Brainerd Lakes Area Golf Guide 2022

2022 BRAINERD LAKES AREA

GOLF GUIDE

Tips FROM A PRO 2022 EVENT

SCHEDULES LAKES AREA GOLF COURSE

MAP & GUIDE

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Sunrise • High Noon • Sunset

Experience the Crosswoods Difference • 27 Scenic Holes • GPS Equipped Electric Golf Carts • Friendly Staff • Best Golfing Value in the Lakes Area

Senior Special $39 18 w/cart Mon-Thurs, Not Valid July 4

Weekday Afternoon $54 18 w/cart Mon-Thurs, Not valid July 4

Weekend after 1pm $59 18 w/cart Fri-Sun, Not valid holiday weekends

Game Changer

Take your game to the next level!

• Complete Practice Facility • Custom Lesson Plan • Flightscope launch monitor available Pros Tim Trott & Savannah Smith, PGA

Book a tee time today

Crosslakegolf.com

Just 23 miles N of Brainerd, 1/2 mile North of Reed’s Market on CR 3 in beautiful Crosslake • 218.692.4653

CONTENTS 2022 PUBLISHER Pete Mohs ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Susie Alters CONTENT COORDINATOR Conrad Engstrom COPY EDITOR DeLynn Howard PAGE DESIGNER Mollie Burlingame ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES, QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND STORY SUGGESTIONS: (218) 855-5895; (800) 432-3703

6

Lakes Area Golf Course Map

7

Lakes Area Golf Course Guide

10

Charity plays a big role in lakes area golf

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Course Event Schedule

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Gravel Pit Golf provides something new to lakes are golf

Advertising@BrainerdDispatch.com ATTN: Golf Guide Brainerd Dispatch P.O. Box 974 Brainerd, MN 56401

Tips FROM A PRO 8

ON THE COVER Legacy Courses at Cragun’s White #1, Dutch 27 (Par 4)

The Legacy is currently undergoing a $10 million redesign by Minnesota legend, Tom Lehman. When complete this 600+ acre property will be a golf mecca with 45 holes of championship golf out of Legacy clubhouse.

4 | 2022 BRAINERD LAKES AREA GOLF GUIDE

Savannah Smith - Pequot Lakes G Girls Golf Head Coach/PGA h/PGA Golf Professional aat Crosswoods

13

Ryan Sharpe, Lead Instructor, structor, Chris Foley Golf Schools

18

Logan Jackson, Head Golf Professional Cragun’s

20

Chris Foley of Chris Foley Golf Schools

20

Joseph Hollenback, Assistant Golf Professional, Ruttger’s Bay Lake Resort

20

Minnesota National Golf Club and Resort

26

Jake Wherley, Grand View Lodge

26

Bennett Smed, Head Teaching Professional at Madden’s

26

Dan Loken, Emily Greens

26

Cuyuna Rolling Hills

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2022 LAKES AREA GOLF COURSE MAP 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

Breezy Point Resort 9252 Breezy Point Dr, Breezy Point, MN 56472 www.breezypointresort.com | (800) 432-3777 Legacy Golf Craguns 11320 Gull River Rd, Brainerd, MN 56401 www.craguns.com | (800) 272-4867 Crosswoods Golf Course 35878 Co Rd 3, Crosslake, MN 56442 www.crosslakegolf.com | (218) 692-4653 Cuyuna Rolling Hills 24410 State Highway 210, Deerwood, MN 56444 www.cuyunarollinghillsgolf.com | (218) 534-3489 Eagles Landing 14825 263rd St, Fort Ripley, MN 56449 www.eagleslanding-golf.com | (866) 632-5721 Emily Greens 39966 Refuge Rd, Emily, MN 56447 www.emilygreens.com | (218) 763-2169 Golden Eagle Golf Club 16146 W Eagle Lake Rd, Fifty Lakes, MN 56448 www.golfgoldeneagle.com | (218) 763-4653 Grand View Lodge - The Pines 23521 Nokomis Ave, Nisswa, MN 56468 www.grandviewlodge.com | (866) 801-2951 Grand View Lodge - The Preserve 5505 Preserve Blvd, Pequot Lakes, MN 56472 www.grandviewlodge.com | (866) 801-2951 Gravel Pit Golf 17300 Gull River Rd, Brainerd, MN 56401 www.gravelpitgolf.com Little Falls Golf Course 1 Edgewater Dr, Little Falls, MN 56345 www.littlefallsgolf.com | (320) 616-5520 LongBow Golf Club 6516 Long Bow Trail NW, Walker, MN 56484 www.longbowgolfclub.com | (218) 547-4121 Maddens 11672 Co Hwy 18 SW, Brainerd, MN 56401 www.maddens.com | (218) 829-2811 Minnesota National Golf Course 23247 480th St, McGregor, MN 55760 www.mnnationalgolfcourse.com | (218) 426-4444 Northwood Hills Golf Course 18217 Captive Lake Rd, Garrison, MN 56450 www.golfmillelacs.com | (320) 692-4325 Oak Hill Golf 8852 Indian Rd NW, Rice, MN 56367 www.oakhillgolfclub.com | (320) 259-8969 Pierz Golf Course and Campground 603 Park Ave SE, Pierz, MN 56364 www.pierzmn.org | (320) 468-2662 Pine Ridge Golf Club 34500 Hillcrest Rd, Motley, MN 56466 www.pineridgegolfclubmotley.com | (218) 575-3300 Ruttger's Bay Lake Resort 25039 Tame Fish Lake Rd, Deerwood, MN 56444 www.ruttgers.com/golf | (218) 678-2885 Tianna Country Club 7470 MN-34, Walker, MN 56484 www.tianna.com | (218) 547-1712 The Vintage Golf Course 27923 McGivern Dr, Staples, MN 56479 www.vintagegolfclub.com | (218) 894-9907 Whitefish Golf Club 7883 Co Rd 16, Pequot Lakes, MN 56472 www.whitefishgolf.com | (218) 543-4900 Whitetail Run (Wadena) 13379 Leaf River Rd, Wadena, MN 56482 www.whitetailrungolfcourse.com | (218) 631-7718 Wildwedge Golf Course 32792 Paul Bunyan Trail Drive, Pequot Lakes, MN 56472 www.wildwedge.com | (218) 568-6995

