Crystal Mountain to host MHSAA Division I Girls Golf Regionals on Betsie Valley
September 27, 2021
THOMPSONVILLE, Mich. (September 27, 2021) — There are more than 650 golf courses in Michigan. Crystal Mountain is home to two of them: Betsie Valley and Mountain Ridge. The championship golf courses each host thousands of golfers every year. This year, dozens of those golfers will be young, talented women competing in the MHSAA Division I Girls Golf Regionals.
“Traverse City West was chosen as the Region One host this year and they chose Crystal Mountain,” Geoff Kimmerly, MHSAA communications director, said. “Schools in each region apply to host the tournament and we try to rotate locations because the teams are from different areas such as Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids and Traverse City.”
There are 13 teams in Region 1 according to the MHSAA website. The teams will book practice rounds on Betsie Valley on Sunday, Oct. 3, and will have a shotgun start for the tournament at 10 a.m. Oct. 4 – temperature permitting.
“We are thrilled to host the regional at Crystal and look forward to seeing some of the best players in the state take on Betsie Valley to earn a spot in the finals,” Greg Babinec, Head Golf Professional at Crystal Mountain, said. “Betsie Valley is a scenic yet challenging course with tree-lined fairways, protected greens, and strategically placed bunkers.”
Renovations to four holes on Betsie Valley are nearing completion. The redesign on holes No. 4 and No. 5 include extensive waste bunkering accented with fescue grass and Kentucky bluegrass, and revamping on hole No. 8 allows for a wider approach to the green, making the hole more playable for golfers. Holes No. 8 and No. 9 currently have temporary tee boxes, along with a temporary green on No. 8.
“MHSAA aims for athletes to play on some of the strongest, most competitive courses in the state,” Kimmerly said. “It’s important for our tournament courses to be high school golf-friendly and Crystal Mountain has shown a willingness to work with us and help get our athletes on the course for a memorable experience.”
The qualifiers from Crystal Mountain will move on to a two-day Lower Peninsula Division 1 Final at Grand Valley State University’s golf course, The Meadows, on Oct. 15-16.
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About Crystal Mountain:
Established in 1956, Crystal Mountain is a family-owned, four-season resort destination 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. Visit www.CrystalMountain.com for more resort details or information about Four Seasons Club memberships.