maintained to country club standards, but offered to the public with green fee pricing at a value level. Crystal Lake features mature pines, pristine natural wetlands and is beautifully crafted with seven ponds that create a number of challenging water spots on the track. Using the rolling terrain in this corner of the Twin Cities, the 160-acre property was transformed by course designer William Gill & Associates. They were able to incorporate much of the natural lay-of-the-land for tee box placements, fairways twists and turns and green undulations – resulting in a challenging course that plays fair for all levels. The 18-hole, par 71 layout has four sets of tees ranging from 4,805 to 6,306 in yardage, so while it’s not long, it’s smartly designed to keep you on your toes and entertained for the entire round. Keeping a close eye on all elements of the course operation is the maestro, General Manager, Jim Orlando.  

Training and instruction are big priority at Crystal Lake and as proof they have recently invested in the construction of an expanded practice facility. The area behind the clubhouse dedicated to practice now has 20 driving range stalls and a 4,000 sq. ft. bunker with a target green. Also available is the splendid 8,500 sq. ft. practice putting green making Crystal Lake one of the most complete practice facilities in the southern suburbs. Doubling down on the instructional focus, Crystal Lake is home to nationally recognized Director of Instruction, Sheryl Maize. An abbreviated list of some of Sheryl’s recent accolades is truly impressive:  2020-2022 LPGA Top 50 Best Teachers, 2019 LPGA National Teacher of the Year, LPGA Class A Certified Teaching Professional, 2018-2022 Golf Digest Best Teacher in State List (Ranked #1 in MN), US Kids Top 50 Master Kids Coach and the list goes on. Sheryl’s infectious energy and positive approach to working ‘with’ natural swing tendencies is well-known among high school players, college players and aspiring amateurs at every level of play. Her philosophy isn’t about achieving the perfect, text-book swing, it’s about achieving the right swing for each individual. No short-cuts, just well-focused, passionate instruction.

A few years ago, Crystal Lake went all in on an investment in hospitality, and hit a homerun with The Pub. The Pub is a perfect hangout for happy hour with friends or a family dinner or maybe a post-round refreshment. It is open daily to the public throughout the golf season and depending on your preference, offers three distinct seating areas for you to enjoy. The bar is an intimate and relaxed setting with HD screens to watch your favorite sporting events or just hang out. The party room is just around the corner from The Pub and features stunning views where you can host large events in all shapes and sizes. The patio is a great place to relax and enjoy the good weather with some fresh air and table service at one of the firepit tables. The Pub offers a delicious, wide-selection food menu, signature cocktails, happy hour specials and a handful of top-notch, local craft beers.  

As mentioned, Crystal Lake offers a full hospitality suite of options. Wedding, banquets, and group events are their specialties. You would be hard pressed to find anyone in this area who hasn’t attended a wedding or event at Crystal Lake. In addition to the reception and catering services, Crystal Lake can host your wedding ceremony. The clubhouse layout allows for a natural back drop for your outdoor wedding plans using the gorgeous wedding gazebo nestled within the beautiful landscaping which provides you with your own “secret garden” for the ceremony under the mature trees.

For group events, the Crystal Lake staff can decorate the event spaces to your liking and turn your next corporate or holiday party into something unique by choosing one of the many themes available through their full service décor department. Customizing your event in this way assures a memorable experience for guests and a hassle-free planning effort for the hosts. Multiple room sizes are available so you can keep the atmosphere right sized depending on the headcount. The space can accommodate anywhere from 250 guests to less than a dozen attendees.

Whether you’re hunting birdies, or presenting business plans to your work colleagues, or just having a cold beer with friends, Crystal Lake Golf Course and Jim’s staff are ready to deliver, the stellar service and bright smiles are part of the deal. And what a deal it is at Crystal Lake!