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2021 BRAINERD LAKES AREA

BREEZY POINT RESORT

18 18 18

2 2 2

218-692-4653 crosslakegolf.com

9 27 27

4 4 3

Cuyuna Rolling Hills

218-534-3489 cuyunarollinghillsgolf.com

Eagles Landing

320-632-5721 eagleslanding-golf.com

18

3

Emily Greens

218-763-2169 emilygreens.com

18

3

18

3

Golden Eagle Golf Club

218-763-4653 golfgoldeneagle.com

18

3

The Pines

218-963-8750 grandviewlodge.com/courses/the-pines

The Preserve

218-963-8750 grandviewlodge.com/courses/the-preserve

17300 Gull River Rd, Brainerd, MN 56401 gravelpitgolf.com

2 2

Gravel Pit Golf

27 18 13

Little Falls Golf Course

320-616-5520 littlefallsgolf.com

18

3

LongBow Golf Club

218-547-4121 longbowgolfclub.com

18

3

The Classic at Madden’s

218-829-2811 maddens.com/golf/courses/the-classic

Pine Beach East

218-829-2811 maddens.com/golf/courses/pine-beach-east

Pine Beach West

218-829-2811 maddens.com/golf/courses/pine-beach-west

Social 9

218-829-2811 maddens.com/golf/courses/maddens-social-9

18 18 18 9

3 3 3 3

218-426-4444 mnnationalgolfcourse.com

27

4

320-692-4325 golfmillelacs.com

18

3

320-259-8969 oakhillgolfclub.com

18

4

Pierz Golf Course and Campground

320-468-2662 pierzgolfcourseandcampground.com

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Pine Ridge Golf Club

218-575-3300 pineridgegolfclubmotley.com

18

4

Jacks 18

218-678-4646 ruttgers.com/golf

Alec’s the Original: Opening 2023

18 9

3 3

218-678-4646 ruttgers.com/golf 218-547-1712 tianna.com

18

3

218-894-9907 vintagegolfclub.com

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Whitefish Golf Club

218-736-9055 whitefishgolf.com

18

3

Whitetail Run (Wadena)

218-631-7718 whitetailrungolfcourse.com

18

3

218-568-6995 wildwedge.com

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Traditional Golf Course

218-562-7166 breezypointresort.com/traditional-golf-course-brainerd

Deacons Lodge

218-562-6262 breezypointresort.com/deacons-lodge-golf-course

Whitebirch

218-562-7177 breezypointresort.com/whitebirch-brainerd-golf-course

CRAGUN’S LEGACY COURSES Reversible Par 3

855-259-0556 craguns.com/reversible9-golf-course

Championship Golf Course

855-259-0556 craguns.com/golf/

Crosswoods Golf Course

GRAND VIEW LODGE

MADDEN’S ON GULL LAKE

Minnesota National Golf Club & Resort Northwood Hills Golf Course Oak Hill Golf

RUTTGER’S BAY LAKE RESORT

Tianna Country Club The Vintage Golf Course

Wildwedge Golf Course

2022 BRAINERD LAKES AREA GOLF GUIDE | 7

Tips FROM A PRO

It's time to power up Savannah Smith - Pequot Lakes Girls Golf Head Coach/PGA Golf Professional at Crosswoods

Minnesota’s Original

GOLF RESORT

HOME TO JACK’S 18

OPENING IN 2023

A picturesque 18-hole s ee.. championship course.

NEW Alec’s Original 9 h ho llee executive course. hole

TEE TIMES: 218-678-4646 or ruttgers.com/golf/book-a-tee-time 8 | 2022 BRAINERD LAKES AREA GOLF GUIDE

One of the things I hear most on the lesson tee from my students is, “How can I get more power?” This is a very valid question.

There are some common misconceptions when it comes to power in the golf swing.

Some may think, "well, I should just swing harder or faster," but this way of thinking may cause more harm than good. When people swing faster or harder it typically leads to inconsistent swing patterns and XQIDYRUDEOH EDOO ȠOLJKWV We actually gain most of our power through our core and hips as we rotate toward the target in the follow-through of the swing. When we reach the top of our backswing, the downswing is initiated from the ground up. When we transfer our weight properly toward the target and let our arms and club lag behind, it creates a VLJQLȑFDQW DPRXQW RI SRZHU DOPRVW OLNH D VOLQJVKRW 7KLV LV ZK\ EHLQJ ȠOH[LEOH DQG KDYLQJ H[FHOOHQW KLS PRELOLW\ LV LPSRUWDQW for a proper golf swing.

One activity that I like to have my students do is hold a range basket and pretend like it is a bucket of water. Once they are in their golf stance, I have them swing the bucket back and then pretend like they were going to throw it downrange.

If they were going to throw that bucket of water as far as they could, how would they do it? If they just use their arms without rotating their hips, it won't go very far or straight. If they use their whole body and transfer their weight toward the target, the basket goes far and straight. I then have them transfer this to the swing, focusing on rotating their core and hips toward the target in the follow-through. The last piece of the puzzle is getting the timing down.

