PLYMOUTH – A nearly 100-year-old golf course nestled in the Kettle Moraines may look a little different than past years.
Crystal Lake Golf Course underwent several changes with new ownership, like restoring the historical name, adding new events and updating operations.
Tyler Luedtke took over ownership last year after the 18-hole course was the Sir Lanserlot Golf Course for 16 years.
Here’s more on changes that brought the course “into the 21st century” and led to “astronomical” numbers of playtime, according to Luedtke.
Engaging younger people in the sport with more programs
Crystal Lake added a student league and membership program for youth 10 to 20 years old.
He told the Sheboygan Press last year he wanted to get “all age groups back into golf” on a course that may be less intimidating than others in the area.
Luedtke added he saw a shift in younger people playing golf for fun, not just competition.
He said the course’s rolling hills can appeal to different abilities. The front nine holes are more open, and the back nine holes are more narrow and challenging.
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Night golf, beverage car among fun changes at the course
Among hosting outings and weekly leagues, the course also lights up with colored lights at a new night event called Glow Ball.
Luedtke said it has a huge turnout.
Glow Ball is $20 for all you can golf, and $7 for a ball.
Crystal Lake also introduced a beverage cart available for those 16 years and older.
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Reaching people with better technology and social media
The golf course upped its online presence, too. It engages on social media, offers online booking and accepts card payment. It used to be cash only.
Crystal Lake also bought new golf carts with screens equipped for GPS and entertainment. Golfers can now track yardage, follow the course map and play music.
Luedtke said modernizing the technology makes Crystal Lake more accessible.
Team did much-needed tending to the grounds and clubhouse
To clean up the course, the team trimmed trees and cleared overgrown areas near different holes.
The clubhouse retained its log cabin interior and antique light fixtures, but had traces of carpet removed from the walls.
It is open year-round for events, something Luedtke told the Sheboygan Press he wanted to explore last year.
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