1 MINUTE READ - CRYSTAL WOODS

CRYSTAL WOODS BY THE NUMBERS

• 5915 S. Route 47, Woodstock    815-338-3111
• YARDAGE - 4 Tees - 6,448 / 5,094 yds Par 72
• SLOPE/RATING - 70.7/131 - 64.8/117 (M) 75.6/133 - 70.2/122 (W)
• MAXIMUM GREEN FEES - $46 M-F, $62 SA-SU (W/CART) 
• crystalwoodsgc.com

1 MINUTE READ

Crystal Woods is that rare breed, a family-owned golf course in the 21st Century.  The Craig family have owned and operated the facility since 1967, which includes the 18 hole course plus the 9 hole Craig Woods layout on the east side of Route 47.  Crystal Woods is a mid-length (6,400 yd) par 72, a moderately hilly parkland course in McHenry County that carefully straddles the difficulty line, certainly not that easy but not withering hard, either.

The signature hole is #12, a 405 yd par 4 that is considered among the biggest challenges in the northwest suburbs.  Hit it as far as you can off the elevated tee, then deal with the pond that starts left about 100 yards out, then cuts in front and wraps right around the green.  The short 120 yd 13th plays back around the water, a good 2 hole stretch.

The back 9 is a fun 3 ea par 3-4-5 configuration, and the par 5 15th & 18th holes are both just over 500 yds with downhill approaches over a shared ridge, opportunities to get back shots you may have lost on #12.  

The front side features the 560 yd 5th hole, the longest at Crystal Woods.  The drive is the key here, as the fairway angles slightly up and to the right, then a straight line to the green off in the distance.  The 2nd and 3rd are two long, uphill two shot holes, the only par 4's besides the 12th over 400 yds. 

LOST BALL QUOTIENT - Low - Besides the hazard on 12 & 13, the only water in play of consequence was an easy carry off the 2nd tee and on the approach shots at the par 5 8th and the short par 4 9th.  (There is water behind the 5th and 18th greens, but it didn't feel too threatening).  Not a lot of golf ball eating prairie that I can recall, either.

HIT A HOUSE FACTOR - Almost impossible.  A few homes on the right of #9, but lots of trees in the way and little chance of finding one.

WALKER FRIENDLY RATING (0-10) - 7.  Rolling hills throughout, but nothing too steep, except for maybe the climb to the 16th green.  The compact green to tee distance is helpful, so anyone in relatively good shape should be able to handle the trek.

FINAL VERDICT - At top rates near $60 w/cart, Crystal Woods is a solid value play in the Crystal Lake area.  If you live nearby and haven't checked it out, it's well worth a visit.

CLICK HERE to view the complete Photo Tour of Crystal Woods...