As they say, it's all in the hips, right?

SPONSORED CONTENT | MADDEN'S ON GULL LAKE

A classic anniversary

Heading into the 93rd year of Madden's Resort, one of its award-winning championship courses, The Classic at Madden's, is celebrating a milestone anniversary of its own.

For 25 years The Classic has been welcoming locals and visitors alike to play one of the most pristine courses in Minnesota.

In 1997 the resort already had three golf courses and 45 holes of beautifully landscaped golf to satisfy the resort golfer. Glenn Hagberg, Madden's PGA Head Golf Professional, said from planning to creation to completion, The Classic was designed to be the best 0LQQHVRWD KDG WR RȞIHU LQ SXEOLF JROI 6FRWW +RȞIPDQQ ZKR VHUYHG DV WKH superintendent at Madden's for 43 years, designed the course and served as the architect.

“We set out to build something that would really be a treat for people to play that would have a wow factor,” said

Hagberg. Most of the key features were already there. “We had a very special SLHFH RI SURSHUW\ WKDW KDG VLJQLȑFDQW elevation changes, mature red oak and maple trees, and water that kind of moved throughout the property,” said Hagberg. Some of the best sand in the United States from Ohio was brought in and used on the 56 bunkers throughout the course.

A picturesque tour quality course of over 7,100 yards was born.

“There was a commitment, from day one, for The Classic to be just golf,” said Hagberg. There would be no surrounding residential development or non-golf events held at the course. “It was the whole intention that it would be a place that you could come with a foursome and have a great day of golf.” $V WKH FRXUVH HYROYHG ZRRGHQ ȠODJ sticks and wooden rakes were added, as well as professional caddy services.

Recognized on a national scale, the

course has been named to Golf Digest's Top 100 Resort Golf Courses for 20 years and named a 5-star course by Golf Week for over 15 years.

The anniversary will be celebrated at the resort this year with special PHUFKDQGLVH DQQLYHUVDU\ ȠODJV RQ WKH course and a 25th anniversary scotch.

Hagberg has been with The Classic for 18 years. He says year in and year out, day in and day out he enjoys meeting the people that have traveled all over the country to play The Classic. “It truly is a destination.”

He credits the three generations of the Thuringer family, down to current COO Ben Thuringer and CSMO Abbey Pieper, for the lasting success of the course.

“That's three generations continuing to uphold the vision of what The Classic was supposed to be,” he says. “Everything about The Classic has always been top quality. It's had an amazing 25 years.”

2022 BRAINERD LAKES AREA GOLF GUIDE | 9

Charity plays a big role in lakes area golf Golf is a game of giving in the lakes area.

Throughout the summer, courses across the Brainerd lakes area host golf fundraising tournaments for non-profits.

A popular place to hold these

BY CONRAD events is Cragun’s ENGSTROM Legacy Courses Sports Writer in East Gull Lake.

Director of golf Jack Wawro estimates the Legacy Courses host 15 to 20 fundraising tournaments a season including the Brainerd Sports Boosters and the newly created Joe Haeg Invitational for Warrior Football.

“I think Cragun’s and the Legacy are heavily involved with Brainerd and to have them come here is awesome and exactly what we want,” Wawro said.

Wawro was also the director of golf at Grand View Lodge for 20 years prior to joining the Legacy last year and has seen how these tournaments bring the community together.

“Brainerd being this big golf area, it’s important for us to support the community and have these organizations come out and play some golf,” Wawro said. “Obviously, that’s a fun thing to do and to raise some money while doing it. We want to support the community and I think it’s great to give these organizations an avenue to fundraise while having fun doing it.”

It’s not just the resort courses, however. Cuyuna Rolling Hills in Deerwood hosts its fair share of fundraising events including the

popular CRMC Driving for Hospice which raises money for cancer patients. This coming season the tournament is scheduled for June 17.

“I believe people are good and goodhearted,” Cuyuna Rolling Hills owner Terry Thompson said. “People like to help a cause and support it. If you are helping out the hospice it’s a good feeling.”

Cuyuna Rolling Hills hosts roughly 16 fundraising tournaments including the Crosby Sports Boosters as well as a tournament for Aitkin County law enforcement.

“We discount our golf and we discount our food for those events so they have a good chance of making money,” Thompson said. “Most of those tournaments, depending on how they are run, will raise a couple of thousand dollars, but we’ve had tournaments that have raised almost $30,000. I think it’s important, and from our perspective, we need to be a part of the community and a good citizen. It also helps the golf course and gives it good exposure.”

Thompson, himself, hopes to get some foursomes together and travel to some fundraisers and golf events this year.

“I try to take some of my crew and go to golf some of these tournaments that are fundraisers,” he said.

What makes fundraising tournaments popular is they are usually less competitive than league play. Tournaments are usually four-person scramble or best ball which suits all ages and abilities.

Tournaments also get packed with 130 people for some events.

“The one benefit I like is when someone is starting out a small tournament and they don’t know how it’s going to go or how they are

10 | 2022 BRAINERD LAKES AREA GOLF GUIDE

going to attract these people and over the years it just grows and grows and becomes a gigantic tournament,” Wawro said. “The other part is the camaraderie of it. Getting everyone huddled together before they go out to play golf and there’s that buzz and then afterward about who’s winning and who’s not. The truth is, with these groups there’s not a huge emphasis on competitive golf. They are there to support their group and play some golf.”

