Crystal Woods Golf Club

The rate was great for a Sunday afternoon, however, the course maintenance seems to have fallen off from the past.

They're great people, but the shape of the course was a little rough.

Worth the drive, will play again.

I really enjoy playing Crystal Woods. The course does not have premium conditioning, but the greens are bent grass. The layout is great though. The course is rolling with some elevation changes, and there are many great holes. A couple of the par 5's really make you think, so it's just not swing away. After one, the second and third holes can be tough. Just a very great group of holes on the course. 5 par 5's and 5 par 3's. Highly recommend this course. Great hot dogs as well.

We have played this course a few times and enjoy it. Always in great shape

Course is in good shape for this time of year.

This was a great place to get away to play 18! Pace of play was excellent and was done in under 3 ½ for our 3 man group. Staff is great each and every time I visit there. Thanks again Crystal Woods!

The day we played the course was in good condition tee to green with the only exception being some traps needed more sand. For a midday Sunday afternoon was not busy, so pace was not an issue. We play here 3-5 times a year and have always enjoyed the golf.

Play was a little slow. Other than that great time.

Good course for the money, had to wait on almost every shot though. No beverage cart. Course could be in better shape.

A nice little layout, but conditioning could be so much better. Tee box grass was longish, grass in fairways was burnt off in MANY places from either too little (or too much) water, or a scalping mower. Starter warned us that greens were extremely fast, but did not find that to be the case -- prettty average, maybe a little on the faster end of the spectrum, but nothing I'd consider "fast". Greens were also a bit beat up from all the foot traffic, and many putts did not roll true because of it.

Played as a twosome on a fairly busy day, but pace of play was good because several groups let us play thru -- and were friendly about it, which isn't always the case, unfortunately.

Unless today was an exception to normal, the course is getting a high enough volume of play (unlike many courses these days) to generate the revenue to keep the course in better playing condition. With several other courses in the same price range in the area, management should take note of this to stay competitive. Played Marengo Ridgejust a week ago, and found it a better value for the money.

Everyone on staffthat we had contact with, though, was very friendly and helpful. We'd play again.

The course was dry and the sand trap was bad needs more sand other than nice course!!

Nothing but good things about traditional course; booked through GolfNow but they allowed me to walk at the walking rate

Great old fashioned course; in great condition; challenging for a 7 handicap

Course operators couldn't be more accommodating and gracious

I live 30 miles from course; but play CW 5 times a year and always enjoy.

Good course to keep in your own rota

Course was in good shape, usually is. Guy at the desk was the course pro, friendly and helpful. Had to go outside the pro shop to another building for restrooms and locker. No big deal but something different. Terrain on the course provides challenges. Hole 12 has been reputed to be the toughest par 4 in the county. Not overly long from tips, 6410. Fun course.

That is the best thing I can say about this course. Was wide open but starter would not let me tee off early which was annoynng. Won't be back.

For a March round, I was very pleased with the condition the course was in. The greens were not fast but were in good shape.

Pace of play was great. Walked 18 holes with a buddy in close to 3 hours. Walking 18 holes was approx 9 miles (according to my iPhone). There is plenty of elevation change to give your legs a challenge.

I consider Crystal Woods as one of my "home courses." I play there probably 3-4 times a month. The employees are always very helpful and kind. The beer is always cold and the hot dogs are always a good pick at the "19th hole." I read other reviewers complaining about "no beverage cart being available." In all of my times playing there, I have NEVER seen a beverage cart. If you want beverages and/or snacks, pick them up before you head out onto the course.

The course itself always poses a challenge for me. If you battle a slice, the front 9 holes will eat you alive. OB on the right side of the hole comes into play on 6 holes on the front 9. If you battle a hook, you are in for a lot of challenges as well. The fairways on this course are lined with mature trees. If you miss the fairways, you are either OB, punching out through an opening between tree trunks, or trying to get really creative (or lucky) by going up and over some of the trees. The course does not play extremely long. If you are consistent with your tee shots, you have an excellent chance to score on this course. WIth some pretty descent (for northern Illinois) changes in elevation on this course, make sure to either drive or walk ahead on the par 5's (specifically 5, 15, and 18) to get an idea of where the green and pins are.

Ask any experienced golfer in McHenry County and they will tell you that the 12th hole at Crystal Woods is one of, if not the most, difficult holes in the county. The tee shot is not hard as it is downhill and plenty of landing area. The second shot may be the most important shot of your round. It is a forced carry over water and the green slopes so sharply from back to front that you MUST end up below the hole. If you end up above the hole, a three putt is almost a guarantee. If you par this hole, take a deep breath and pat yourself on the back. You earned it.

The course is a fun course to play and can play easy some days and downright difficult on others. It all depends on the tee shots. I recommend it to my friends of all skill levels as anyone can enjoy a round at Crystal Woods.

My wife and I had a great time playing at Crystal Woods. The greens were quick and the fairways well kept.

The restaurant was clean and the staff very polite. Wanted to eat but couldn't due to to time constraint. Will try it next time.

Played the course yesterday and the greens were fantastic for this time of year. Jay Craig is the PGA professional and owner and came out and welcomed us. The greens were fast and the fairways are rolling well. Get out there and play it before the year is over. Well worth the money.

The course has 5 par fives and 5 par threes. The greens are usually in great condition. The bad staff rating is based solely on a difference of opinion. They have a "pair up" policy which is weird in my opinion. They'd much rather have threesomes and foursomes out there rather than singles and doubles. A 4-hr round is considered "normal pace of play" even when the course isn't crowded. One group can slow the course to a crawl. (The staff will use the simple "no one is complaining" excuse. Or "you went out as a single or twosome, what did you expect?") This wasn't a one time occurrence...

Pretty well kept course with some challenges. Beverage cart never showed.

Nice course. Not to challenging but great for intermediate players! Some nice long par 5's.