Mike Morris has been an employee of Crystal Downs Country Club since 1986.
Mike recently retired from the role of Golf Course Superintendent and is currently working with the Club to restructure the management and care of the property. With his PowerPoint presentation Mike took us on a brief historical journey of Crystal Downs and its presence in Benzie County. Some Crystal Downs highlights:
- Established in 1927 from two farmsteads
- 380+ acres in Benzie County's Lake Township
- Golf course designed by the legendary Alister MacKenzie and constructed by Perry Maxwell
- Annual host to "Benzie Day"--free golf outing for Benzie County residents
- Host to International Alister MacKenzie events
- Recognized in the golf world as a top 20 or better classic golf course
- Currently planning centennial activities
In addition to providing a brief history of Crystal Downs, Mike provided a summary of the Club's current proposal to move Sutter Road. A feasibility study is under way, but the Club asserts that the move is justified by safety concerns--safety for car and truck traffic on Sutter Road, safety for maintenance staff and vehicles and safety for delivery vehicles. The new road would be constructed to conform to industry-based design principles at no cost to taxpayers.
Over the years the Club has vetted numerous alternatives to moving the road--e.g., changing the location of the maintenance entrance or tunneling under (or bridging over) Sutter Road--but none of the suggested options proved to be a cost effective or comprehensive solution to the safety issues. The Club is working with Lake Township and local interest groups and thought leaders.