Crystal Lake at Crystal Lake Club

Crystal Lake Club sits in Avon Park, a small city in the ridge country of central Florida, roughly midway between Tampa and West Palm Beach. The course was designed by Rees Jones, the architect known for his U.S. Open course preparations and for creating layouts that balance strategic interest with playability across different skill levels. Jones has worked extensively in Florida, and his designs typically emphasize clear sightlines, thoughtful bunkering, and greens that reward precision without excessive severity.

The Avon Park area occupies part of Florida's Lake Wales Ridge, a geological formation that provides more elevation change than the state's coastal flatlands. Courses in this region often incorporate natural sand ridges, citrus grove remnants, and the numerous lakes that give the area its character. Jones likely routed Crystal Lake to take advantage of these native features, creating holes that move through varied terrain with water hazards serving as both strategic elements and visual definition.

The club operates as a private facility serving members and their guests. Central Florida clubs of this type typically maintain a year-round calendar, with peak activity during the winter months when seasonal residents return. The region's golf culture tends toward relaxed formality, reflecting both the area's agricultural heritage and its evolution as a retirement and recreational destination. Dining and social programs at such clubs generally emphasize casual comfort over elaborate tradition, suited to the climate and the membership's lifestyle preferences.