Why Fall Golf is the Best Golf

Aerial view of a golf course with vibrant fall foliage in red and orange leaves.

There’s a reason people flock to northern Michigan in the fall: the cool (but not too cool) temperatures, fewer crowds, and of course, the unbelievable fall colors. Now imagine you could take all of that in while also enjoying one of your favorite hobbies, such as golf!

Here’s why hitting the links in northern Michigan should be a part of every golfer’s fall bucket list, especially at Crystal Mountain.

Autumn trees by a calm pond under a clear blue sky.

Spectacular scenery

The fairways and cart paths on both 18-hole championship courses at Crystal Mountain transform into a tapestry of bright reds, brilliant golds, and burnt oranges. Whether you’re walking the gently rolling terrain of the Betsie Valley course or challenging yourself with dramatic elevation changes on the Mountain Ridge course, you’ll be stunned by the vibrant, treelined fairways and leaf-covered cart paths at every turn. The panoramic view overlooking Benzie County’s Betsie Valley will clear your mind just before teeing off on the 16th hole of Mountain Ridge.

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Golfer swinging on lush course with vibrant autumn trees.

Crisp, comfortable weather

The heat and humidity of summer are gone. Fall brings cool, dry air that is perfect for a round or two of golf. Walking is more enjoyable, and you don’t have to worry about breaking a sweat after a day full of swings! Now you can wear your favorite golf polo and pullover in the same day!

Golf course with autumn trees and cloudy sky.

Ideal course conditions

Who knew the courses at Crystal Mountain could get even better than they are in the summer? The cooler temperatures and ample sunshine make for perfect turf conditions. The fairways are lush, and the greens are even greener, besides a light speckling of Mother Nature’s red and orange leaf décor. Not only will you notice an enhanced aesthetic out on the course, but enhanced playability, too.

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Golfer swinging under bright sun, autumn leaves on grass.

Less people, more golf

As summer tourism winds down, there are fewer golfers vying for the perfect tee time – and the tee! Crystal Mountain is equipped with GPS golf carts to help keep the pace of play on track regardless of the season, but with fewer people on the course, pace of play is the last thing you need to worry about. Imagine open, colorful fairways as far as the eye can see!

Ready to save on your next round? With our Golf Fore Less deal, you can save up to 30% on tee times when you book select dates.

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Autumn landscape with MountainTop townhomes and colorful trees.

Stay and play packages

Come for the fall golf and stay for the overall Crystal Mountain experience. Play and save when you stay on an Unlimited or 18-Hole Golf Package that includes lodging, golf, and unlimited use of the 10-acre golf learning center. For families staying at Crystal Mountain, juniors 17 and under golf for free anytime with a paying adult. Plus, houseguest perks include access to the Indoor Pool & Peak Fitness Center, chairlift rides, Michigan Legacy Art Park, and more.

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More than just golf

A golf trip to Crystal Mountain in the fall is an entire resort experience. After your uninterrupted round of golf, take a scenic chairlift ride to the top of the mountain, where you’ll look over four counties of colors – a different perspective than on the course. Unwind at the award-winning Crystal Spa and take advantage of Fall Spa Days, an incredible value on select massages, body treatments, and facials. Explore Michigan Legacy Art Park, a 30-acre wooded preserve, where you can admire Mother Nature’s artwork as well as works of art from artists inspired by Michigan’s culture and history.

Benzie County is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the fall, so don’t be afraid to venture off property for the many nearby attractions that surround Crystal Mountain. Downtown Frankfort, Lake Michigan, Crystal Lake, downtown Beulah, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and so much more.

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