What makes Crystal Downs a thinking golfer’s paradise?
In this episode of The Bag Drop: Untold Stories in Golf, host Matt Considine and co-host Dr. Kevin Moore (a.k.a. “The Professor”) unpack the fractured mid-amateur landscape, lay out their plan for a first-ever U.S. Four-Ball Qualifier together, and then flip the mics as The Professor interviews Matt about his first walk at Alister MacKenzie and Perry Maxwell’s Northern Michigan masterpiece, Crystal Downs Country Club. From minimalist clubhouse culture to wind-swept strategy and ecology in full bloom, this one’s for design-curious golfers who love a course that makes you think on every shot.
The conversation dives into:
- Mid-amateurs today: reinstated pros, club championships, and why four-ball is the perfect proving groundPrepping for the U.S. Four-Ball: roles, strategy, and a putter identity crisisFirst impressions at Crystal Downs: the scenic approach, the “no sign” mystique, and a welcoming, golf-first vibeClubhouse culture: small, timeless, and egalitarian (yes, ball washers on every tee)Ecology and feel: monarchs, wildlife, native plants, and how they elevate the experienceRouting, wind, and strategy: severe contours, half-par tension, and the unforgettable 5–8 stretchPatience and stewardship: tree management, preservation, and letting the course reveal itselfHistory: MacKenzie/Maxwell lore, the connector par-3, and a 1970s “walk up and join” story
Crystal Downs Country Club
🏌️ Website: https://www.crystaldowns.org
📖 Top 100 Golf Courses profile: https://www.top100golfcourses.com/golf-course/crystal-downs
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📚 Dr. Kevin Moore (“The Professor”) — 🐦 X/Twitter: https://x.com/kevcmoore
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| 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-moore-177b30b3/
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction and context
02:40 The mid-amateur landscape
05:47 Prepping for the U.S. Four-Ball Qualifier
08:31 Anticipation of Crystal Downs
11:28 The drive and arrival experience
19:33 Clubhouse ethos and culture
24:21 The ethos of improvement
25:19 First-tee jitters
26:34 Ecology and wildlife at Crystal Downs
28:06 Course design and natural beauty
30:02 Playing Crystal Downs
31:38 Legacy and accessibility in golf
34:09 Completeness of the golf course
36:00 Flow and strategy in course design
37:53 The challenge of Crystal Downs
41:55 Comparative course analysis
44:16 The legacy of Alister MacKenzie
What is NewClub?
Founded in 2017, NewClub is the premier private golf society in the United States. It blends the community and access of a private club with the variety and affordability of public golf. Members enjoy thousands of reserved tee times, competitions, and events at exceptional partner courses across our local chapters, as well as signature trips and exclusive perks. NewClub is revolutionizing golf membership, making the game more meaningful for those who love it.
What is The Bag Drop?
The Bag Drop features weekly stories from the culture, community, and characters shaping golf today. Produced by NewClub Golf Society, each episode blends authenticity and expert insights for passionate golfers at all levels. Special guests from clubs, courses, and every corner of the changing landscape join us for thoughtful, in-depth discussions on all things golf.