Thompson added: “What I think it does is it creates golf as a fun activity. Most of these are four-person scrambles, so it’s a lot of people who aren’t avid golfers or good golfers who come out and want to have a good time. They aren’t really worried about their score and they want to have a good time. You get a range of really good golfers in these tournaments to people who golf once a year and it’s awesome because it exposes people to the game without any real pressure on them.”

The Legacy Courses will host a PGA Tour Canada event called the CRMC Championship for the first time in August which provides even more charity opportunities to give back to the lakes area community.

“For the CRMC Championship, the No. 1 goal is charity in the community,” Wawro said, who is the CRMC Championship tournament director. “It’s a community event that will benefit these companies and the area itself. It’s going to bring money in, but it’s also going to go right into the community and that’s the goal of the tournament.”

CONRAD ENGSTROM may be reached at 218-855-5861 or conrad.engstrom@ brainerddispatch.com. Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/the_rad34.

SPONSORED CONTENT | GOLDEN EAGLE GOLF CLUB

Golf is for everyone at Golden Eagle Golf Club

We may have had a tough time shaking winter this year, but Aaron Johnson, director of golf and grounds at Golden Eagle Golf Club, says there is already much to be H[FLWHG DERXW WKLV VHDVRQ DW WKH FRXUVH 7KH SHUIHFW ZD\ WR NLFN RȞI D QHZ \HDU LV by adding a few new pieces to your golf wardrobe so you can look good while you play. Make a trip to the Golden Eagle pro shop and check out the new arrivals in both apparel and accessories.

New clothing lines are now available for sale. Check out the trendy new colors and patterns from Waggle, Greg Norman, Under Armor and FootJoy. New accessories available include a variety of towels, golf balls and tees to make your golf game even better.

Another new addition to Golden Eagle this year is Ben Kline, who will take on the role of clubhouse manager. With many years H[SHULHQFH LQ WKH JROI EXVLQHVV .OLQH LV WKH perfect addition to the friendly and helpful VWDȞI :LWK %HQ V NQRZOHGJH RI WKH JDPH DQG background in merchandising, Golden Eagle is set up for a great 2022 season.

“We are always focused on continuing

our high standards of maintenance on the course,” says Johnson, noting the greens will be ready to go as soon as the weather cooperates. “We may have a later spring this VHDVRQ EXW ZH UH JHWWLQJ UHDOO\ H[FLWHG IRU the course to open and see everyone again.

We had a phenomenal year last year for our 20th anniversary, and we're going to build RȞI WKDW PRPHQWXP E\ DGGLQJ D EXQFK RI new options in our clubhouse.”

Golden Eagle Golf Club was named the bronze medal winner in the Star Tribune's 2021 Minnesota's Best competition for Best Golf Course in the state. We couldn't be more thankful to all of our employees, members and guests that helped us gain this recognition.

“Our primary focus is on our attention to service and customer satisfaction,” says Johnson. “We take a tremendous sense of SULGH LQ WKDW :H JR WKH H[WUD PLOH WR PDNH sure we do everything possible to make sure everyone is having an enjoyable time.”

The club's restaurant is open and stocked with sandwiches, hot dogs, pizza and all the beverages you need for your day on WKH FRXUVH :LWK D IULHQGO\ H[SHULHQFHG

VWDȞI DQG D EHYHUDJH FDUW UXQQLQJ RQ WKH ZHHNHQGV \RX DUH VXUH WR ȑQG ZKDW \RX need both in the restaurant and on the course.

Located a short 10 minute drive north of Crosslake, Golden Eagle is the perfect place to bring the whole family or a group of friends for a day of golf. Whether you are planning a casual outing or something more VHULRXV WKH FRXUVH RȞIHUV D IXQ FKDOOHQJH IRU DOO VNLOO OHYHOV ǘ:H KDYH ȑYH GLȞIHUHQW WHH ER[HV VR \RX FDQ WHH RȞI IURP ȑYH VHSDUDWH locations on every hole,” said Johnson. “It can be challenging but you can also tailor your game to your needs, whether there's a new golfer in your group or someone very H[SHULHQFHG Ǚ 0DNH VXUH WR FKHFN RXW WKH ZHEVLWH IRU VWD\ DQG SOD\ RȞIHUV DQG JURXS golf outings.

To book your tee time today go to the website www.golfgoldeneagle.com or call the pro shop at 218-763-4653.

Keep up to date with everything happening at Golden Eagle Golf Club on Facebook at Golden Eagle Golf Club, on Twitter follow @goldeneaglegc, or check them out on Instagram @goldeneglemn.

2021 BRONZE MEDAL WINNER MN BEST GOLF COURSE

16146 West Eagle Lake Road • Fifty Lakes, MN 56448 • 218-763-4653

www.g olf golde n e agle . com

Twitter: @goldeneaglegc Facebook: facebook.com/GoldenEagleGolfClub Instagram: goldeneaglemn

www.northco.com 2022 BRAINERD LAKES AREA GOLF GUIDE | 11

SPONSORED CONTENT | PINE RIDGE GOLF CLUB

Pine Ridge Golf Club owners celebrate 10 seasons

Lance and Tonya Enneking were entrepreneurs looking for a new challenge when they purchased Pine Ridge Golf Club near Motley in July of 2013.

The couple, along with their children, have worked hard to keep the golf course, clubhouse and restaurant in admirable condition to provide an LGHDO H[SHULHQFH IRU PHPEHUV DQG guests.

This summer, as the Enneking family starts their 10th golf season as owners, they feel good when looking back at the progress that has been made.

