Crystal Mountain strengthens the Golf Operations team with two new additions

THOMPSONVILLE, Mich. (April 30, 2025) – Crystal Mountain, a premier four-season destination in northern Michigan known for skiing and championship golf, is excited to announce the strategic hiring of two experienced leaders to its golf operations team. Mark Fenech has been named Director of Golf, and Doug Hand has taken over as Golf Operations Manager. These appointments come at an exciting time as both of Crystal Mountain’s 4-star rated courses, Betsie Valley and Mountain Ridge, are now open for the season. 

Mark Fenech brings more than two decades of comprehensive golf experience to Crystal Mountain. Most recently, he served as the Director of Instruction at Elephant Rocks Golf Course in Williams, AZ. His impressive career also includes roles as Buyer/Merchandiser for Anthem Golf and Country Club in Anthem, AZ, and PGA Head Professional at Indian Springs Ranch in Eureka, MT. A Class A Member of the Professional Golfers Association of America and a Certified “Yoga for Golf” Instructor, Mark is recognized among the nation’s top teaching professionals. His expertise extends to mentoring and instructing PGA Tour players who have achieved major tour victories, as well as amateur champions, aspiring junior players, and collegiate athletes. 

Doug Hand steps into the Golf Operations Manager role after six years as the Facilities Manager at Crystal Mountain, and a strong 10-year background as a dynamic Director of Golf at other resorts. His expertise encompasses operations oversight, budget management, personnel development, and exceptional guest relations. Doug is passionate about crafting personalized golf experiences tailored to each guest's skill level and desired outcomes. Notably, during his time as Director of Golf at Loon Golf Resort, formerly Marsh Ridge Golf Resort, he strategically managed daily golf operations in collaboration with various departments and contributed to a golf course redesign that enhanced guest flow and experiences. In 2022, Crystal Mountain recognized Doug for his dedication to service with the 2022 Service Excellence Employee of the Year award. 

The Director of Golf is responsible for the holistic operation of Crystal Mountain’s golf offerings, including the golf shop, golf carts, tournament operations, the learning center, and administration. Mark will collaborate closely with the Golf Course Superintendent, Revenue Analyst, Food & Beverage, Marketing, and Four Seasons Club Membership departments. Mark officially began his role in mid-March, with Doug joining the golf team in early April. 

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Mark and Doug to help lead our golf operations,” says Everett Leonard, Senior Vice President of Finance and Treasurer, who oversees golf at Crystal Mountain. “Mark’s extensive experience leading diverse golf operations and his status as a PGA Class A professional bring a wealth of knowledge and a fresh perspective to our already exceptional golf program. Doug’s knowledge of the resort and his past experiences in golf operations make him a great fit for the operations role. As we continue with golf course enhancements this season, we’re excited to have their expertise to help build on our momentum.” 

Crystal Mountain is home to two championship golf courses rated four stars by Golf Digest and boasts a nationally recognized golf school with a 10-acre practice facility. It proudly hosts the Michigan PGA Women's Open, an event that has been held on the Mountain Ridge course for over 20 years. Golf has been a cherished part of the Crystal Mountain experience since the 1970s, welcoming thousands of guests of all ages.  

The Crystal Mountain Golf School offers private and group lessons, led by Head PGA Professional Greg Babinec, who has been teaching the game for over 40 years. He was named Michigan PGA Professional of the Year in 2018. Assistant Golf Professional Brandon Dean has also received accolades, being named the Northern Michigan PGA Chapter Assistant Golf Professional of the Year in 2018, 2019, and 2020, and the Michigan Section PGA Assistant Golf Professional of the Year in 2021.  

Golf enthusiasts and resort guests can look forward to a season filled with signature events , including the Michigan Legacy Art Park Golf Classic (June 17), the Michigan PGA Women's Open (June 23-25), and the Crystal Mountain Scholarship Invitational (August 8-9), along with various golf fitting days from TaylorMade and Callaway throughout the season. 

To learn more about golf lessons, events, or to book a tee time online, go to crystalmountain.com/golf . 

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About Crystal Mountain:
Established in 1956, Crystal Mountain is a family-owned, four-season resort located 28 miles southwest of Traverse City and a short drive from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The 1,500-acre resort features lodging, dining, downhill and cross-country skiing, two championship golf courses, shopping, award-winning Crystal Spa, Michigan’s only alpine slide, Peak Fitness, the Park at Water’s Edge, Michigan Legacy Art Park, weddings, a conference center, and real estate options. 

Media Contact:
Brittney Primeau  
Director of Communications
D: 231.378.2091
BrittneyPrimeau@CrystalMountain.com