June 30, 2023 will mark a milestone in Minnesota’s latest and largest golf course renovation project happening at Cragun’s Legacy Courses. On this day this project that started in the Spring of 2021 will be more than 80% complete with 36 holes of the 45-hole project open for play. This includes the newest golf course in Minnesota, designed and named after one of the state’s living golf legends, “Lehman 18” and 18-holes that are completely redesigned as the “Dutch 18” (when complete will be 27-holes). Add this investment in the Legacy Courses to the current renovation happening at Cragun’s resort which includes new and enhanced amenities, and hundreds of renovated rooms, suites and cabins. All of these changes lead you to a marketing relationship with one of the biggest brands in America – Hunter PR – that orchestrates a nation of media outlets to get the word out about the many remarkable changes. Oh, and it stretches your reach and appeal beyond the country, leading to become the host of the first PGA Tour Canada event outside of Canada as the host of the CRMC Championship this past August and returning late this summer August 28 – September 3, 2023.

“We’re so excited to host the CRMC Championship for the 2^nd year this summer,” Director of Golf and Tournament Director Jack Wawro says. “It’s a game changer for the area in terms of interest and mutual benefit. It is a great opportunity to get up close and see the future of the PGA TOUR. 

Minnesota doesn’t get very many opportunities to host professional golf tour events, but having a guy who played on the PGA TOUR as your chief architect certainly helps in the credibility department. “Tom knows how to build a course that works for everyone,” says Jack Wawro, discussing the 7,400-yard Lehman 18. “From the amateur to the best players in the game. But I’m just ask excited for everyone to see The Dutch 18 (after June 30^th) and 27 (in late 2024) when it’s complete, to see how those new and former holes play in a different routing with many of them being unrecognizable from the past.”

I’ve known General Manager Eric Peterson for over a decade, and I’ve never seen him more excited than he is now. “We’re almost there,” he says, gleefully counting the days until the end of June, when Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake will have 36 new golf holes. “It’s incredible watching Tom Lehman’s vision for his dream course go from paper to planted. Everything is growing out now, the routings are finalized. Within the next few weeks everyone is going to see what we’ve been working on for the last several years.”

Eric and I toured the property while the bulldozers were in the initial stages of moving dirt and stood out on the former fairways of Bobby’s Legacy’s back nine. “I remember when you told me you thought the most beautiful land in Brainerd was still undeveloped out here,” Eric pointed north and east from the shores of Stephens Lake. “And Tom Lehman felt the same as you. Some of your favorite holes in Minnesota (the former Bobby’s 14^th and 17^th) are interwoven with some of Tom’s most creative new designs. I can’t wait for you (and everyone else) to play the course when its completely done.”

That feeling is mutual. I’ve always been a fan of the operational objectives of Dutch, Eric, Jack and the team at Cragun’s, to remain family-friendly and affordable first (so as to never have to turn anyone away) all the while expanding their portfolio of amenities and opportunities for fun. They’ve reached their ultimate goal on the golf side now, and Tom’s stated plan, “To make the Legacy even more great… more playable, more creative, more strategic, more beautiful, more player-friendly, and most importantly, more FUN!”

“How does it feel?” I asked Tom, in the main lobby of The Lodge. “To be able to come back to a place you spent so many years vacationing with your family and be a huge part of enhancing that playground for future generations.”

“A bit surreal,” Tom replied. “Okay… very surreal. But, above all else, it’s an absolute honor.”

Amenities

If that doesn’t whet your appetite for a Brainerd and Cragun’s Golf Trip this year, I don’t know what will. But let’s just say you’re not a golfer… No problem. This expansive resort on the shores of Gull Lake offers beaches, boating, swimming pools (indoor and outdoor), restaurants, new playing courts, a recreation and fitness center.

Dining

Four signature restaurants and the Cabana Café make up the dining list at Cragun’s, each with its own distinctive menu and atmosphere. The Legacy Grille in the Cragun’s Golf Clubhouse spills out onto a large patio overlooking the golf. Just a mile down the road from the resort, it features a Sports Bar, great menu all day and superb views. Looking for a great way to start your day, then try the daily breakfast buffet in the Main Lodge overlooking Steamboat Bay. Those looking for more drink than food inclined can slide up to the counter or a table at the Bear Trap Bar for some fun, socializing and even Karaoke on the weekends.  And, finally, the summer favorite and tribute to the resort owner’s (Dutch) wife, Irma’s Kitchen overlooks Gull Lake from the historic perch of the former Hungry Gull Restaurant (dating back to 1926) featuring many of Irma’s famous recipes built from scratch using the freshest ingredients.

Lodging

The lodging options at Cragun’s have not only increased over the years, but vastly improved. Ownership has implemented and aggressive renovation plan for the entire resort and in the past few years, have invested millions to modernize all 206 Lodge rooms, renovated numerous cabins and cottages, and provide newer options like 7-bedroom villas, and the outstanding Homes at the Legacy! I asked Eric Peterson if there were plans for even more lodging. “Of course,” he replied. “The demand for visitors to the Brainerd Area continues to grow and we look forward to continuing to improve our current lodging offerings and expand to accommodate.”

Eric has always been conscientious of the local community and wants the growth around Cragun’s Resort and new developments to be something that benefits everyone in the area. “We are a year-round resort and want to accommodate as many locals as we can with specials and quick getaway options too. The local leadership has been very supportive and encouraging of our growth, knowing that our guest spill over into local shops, restaurants, and activities.” It’s all about the big picture, and few get that better than Eric.

That’s especially revealing in the major assist Cragun’s gives to one of the area’s newest amenities—The Gravel Pit. The wildly fun and hugely popular Par 3 course butts up to the Legacy golf courses, and welcomes resort guests for quick rounds, plenty of laughs, a surprisingly high number of aces, exceptional management from former Cragun’s staff and a similar mind to keep expanding and pushing the envelope on entertainment. “Cragun’s and The Gravel Pit collectively get it … the more they work together, the better it will be for all of them.

I could go on and on about all that’s NEW at Cragun’s (didn’t even get into the brand-new golf cart fleet), but I’d rather focus on the fact that they never stop trying to get better. If you’re looking for a place to spend your hard-earned vacation money, wouldn’t you want to spend it at a place that works hard to support their local community? I know I would.