Par 4 – 353 yards
Alistair Mackenzie was not prolific like Donald Ross, but he was memorable and Crystal Downs, particularly because of location, has a mythical quality to it. The land between Lake Michigan and Crystal Lake is dramatic and stunning. No hole better summarizes the CD experience more than the 5th. Standing on the tee the features of the hole are staggeringly beautiful. A split fairway bisected by three sisters bunkers that help form almost an optical illusion of what is your desired line of play. The two trees bracket the hole and provide and visual boundary for the player. The lower fairway is more likely to provide a more level lie, but it also will prevent a view of a portion of the green. The spine of the fairway looks like the back of a rhinoceros and a tactical approach is recommended. The green is guarded by several bunkers and slopes back to front and left to right. There are three bunkers that receive less than well struck shots and there is a small ridge at the rear of the green. Upon playing this hole for the first time I told my host they could go on and come get me when the round was over since the study of this hole could be a lifetime.