“The biggest thing is that we're constantly investing in the course to make it better, like in 2020 when we purchased all new carts or the year we changed our 12th hole,” 7RQ\D H[SODLQHG ǘ:H ZRUN KDUG DQG people tell us they can see that we're doing upgrades. Besides improving our facility and course, our goal is to provide quality customer service.”

Pine Ridge is a family-run business run by Lance and Tonya, and their children Danielle, Brady and Ellie.

Danielle does the kitchen, advertising and event planning. Brady does outside service work, helps in the pro shop and gives lessons. Ellie helps wherever she can — from doing dishes to stocking and food prep. Other family members have also helped out.

“Lance and Brady both golf,” Tonya

said. “Brady went to Keiser School of Golf olf in Florida, Florida and will soon be giving lessons in his new building on the driving range.”

As for the golf course, Pine Ridge has 18 holes situated on 213 acres of scenic property. The public course RȞIHUV \DUGV RI FKDPSLRQVKLS golf, and is located in the heart of the Lincoln Lakes Recreational Area FORVH WR SRSXODU ODNHV OLNH $OH[DQGHU Shamineau and Fish Trap.

“We get a lot of play from people who are staying at the resorts or seasonal cabin owners,” Tonya said.

“We're also centrally located — 25 PLQXWHV IURP %D[WHU %UDLQHUG DQG miles from Little Falls. People tell us that Pine Ridge is the best kept secret around. Some people tell us they've driven by the course many times, but never stopped to play. But once they play it, they like it.”

Pine Ridge is unique because of its hilly course carved out of a forest of mature trees.

“A lot of golf courses in the area are ȠODW EXW ZH KDYH D ORW RI HOHYDWLRQ changes,” Tonya said. “Some holes have a drop as much as 125 feet. There's also plenty of space on our course as the holes are spread out. You don't need to worry about crossing over other fairways.”

12 | 2022 BRAINERD LAKES AREA GOLF GUIDE

Pine Ridge P is aalso home to many tournaments and leagues. leagu “We have Tuesday and Thursday men's league with a variety of younger and older golfers,” Tonya said. “We also have a couples league on Wednesdays and a women's league on Monday mornings.”

And when golf is done, Pine Ridge has inside and outside options for gatherings. There's a full restaurant and bar, a banquet room for weddings and reunions and outdoor seating.

The facility is also available for private parties.

“Our restaurant is seasonal and opens each May,” Tonya said. “We're known for hand-breaded fried chicken and our pork ribs with homemade barbecue sauce.”

3LQH 5LGJH DOVR RȞIHUV 5LGJH Rewards, which are given for qualifying purchases — like in our restaurant and pro shop. We also have D VSHFLDO PHPEHUVKLS RȞIHU WKLV \HDU WR celebrate our 10th season.”

Pine Ridge is promoted as a “high quality course without the high prices.”

The course, which was established in 1993, caters to all levels of players.

“We kept the name Pine Ridge when we bought the course,” Tonya said. “The FRXUVH ZDV SUREDEO\ QDPHG DȻWHU D ELJ ridge of pine trees along Hole No. 1.”

SPONSORED CONTENT | TIANNA COUNTRY CLUB

Tianna Country Club Let’s make more!

100 years, 1,000 memories

In 2022, Tianna Country Club in Walker is celebrating 100 years of golf and great times. It's the place to play D UHOD[LQJ JDPH RI JROI ZLWK LWV VFHQLF IDLUZD\V DQG beautiful greens.

2SHQ WR WKH SXEOLF WKH FRXUVH RȞIHUV H[FLWLQJ KROHV practice facility, pro shop and bar and grill. Tianna has entertained generations. Visitors return to enjoy the opportunity to socialize and test their skills every year.

7LDQQD &RXQWU\ &OXE RȞIHUV VR PXFK PRUH WKDQ SOD\ RQ WKH FRXUVH :KHQ \RX YH ȑQLVKHG D URXQG VLW EDFN DQG relive your best shots on the deck or in the clubhouse while sampling our delicious menu. Dining options include breakfast sandwiches for early morning play, salads, sandwiches, wraps and burgers for lunch or dinner.

If you're looking to meet others who share your love of the game, join one of our many leagues. A variety of PHPEHUVKLSV DUH DYDLODEOH WR ȑW HYHU\ JROIHU V VFKHGXOH 2022 is the year to make Tianna Country Club your perfect destination this summer.

Tips FROM A PRO

Chipping Ryan Sharpe — Lead Instructor Chris Foley Golf Schools When setting up for a chip shot I want to make sure the club bottoms past the ball. I set up with about 70% of the weight on my lead foot and keep it that way throughout the swing.

Open to The Public 18 Beautiful Holes • Practice Facility • Memberships • Leagues • Bar & Restaurant 7470 State 34 NW, Walker (2 Miles South) 218.547.1712 • www.tianna.com 2022 BRAINERD LAKES AREA GOLF GUIDE | 13

COURSE EVENTS MAY

May 1 - Palisade Snowmobile Club Scramble, Emily Greens Golf Course 0D\ 6UL[RQ DQG &OHYHODQG 'HPR Day, The Classic at Madden's 0D\ 7KH +RXȞI 7KH 3LQHV

June 26 - Couples Golf Nite, Crosswoods Golf Course June 26 - Workman Township Golf Outing, Minnesota National Golf Club

JULY

-XO\ %D\ /DNH *DUULVRQ /LRQV *ROI Scramble, Ruttger's Bay Lake Lodge

Aug. 5 - MN Junior PGA Golf Tournament, Minnesota National Golf Club $XJ 0DF V 5ROO 2ȞI Cuyuna Rolling Hills Aug. 7 - Pillager Booster Golf Club Tournament, Pine Beach West

