Arnold Palmer used to stand here. And there. And there. Oh, and over there. The King walked these lake-splashed grounds (half a mile from the main Breezy Point Resort property) with many people – those both famous and anonymous. Mr. Palmer watched the deer, listened to the loons, and soaked in the incredible sunsets. “I love this place,” he said to many of those lucky companions. And then he built the golf course.

Those had to be some special walks, and I certainly envy those who wandered with him. Deacon’s Lodge (a masterpiece named in tribute to Arnold’s father) is a pleasure-filled stroll without Arnold Palmer alongside, and it’s an even more pleasurable round with golf clubs in hand (or on cart). Yes, Arnold Palmer once stood here and there around the course, before a single hole had been marked out or shaped and surveyed the various land-and-lake-scapes with a smile. “Gonna be a hell of a course,” he told his under-credited design compadre, Ed Seay. “Could be my best ever.”

Whether it turned out as good as he’d hyped and hoped (in his opinion) we’ll never know. We do know that he never once indicated otherwise, and he came back many times, even acknowledging the 17^th hole as one of his 18 all-time favorites before he died. But, what do the experts think? It’s certainly collected the accolades. My good friend Matt Ginella, formerly of the Golf Channel, lists it among his “Top 5 Palmer Designs.” That’s saying a lot, and I’ll say more. It’s “top two” for me, behind only Tralee, on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. And it’s my favorite public course in Minnesota overall.

I tell the head golf professional at Deacon’s (Mark Neva) all the time how lucky he is (as if he needs reminding). He’s lucky Deacon’s Lodge is his office, that he gets to live up here in all the natural Northwoods beauty, and that he has the best golf assistant in the business. “Actually,” Mark corrects me there (the only part of that sentence needing correcting). “Nolan is a pro over at our Whitebirch course now, with Director of Resort Golf, Mark Johnson.” (Okay, so now I envy that Mark, too.) I’ve told Neva when he retires, I want his job. I’ve told Breezy’s General Manager the same. I can say with confidence I would move tomorrow and could spend every day of 20 years at Deacon’s Lodge… and then wish for 20 more.

It feels so great to share such love in a story, even if it is about a golf course. At a time when peace and love seem in such short supply elsewhere, it has to be worth reading for golfers to know they can drive only two hours north of the Twin Cities (to the Brainerd Lakes) and find a course that has both so much peace and so much to love. Arnold Palmer may not be here or there anymore, but you can feel his presence. Deacon’s Lodge remains as he left it and intended it to be (with incredible Cajun wings to boot). You can appreciate why Palmer loved every hole, every lake view, every green complex. You can marvel at what he made out of a rough and tumbling forest. You can understand why golf publications have (finally) been coming around and putting it up at the top of Minnesota’s “Best” list with The Quarry at Giants Ridge. It belongs there. And you’ll feel like you belong at Deacon’s.

I’ll circle back to more course specifics in a bit, but I want to expand on the draw not just of Deacon’s Lodge but of the other two courses and all the non-golf amenities at Breezy Point Resort. You should come up here to play Deacon’s Lodge. But you should also come up here to stay at Breezy Point Resort (and eat, swim, boat, relax, etc.).

Breezy Point is celebrating its 100^th Anniversary this year with a lengthy calendar of events and specials. (Check them out on the website!) The resort itself sits on the northeast shores of Pelican Lake, in the shadows of the famed blue water tower. Offering lodge and hotel rooms, cabins and townhomes in an assortment of comfortable layouts, there’s abundant space for you, your friends, families, and their friends and families. From the assortment of accommodations to the appetizing food, you’ll find a palette of plates to choose from across the resort, from legendary wings (and things) at Palmer’s Grille at Deacon’s, to the tables-on-pier aquatic atmosphere of Dockside on Pelican Lake, plus casual/fine-dining at Antler’s – over in the Whitebirch Clubhouse – to cover the all-age masses. Or, you can step up the romance and dinner fares at Marina II – with enchanting views over Pelican Lake – where steaks, chops and seafood await.

From flavor to fun, you’ll find just as much to savor outdoors. Take a Pelican Lake sunset cruise on The Breezy Belle (Paddle-Wheel Boat), fish from the dock, play beach volleyball, swim in the pool(s) and/or slide back inside a bit to the Serenity Spa. There’s all of that and more. Or… join the crowds that gather at Breezy Point for their concerts at Dockside. A broad spectrum of talent presents itself on that lakefront stage throughout the summer, combining sights, sounds and smells in the most perfect way. While COVID did temper some of the fun last year, Breezy is diligently (safely) bringing the noise (and joy) back in force this year. An assortment of musical artists and cover bands rock Dockside on summer Sunday nights, while tribute artists return with “Memories of Elvis” and “Johnny Cash and Neil Diamond” shows you shouldn’t miss. The list is long and constantly updating. (Check the resort website for the calendar and full lineup of performers.)

All the elements of Breezy Point Resort deserve more than lip service – more than a two-page salute – but I promised a return to golf and I won’t let you down.

Breezy Point Resort is home to three golf courses. Some of the most famous former names in golf have walked the fairways of The Traditional – a short (Par 68, 5,192 yards), tight, shot-maker’s course that begins and ends on the main resort property. Down the street (up the hill actually), the competitive field and format expands at Whitebirch Golf Course (Par 72, 6,680 yards), where you can experience the original championship layout of the Brainerd Lakes (with it’s wildly fun closing stretch). My good friend Nolan is the “new” pro over there. It was a bittersweet move for him from Deacon’s Lodge to Whitebirch. “Ultimately, I’m thrilled,” he said. “Thrilled to still be here – a part of this incredible resort (family).” (And thrilled to be a new dad! Congrats to he and Amanda!)

I end where I began – praising Deacon’s Lodge. If a course could blush, I’m certain Deacon’s would be bright red by now – so persistent and consistent my effusive praise and appreciation of its every feature and curve. The 6.943-yard (Par 72) course is packed tee-to-green (times 18) with intrigue and raw beauty. Year in and year out superintendent Ed Thomas wows with his talent – one-upping his prior year’s work. However he does it – makes that place so in-and-out perfect—I’ve no clue, but I hope every other golfer appreciates it. I’d say “as much as me” but come on now… we all know that’s not possible.

If you’ve yet to visit do yourself a favor and stop waiting for tomorrow. Make that reservation today.