Crystal Woods Golf Club
Rating Snapshot
About
Crystal Woods Golf Club dates back to the 1950s when it was opened as a nine-hole, par-37 course called Bit O’ Heather Golf Club, which it was known as until 1967 when the course was renamed and completely redesigned, which included the addition of another nine. The par-72 course that exists today tumbles across a variety of elevation changes that range from subtle to dramatic. The golf course is mostly wide open, putting it at the mercy of the prevailing winds. On particularly blustery days, Crystal Woods Golf Club is quite demanding. The 12th is the course’s signature and it even has a reputation for being the most difficult hole in McHenry County. It’s tempting to be distracted by the beautiful view from the elevated tee but this tough hole requires your full attention. The double-tiered green rises dramatically from front to back, often demanding three or more putts.
| Tee | Par | Length | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue | 72 | 6403 yards | 70.3 | 117 |
| White | 72 | 6150 yards | 69.1 | 115 |
| Red (W) | 73 | 5488 yards | 70.5 | 114 |
| Hole | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Out | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | In | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue M: 70.7/131 | 360 | 426 | 405 | 173 | 560 | 389 | 164 | 487 | 313 | 3277 | 538 | 201 | 405 | 120 | 355 | 510 | 187 | 350 | 505 | 3171 | 6448 |
| White M: 69.3/128 W: 75.6/133 | 352 | 389 | 345 | 170 | 528 | 360 | 156 | 475 | 302 | 3077 | 500 | 194 | 398 | 105 | 349 | 501 | 179 | 338 | 490 | 3054 | 6131 |
| Silver M: 66.8/122 W: 72.7/127 | 338 | 300 | 331 | 162 | 422 | 345 | 125 | 463 | 294 | 2780 | 452 | 132 | 287 | 95 | 340 | 444 | 165 | 332 | 465 | 2712 | 5492 |
| Red M: 64.8/117 W: 70.2/122 | 315 | 295 | 283 | 139 | 419 | 314 | 120 | 421 | 282 | 2588 | 374 | 126 | 283 | 85 | 338 | 440 | 135 | 310 | 415 | 2506 | 5094 |
| Handicap | 9 | 3 | 7 | 15 | 1 | 13 | 17 | 5 | 11 | 6 | 10 | 2 | 18 | 14 | 4 | 12 | 16 | 8 | |||
| Par | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 36 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 36 | 72 |
| Handicap (W) | 5 | 9 | 13 | 17 | 3 | 11 | 15 | 1 | 7 | 8 | 12 | 2 | 16 | 18 | 4 | 10 | 14 | 6 |
Course Details
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Reviews
Not as friendly anymore
I'll never play here as a single again. They claim that their deal with GolfNow makes them have you ride in the sa,e cart as w
However you are paired with. Last time I was forced to ride with a cigarette smoker, and it was very unpleasant. No other GolfNow booked course makes you do this. Staff seems very unfriendly.
Great course some challenging holes, good value and I will return.
crystal play~
It turned out to be warmer than we thought it would be. We had to go around and skip a hole as the 2 ladies in front were very slow and they suggested it.
The staff was very friendly and accommodating. Hope we can keep this course going for a long time.
Thanks!
We enjoyed the course, greens are smaller and sporty.
Play moved very well.
Crystal woods
The rate was great for a Sunday afternoon, however, the course maintenance seems to have fallen off from the past.
They're great people, but the shape of the course was a little rough.
Nice course
We have played this course a few times and enjoy it. Always in great shape
Great course, great layout
I really enjoy playing Crystal Woods. The course does not have premium conditioning, but the greens are bent grass. The layout is great though. The course is rolling with some elevation changes, and there are many great holes. A couple of the par 5's really make you think, so it's just not swing away. After one, the second and third holes can be tough. Just a very great group of holes on the course. 5 par 5's and 5 par 3's. Highly recommend this course. Great hot dogs as well.
lots of trees,but fare
Course is in good shape for this time of year.
Great Course
This was a great place to get away to play 18! Pace of play was excellent and was done in under 3 ½ for our 3 man group. Staff is great each and every time I visit there. Thanks again Crystal Woods!
Course in overall good shape
The day we played the course was in good condition tee to green with the only exception being some traps needed more sand. For a midday Sunday afternoon was not busy, so pace was not an issue. We play here 3-5 times a year and have always enjoyed the golf.
Fun course but needs some TLC
Good course for the money, had to wait on almost every shot though. No beverage cart. Course could be in better shape.