SEPTEMBER

Sept. 1 - Lehman Grand Opening, Cragun's Legacy Courses Sept. 3 - On Course Concert, Cragun's Legacy Courses

Aug. 7 - Evan Olson Memorial, The Pines

Sept. 5 - Labor Day Shamble, Cragun's Legacy Courses

July 15 - MN Teen Challenge, The Pines

Aug. 7 - Team Gilboa Athletic Scholarship 2nd Annual Pro Am Tournament, Crosswoods Golf Course

Sept. 6-7 - MGA Net Team Championship, The Pines and The Preserve

July 17 - The Dutch and Irma, Cragun's Legacy Courses

Aug. 7 - Bann's Annual Golf Event, Minnesota National Golf Club

July 17 - Emily Day Go Low for Dough, Emily Greens Golf Course

Aug. 8 - Ladies Invitational, Minnesota National Golf Club

Sept. 10 - Cheddar, Cuyuna Rolling Hills

July 17 - Pine River-Backus Sports Boosters, Emily Greens Golf Course

Aug. 12 - Deerwood Open, Cuyuna Rolling Hills

Sept. 10 - The Green Jacket Open, Emily Greens Golf Course

July 17 - Hard Water Invitational, Cuyuna Rolling Hills

Aug. 13-14 - Club Championship Weekend, Cragun's Legacy Courses

July 17-18 - The Classic at Madden's Pro-Am, The Classic at Madden's

Sept. 16 - Deerwood Technologies, Cuyuna Rolling Hills

Aug. 14 - GVL Club Championship, The Pines

June 6 - MN PGA State Open 4XDOLȑHU 7KH 3UHVHUYH

July 19 - Brainerd Amateur Hockey Foundation Golf Tournament, The Classic at Madden's

Aug. 14 - Forgotten Heroes Golf Fundraiser, Minnesota National Golf Club

June 10 - Crosby Sports Boosters, Cuyuna Rolling Hills

July 20 - Junior Golf Camp, Crosswoods Golf Course

Aug. 18 - Men's Holder, Cuyuna Rolling Hills

June 15 - Jr. MN PGA Event, Cuyuna Rolling Hills

July 22 - Riverwood Healthcare Golf Outing, Minnesota National Golf Club

Aug. 19 - Triton Wealth, Cuyuna Rolling Hills

May 7 - 2-Person Tough Pin, Cuyuna Rolling Hills May 20 - Fussbusters, Cuyuna Rolling Hills May 21 - Spring Fling Go Low for Dough, Emily Greens Golf Course May 22-23 - Legacy Pro Am, Cragun's Legacy Courses May 28 - 16th Annual Memorial Weekend Parent Child Tournament, Pine Beach East May 29 - Legacy Spring Challenge 6-6-6, Cragun's Legacy Courses

JUNE

June 4 - Callaway Demo Day, The Classic at Madden's

June 17 - CRMC Driving for Hospice, Cuyuna Rolling Hills

July 13 - Cuyuna Chamber, Cuyuna Rolling Hills

July 23 - MN Putting Championship, The Pines

Aug. 20-21 - Club Championship, Cuyuna Rolling Hills

-XQH &DPS &RQȑGHQFH &ODVVLF The Classic at Madden's

July 24 - Member Guest, The Pines

Aug. 21 - Club Championship, Minnesota National Golf Club

June 19 - One Person Gamble, Cragun's Legacy Courses

July 24 - McGregor Chamber Golf Fundraiser, Minnesota National Golf Club

Aug. 24 - Ladies Holder, Cuyuna Rolling Hills

June 19 - One Person Scramble, Cuyuna Rolling Hills June 19-20 - Grand View Lodge MN PGA Pro-Am, The Pines and The Preserve June 22 - Junior Golf Camp, Crosswoods Golf Course

July 28 - The Valor Cup Sponsored by the Veteran Valor Farm, Emily Greens Golf Course July 31 - Member Guest and Cruise, Cragun's Legacy Courses

AUGUST

June 24 - Jaques Art Center Tournament, Crosswoods Golf Course

Aug. 1-3 - MN PGA Junior ‘Sota Series Match Play Championship, The Pines

June 26 - Block North Scramble, Cuyuna Rolling Hills

Aug. 5 - Ranger Classic, Cuyuna Rolling Hills

14 | 2022 BRAINERD LAKES AREA GOLF GUIDE

Aug. 26 - Mike Wilder Memorial Golf Tournament, Crosswoods Golf Course Aug. 26 - Pink Ribbon Cupboard Golf Event Aug. 26 - 5th Annual Vern Wehage Golf Classic, Emily Greens Golf Course Aug. 28 - Couples Golf Nite, Crosswoods Golf Course Aug. 31 - Ladies Invitational, Cuyuna Rolling Hills

Sept. 9 - Aitkin County Law Enforcement, Cuyuna Rolling Hills

Sept. 17 - The 16th Annual Gary Stiner Ironman Classic, Emily Greens Golf Course Sept. 22 - Nisswa Chamber, The Pines Sept. 25 - Fish and Golf Tournament, The Pines Sept. 25 - Classic 666 Shootout EHQHȑWLQJ %UDLQHUG 6SRUWV %RRVWHUV The Classic at Madden's Sept. 25 - First Annual Minnesota National Pro-Am, Minnesota National Golf Club

OCTOBER

Oct. 1 - Chilly Challenge, Pine Beach West

Oct. 2 - Legacy Fall Challenge, Cragun's Legacy Courses Oct. 8 - Ironman 1-Person Scramble, Cuyuna Rolling Hills Oct. 9 - One Person Scramble, Cragun's Legacy Courses Oct. 15-16 - Ironman, The Preserve

SSPONSORED CONTENT | CRAGUN’S LEGACY COURSES

Cragun’s Legacy Courses to host the CRMC Championship It's been a long winter and we can't be DQ\ PRUH H[FLWHG WR VWDUW WKH JROI VHDVRQ DW Cragun's Legacy Courses.

