Photo courtesy of Crystal Mountain
THOMPSONVILLE, Mich. – Crystal Mountain, Northern Michigan’s premier four-season resort, is now 100% open for the 2026 golf season. The coveted first drives of the season were claimed on April 17 by Daniel and Valerie Ludwig on the back nine of the Betsie Valley. Crystal’s 10-acre Golf Learning Center has also been welcoming the first golfers of the season since last week.
As of today, April 24, the full 36-hole championship golf complex is open to the public. This includes the front nine of the Betsie Valley and 18 holes on the acclaimed Mountain Ridge course—recently honored by the Michigan Golf Course Association as the 2025 Michigan Golf Course of the Year.
A Transition of Excellence in Instruction
This season marks a significant milestone for the Crystal Mountain golf family. After more than a decade at the resort and over 40 years dedicated to the game, Head PGA Professional Greg Babinec has retired. A titan in the industry, Babinec was named the Michigan PGA Professional of the Year in 2018. His legacy of passion and mentorship has left a mark on the Northern Michigan golf community.
Joining the instruction team this year is Sam Foley, a PGA Tour credentialed instructor with 25 years of experience coaching some of the nation’s top players. Foley brings a tech-forward approach to Crystal Mountain Golf School and will be a leader in working with golfers on the indoor TrackMan golf simulator, providing crucial swing data during lessons and club fittings.
“Sam’s expertise in high-tech instruction aligns perfectly with our mission to provide a world-class learning environment,” said Mark Fenech, Director of Golf. “Between our added TrackMan technology to the range and Sam’s innovative teaching style, golfers of all levels will find the tools they need to play their best game yet.”
A Summer of Significant Golf Events
The 2026 schedule features a robust lineup of competitive and community-driven events:
- Golf & Give (May 3): Golf to support the Thompsonville Area Revitalization project. Proceeds help create a historical trailhead on the Betsie Valley Trail, celebrating the region’s rich rail history.
- Women’s Golf Day (May 27): A global celebration welcoming players of all skill levels to participate in fundamental clinics, on-course experiences, and a social hour.
- Michigan Legacy Art Park Golf Classic (June 16): Play golf to support Michigan Legacy Art Park, a 30-acre wooded preserve at Crystal Mountain where art, nature, and history meet.
- Michigan Women’s Open Pro-Am (June 29): The public is invited to play alongside future LPGA stars in this fan-favorite scramble, followed by an elite awards dinner and reception. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for brands seeking exposure at this high-profile event.
- Michigan Women’s Open (June 30 – July 2): Celebrating 24 years on the Mountain Ridge course, this year’s tournament enters a prestigious new era. In partnership with the Michigan PGA, the event is now an official stop on the ANNIKA Women’s All-Pro Tour, serving as a critical “Road to the LPGA” for rising stars.
- Family Golf Scramble (July 3): Part of a massive Star-Spangled Celebration weekend celebrating 70 years of Crystal Mountain and 250 years of America.
- Crystal Mountain Scholarship Invitational (August 7-8): This vital two-day event supports the Crystal Scholarship Foundation, providing educational opportunities for resort employees and their dependents. The Invitational features competitive play on both courses, a thrilling “Shoot Out” finish, and unforgettable meals, including a signature dinner served right on the 9th green of the Betsie Valley.
Golfers are invited to come celebrate 70 years of Crystal Mountain. To learn more about the courses, instructors, golf school, or tee times, go to crystalmountain.com/golf.
About Crystal Mountain:
Established in 1956, Crystal Mountain is a family-owned, four-season resort celebrating 70 years in 2026. Located 28 miles southwest of Traverse City and a short drive from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the 1,500-acre resort is the perfect northern Michigan basecamp featuring lodging, dining, shopping, championship golf, an award-winning spa, and more.