Crystal Woods Course Information

A Challenging But Fair Test of Your Golf Game

Crystal Woods Golf Course originally was designed by Bill Langford in the early 1950s. The 9-hole, par 37 course was then known as Bit O' Heather G.C. until 1967. That's when Richard and Mary Ann Craig purchased the course.

They directed course architect Charles Wagstaff to redesign the old course and incorporate additional acreage to expand it into an 18-hole par 72 tract. The newly expanded course opened in 1969 as the first semi-private/daily fee course in McHenry County.

With its many mature trees, numerous elevation changes and strategic hazard placements Crystal Woods offers an exciting and challenging round of golf. And when the wind blows, the course can be downright demanding.

The front nine challenges your shot-making ability from the get-go. Depending on the tees you play, the length of certain holes can increase by 50 to 75 yards. You can easily go from playing driver seven iron to driver, four iron and wedge.

The back nine features a unique balance of holes with three par-3s, three par-4s, and three par-5s. The highlight of the back nine is the distinctive par-4 12th-hole.Your second shot into this long par 4 had better have sufficient length and pinpoint direction to ensure you clear the water that protects this narrow green on the front and right sides.

The 12th hole is unquestionably Crystal Woods' signature hole. It was rated McHenry County's most difficult hole at one point for good reason! Although the view is majestic as you stand on the elevated tee, you also recognize just how ominous this hole can be. In fact, most players would gladly take a bogey because they know how common sixes and sevens are on this hole. Even if you get on the green in regulation, putting on the twelfth's 2 tiered green with its severe rise front to back can often require three or more putts depending on where the hole is cut.

It's no wonder that with all its challenges, Crystal Woods has been an ideal backdrop for a number of prestigious events. In recent years, Crystal Woods has been a qualifying course for the Illinois Open. It has hosted the McHenry County Open on numerous occasions, and will again be the host venue for this year's 2006 McHenry County Open.

Crystal Woods is equally ideal for your next round of golf, or for your next corporate outing. The staff at CWGC enjoys catering to golf outings of all sizes. The course and its facilities can easily accommodate groups of up to 150 golfers.

Craig Woods Golf Course is located immediately across Route 47 from Crystal Woods. Craig Woods was designed to give beginners, juniors, seniors and even seasoned golfers a challenging tract on which to develop and hone their skills.

The signature island green of the third hole tests the shot-making ability of golfers with all levels of experience. With its par 3, 4, and 5 holes, numerous water hazards and mature tress, Craig Woods offers an interesting set of obstacles tto overcome.