Last season, we started a $10 million dollar JROI FRXUVH H[SDQVLRQ DQG UHQRYDWLRQ OHG in partnership with PGA Tour legend Tom /HKPDQ 7KLV SURMHFW LV WDNLQJ WKH H[LVWLQJ 36 holes and using the over 600 acres of property to form the Lehman 18 and Dutch 27 golf courses.

Every hole has been reimagined with the FXVWRPHUV SOD\LQJ H[SHULHQFH LQ PLQG ǔ changes such as white sand bunkers, green contours, larger fairways, shorter forced FDUULHV H[WHQGHG FKLSSLQJ DUHDV DURXQG WKH greens and much more.

Jack Wawro, director of golf, said, “This project will greatly improve the playability of the golf course and allow all skill levels to enjoy their round of golf.” :H UH H[FLWHG WR DQQRXQFH WKH FRPSOHWHG White 9 will open this May along with the grand opening of the Lehman 18 this September. The new Lehman 18

also is complemented by two housing developments, Legacy Pointe and Legacy Ridge. These 69 elevated building sites provide a golf course view with a true Minnesota backdrop almost anywhere you can look. Homeowners in these developments are included as members of our Cragun's Resort Club. Ownership will also allow for a discounted golf membership and the ability to join the Boat Club on Gull Lake. If you're looking for a beautiful place to live along with everything WKLV DUHD KDV WR RȞIHU SOHDVH YLVLW RXU UHDO HVWDWH ZHEVLWH DW FUDJXQV FRP UHDOHVWDWH This August, Cragun's is thrilled to be hosting the CRMC Championship SUHVHQWHG E\ *HUWHQV 7KLV LV WKH ȑUVW 3*$ Tour Canada event to ever be held in the United States. The 150+ players will be competing for their chance to move up the rankings and eventually compete on the PGA Tour. Tournament week will consist of not only great tour level golf but many other community events such as the charity

cruise on Gull Lake, the Clow Stamping Saturday Night Jam concert, and our VIP tent overlooking #18 green. Please join us for some fun in August while supporting our CRMC charities and showcasing the Brainerd lakes area.

Cragun's Legacy Courses is truly on the move to become Minnesota's premier golf facility. Along with our championship golf FRXUVHV ZH RȞIHU D ZRQGHUIXO KROH VKRUW FRXUVH DQG IXOO SUDFWLFH IDFLOLW\ $ȻWHU D GD\ RQ WKH FRXUVH HQMR\ D PHDO DQG FUDȻW EHHU at the Legacy Grille in the 35,000-squarefoot Legacy Clubhouse. Open to the public year-round, the Legacy Grille features local brews on tap with a variety of delectable menu items in a sports bar-style setting.

Golfers can also check out our pro shop with all the latest trends in golf available. We RȞIHU D YDULHW\ RI PHPEHUVKLS RSWLRQV DORQJ with leagues and events for all skill levels.

For additional information, call our golf shop at 218-825-2789 or visit our website at craguns.com.

2022 BRAINERD LAKES AREA GOLF GUIDE | 15

Gravel Pit Golf provides something new to lakes area golf community The lakes area has a new golf destination.

Gravel Pit Golf opens this season and provides a 13-hole par 3 course with a 13-hole extreme putting course. The course is designed by lakes area icon Scott

BY CONRAD Hoffmann who was ENGSTROM the architect of The Classic at Madden’s.

Sports Writer Nate Toumi owns the property on Gull River Road and wanted to turn it into a golf course after his son, Sam Toumi, came back from a trip where he played a 13-hole par 3 course in Wisconsin.

Chuck Klecatsky was hired to run the golf course. Klecatsky spent the previous 24 years at Cragun’s Legacy Courses which can be seen from the clubhouse of the Gravel Pit. “We started construction last spring and it’s going to be exciting to get people out here and playing golf and enjoying the property,” Klecatsky said. “It’s a beautiful setting. It’s got wetlands, water, a lot of elevation changes and we are excited to get people seeing that.”

Thirteen holes provide something different for someone who wants more than nine holes, but doesn’t want to play 18. The shortest hole will be 60 yards with the longest hole playing over 200 yards.

“What’s exciting is we are bringing something different to Brainerd,”

Klecatsky said. “We have a number of par 3 golf courses in the area that are fun to play, but we have a site here that has a lot of elevation changes and we’ve created a lot of creative greens that have a lot of slope and aren’t super challenging, but will challenge even the best putters. We think golfers of any ability will be able to enjoy the facilities.

We have two sets of tee markers as well as a junior set of tees, so we think people can play some par 3s and maybe get some holes in ones and make some memories.

“There’s a lot of good shot-making out there. People will find that they need to hit a lot of clubs in their bag and once we get to the green you are not done. There are a lot of slopes and undulations on them that will challenge players to make par.

GRAVEL PIT: Page 18 16 | 2022 BRAINERD LAKES AREA GOLF GUIDE

SPONSORED CONTENT | WHITEFISH GOLF CLUB

A fun challenge in lake country 7KH :KLWHȑVK *ROI &OXE PD\ QRW be located on one of the big resorts in the north country, but it's one of the most well-known courses in the region. Once you spend the day on its spectacular greens, like other vacationers and weekend cabin residents you will be back again and again.

