For years, golfers across the Midwest have known Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake as a classic Minnesota family getaway. But in recent seasons, the Brainerd destination has transformed itself into something much bigger – a full-scale championship golf experience with national-level aspirations.

After an $18 million golf renovation, Cragun’s now offers 45 holes of championship golf, luxury accommodations, upgraded dining, and one of the premier professional golf events in the region. Tee Times Magazine recently caught up with Jack Wawro to discuss the evolution of the resort, the golf experience, and why golfers are continuing to make Cragun’s a bucket-list destination. 

Tee Times Magazine:

Cragun’s has always been known for its family friendly atmosphere, amenities and great golf. How much has the golf transformation changed the identity of the property?

Jack Wawro:

It’s been incredible to watch. This is the second year where the entire renovation has been complete, so now guests are seeing the full vision of what we wanted to create. The maturity of the golf course conditions has just been amazing, and we’re currently finishing an upgrade to our practice facility. We are working hard to offer the best experience possible for our guests.

We’re very excited about where the golf operation is right now. We now have 45 holes of championship golf and guests can play four different 18-hole combinations while staying here. That’s pretty unusual to have all of that come out of one clubhouse.

When golfers come here, they can store their clubs, go play, come back the next day, and play something completely different. That variety is something people really love.

TT: The renovation itself was massive. What was the goal behind redesigning the courses?

JW: “We really did gut the place and redo it to make it more playable. We want golfers to come here and play well.

One thing we wanted was variety. The Lehman Course is a little more difficult and championship-oriented, while the Dutch 27 allows golfers to ease into the experience a bit more. Guests can build up to playing the Lehman, and I think that progression creates an amazing golf trip.

The renovation included extensive redesign work by Minnesota golf legend Tom Lehman, whose fingerprints are now all over the property.

Lehman designed all the holes on each course. Sometimes people ask, ‘Can I play the Lehman Course?’ and they don’t realize the Dutch 27 is also a Lehman design. His influence is everywhere here.

TT: Hosting the CRMC Championship has also elevated the profile of the resort nationally. How important is that event?

JW: It’s huge for us. We host a PGA TOUR Americas event, the CRMC Championship, August 27-30, and guests are able to play that same golf course while they’re here.

We always tell people, ‘Play where the pros play.’ That’s something very few public golf destinations can offer. There are only a handful of courses in Minnesota that can say that, and they are private clubs.

The championship has become one of the major golf events in the Upper Midwest and has helped introduce Cragun’s to competitive players from around the world.

TT: What makes the golf experience stand out beyond the golf itself?

JW: We’re constantly trying to improve every aspect of the guest experience. We’re upgrading our practice facility and working hard to offer the best possible experience from the time golfers arrive until the time they leave.

TT: Doesn’t that philosophy extend well beyond the fairways?

JW: The new owners continue investing heavily in accommodations, including our Private Collection homes located alongside the Lehman Course.

These luxury homes are perfect for golf groups. Whether it’s eight guys, twelve guys, or even twenty-four, they’re built for golf trips. They have fire pits overlooking the course, hot tubs, game rooms – everything golf groups are looking for after a long day on the course.”

There are also lodging options on the lake that is just beautiful. There’s 8 new units right on the water. I mean, they are as high end as it gets. They are incredible.

TT: How does the convenience factor separate Cragun’s from many traditional golf destinations?

JW: One thing that makes us unique is that food is included in many of our golf packages. That’s something not every resort offers.

We also have to-go options from our restaurants because a lot of groups just want to relax back at their cabins, play cards, sit around the fire, and unwind after golf. And we have shuttle service throughout the entire resort because we want to make it as easy as possible for guests to get around. 

TT: It sounds like the resort experience itself continues to evolve every year.

JW: Absolutely, the ownership group continues investing in the property and making upgrades throughout the property.

We’ve also expanded our dining options considerably. Golfers can grab a casual meal or dinner at the Legacy Grill, enjoy handcrafted pizza at Above Deck Pizza, or experience elevated dining at Irma’s restaurant.

We’re currently working on another new restaurant at the resort as well. You’re going to continue seeing upgrades every year moving forward.

TT: Cragun’s also seems built to host large events and outings. 

JW: Events are a huge part of what we do. We pride ourselves on hosting tournaments and events. With all the golf holes we have, we can host multiple events at the same time and groups hardly even notice. We have 200 golf carts, a dedicated events staff, and facilities specifically designed for outings.

The clubhouse setup is fantastic for events too. The pavilion, the deck, the Legacy Grill – we have so many different spaces where people can gather.

TT: When guests arrive at Cragun’s today, what do you hope they walk away saying?

JW: I hope they leave realizing this is one of the best overall golf experiences they can have in Minnesota. The golf is championship-level, but the resort side matters too. The lodging on the lake is beautiful, the food continues getting better, and we’re constantly improving.

At the heart of it all is a simple philosophy that continues driving Cragun’s forward.

“We’re ever changing,” Wawro said, “and definitely changing for the better.