Decent layout, conditions could be better
A nice little layout, but conditioning could be so much better. Tee box grass was longish, grass in fairways was burnt off in MANY places from either too little (or too much) water, or a scalping mower. Starter warned us that greens were extremely fast, but did not find that to be the case -- prettty average, maybe a little on the faster end of the spectrum, but nothing I'd consider "fast". Greens were also a bit beat up from all the foot traffic, and many putts did not roll true because of it.
Played as a twosome on a fairly busy day, but pace of play was good because several groups let us play thru -- and were friendly about it, which isn't always the case, unfortunately.
Unless today was an exception to normal, the course is getting a high enough volume of play (unlike many courses these days) to generate the revenue to keep the course in better playing condition. With several other courses in the same price range in the area, management should take note of this to stay competitive. Played Marengo Ridgejust a week ago, and found it a better value for the money.
Everyone on staffthat we had contact with, though, was very friendly and helpful. We'd play again.
The course used to be great shape since they had to cut down more trees and very dry fairways sand traps is hard
The course was dry and the sand trap was bad needs more sand other than nice course!!
Quality golf
Nothing but good things about traditional course; booked through GolfNow but they allowed me to walk at the walking rate
Great old fashioned course; in great condition; challenging for a 7 handicap
Course operators couldn't be more accommodating and gracious
I live 30 miles from course; but play CW 5 times a year and always enjoy.
Good course to keep in your own rota
Challenging course
Course was in good shape, usually is. Guy at the desk was the course pro, friendly and helpful. Had to go outside the pro shop to another building for restrooms and locker. No big deal but something different. Terrain on the course provides challenges. Hole 12 has been reputed to be the toughest par 4 in the county. Not overly long from tips, 6410. Fun course.
Golf in March in Chicago
That is the best thing I can say about this course. Was wide open but starter would not let me tee off early which was annoynng. Won't be back.
Always a good test of tee shots
For a March round, I was very pleased with the condition the course was in. The greens were not fast but were in good shape.
Pace of play was great. Walked 18 holes with a buddy in close to 3 hours. Walking 18 holes was approx 9 miles (according to my iPhone). There is plenty of elevation change to give your legs a challenge.
I consider Crystal Woods as one of my "home courses." I play there probably 3-4 times a month. The employees are always very helpful and kind. The beer is always cold and the hot dogs are always a good pick at the "19th hole." I read other reviewers complaining about "no beverage cart being available." In all of my times playing there, I have NEVER seen a beverage cart. If you want beverages and/or snacks, pick them up before you head out onto the course.
The course itself always poses a challenge for me. If you battle a slice, the front 9 holes will eat you alive. OB on the right side of the hole comes into play on 6 holes on the front 9. If you battle a hook, you are in for a lot of challenges as well. The fairways on this course are lined with mature trees. If you miss the fairways, you are either OB, punching out through an opening between tree trunks, or trying to get really creative (or lucky) by going up and over some of the trees. The course does not play extremely long. If you are consistent with your tee shots, you have an excellent chance to score on this course. WIth some pretty descent (for northern Illinois) changes in elevation on this course, make sure to either drive or walk ahead on the par 5's (specifically 5, 15, and 18) to get an idea of where the green and pins are.
Ask any experienced golfer in McHenry County and they will tell you that the 12th hole at Crystal Woods is one of, if not the most, difficult holes in the county. The tee shot is not hard as it is downhill and plenty of landing area. The second shot may be the most important shot of your round. It is a forced carry over water and the green slopes so sharply from back to front that you MUST end up below the hole. If you end up above the hole, a three putt is almost a guarantee. If you par this hole, take a deep breath and pat yourself on the back. You earned it.
The course is a fun course to play and can play easy some days and downright difficult on others. It all depends on the tee shots. I recommend it to my friends of all skill levels as anyone can enjoy a round at Crystal Woods.
Destination Kohler - Champions' Trail Golf Package
SentryWorld Stay & Play Package
Destination Kohler - To Dye Four Golf Package
SW Michigan Golf Around Package
I have have been asked to ride with a guy who smelled like brewery and a blind guy I had to be his eyes (ridicules).sad to say this happens at numerous courses. Golf now a serviice hired by the management company but is disliked by its employees.
I have complained to golf now and they have aploizied and sent me golf balls.
I have had to drop off my playing partner one after nine. Just stopped took his bag off and left. I guess he left because I finished the round alone in the cart.