Voted four and half stars by *ROI 'LJHVW :KLWHȑVK *ROI &OXE RȞIHUV VFHQLF JUHHQV WKDW hold fun play for beginners with a few challenges for the more seasoned veterans of the game.

Bogey's Bar and Grill has the perfect accompaniment ZKHQ LW V WLPH WR ZLQG GRZQ DȻWHU your round. Sit outside, or inside, while you enjoy one of the many items on the menu or the “special of the day.” The full bar will surely have

something that will hit the spot.

One of the area's most quality golf FRXUVHV WKH :KLWHȑVK *ROI &OXE LV D hidden gem located just seven miles

from Pequot Lakes and 10 miles from &URVVODNH 7KH FRXUVH ȑUVW RSHQHG LQ 1968 with just nine holes but proved to be so popular another nine were added in 1983.

Open to the public, the course RȞIHUV D VRFLDO UHOD[HG RXWLQJ RQ a scenic tree-lined course and the perfect place for friends to gather.

Choose a spontaneous DȻWHUQRRQ RXWLQJ RU D ZHHNO\ date as a league member. :KLWHȑVK RȞIHUV VRPHWKLQJ for everyone with groups for women, men and couples.

Various membership packages are available for purchase either online or from the pro shop that ȑW WKH QHHGV RI HYHU\ member. If you have a young golfer in the family, junior memberships are available DV ZHOO DV WKRVH WKDW RȞIHU WZLOLJKW play or unlimited time on the course. %RRN D WHH WLPH DW :KLWHȑVK *ROI &OXE DW ZKLWHȑVKJROI FRP RU FDOO 218-543-4900.

\RX UH JRLQJ WR OLNH LW KHUH A beautifully maintained 18-hole Par 72 golf course cut out of the pine and hardwoods forest of central Minnesota.

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( -2022 BRAINERD LAKES AREA GOLF GUIDE | 17

Tips FROM A PRO

GRAVEL PIT From Page 16 The clubhouse sits on top of a hill that looks out to all 13 holes of the Gravel Pit. Inside the clubhouse will be a pro shop as well as a bar and grill which will serve typical golf course food and beverages.

A patio with a fireplace will be placed in front of the clubhouse which Klecatsky hopes will be a hangout spot for people to watch friends and family finish their rounds at the Gravel Pit. “The golf course is walkable, but we will have golf carts as well,” Klecatsky said. “People can check-in and enjoy the course, the putting green and the bocce ball. We have memberships available and are selling bundles of rounds and we will most likely have leagues as well.”

To the right of the clubhouse when facing the course is the 13-hole extreme course which is inspired by the putting course at St. Andrews in Scotland. To the left is an area to play bocce ball.

“We wanted to offer a couple of opportunities for people who want to come out and either play golf or people who don’t play golf,” Klecatsky said. “We added the bocce ball courts and putting course so that people could experience the facility even if they didn’t have time to play the par 3 course.”

The Gravel Pit also has a place near the clubhouse where they can host public events like concerts and weddings.

“We have the golf course, but we have a nice setting that overlooks the wetlands and we got an event area where people could host a wedding or a concert,” Klecatsky said. For our grand opening, May 13 we have a band lined up and some food trucks so hopefully people will come out and check out the facility.”

Having someone like Hoffmann attracted to this project is a big deal to Klecatsky.

“Scott Hoffmann is a great designer and obviously the work he did at The Classic has really helped make Brainerd a spot on the national golf map,” Klecatsky said. “So when he came on to our project and helped us find a routing that maximizes the experience of a gravel pit it was really fun to work with. He’s a student of golf architecture history and brought a lot of those design features into our green sites and that’s what I really want people to see.”

CONRAD ENGSTROM may be reached at 218-855-5861 or conrad.engstrom@ brainerddispatch.com. Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/the_rad34.

Don’t force speed, just let it happen Logan Jackson - Head Golf Professional Cragun's No matter the time of year it seems as though the search for more distance is something all players are looking for. Yet many times it seems the more we try and force ourselves to hit it farther the shorter it goes.

When I watch players that try to create VSHHG WKHUH DUH WKUHH FRPPRQ ȠODZV , VHH RFFXU ZLWKLQ WKH VZLQJ 7KH ȑUVW LV added tension in the hands and forearms.

The second is incorrectly initiating the downswing, and the third is the loss of space through impact. Just one of these or a combination of all three can lead to loss of distance and most of all inconsistent direction.

When we step into a shot with a ǘVZLQJ KDUG PHQWDOLW\Ǚ LW RȻWHQ EHJLQV E\ JULSSLQJ WLJKWHU DQG ȠOH[LQJ WKH forearm muscles, creating a great deal of tension throughout the hands and arms.

If increased speed is the goal, it should begin with a lighter grip. The old saying of holding the club like a bird comes into play, we should hold the club tight HQRXJK IRU LW WR QRW JHW DZD\ EXW VRȻW enough that it isn't harmed. $V WKH VZLQJ JRHV LQWR PRWLRQ RXU QH[W area of improvement is in the transition.

No matter the position at the top, the club should work down on the line it moved up on. The error that typically occurs is the player aggressively lashes at the ball, causing quick rotation of the shoulders and leading to an over the top motion.

When the club changes direction, all the speed generated at the top is reduced.

To improve, the key checkpoint to look for when initiating the downswing is

18 | 2022 BRAINERD LAKES AREA GOLF GUIDE

that the bottom part of the grip leads the way. A good practice routine is to grip a ORQJ LURQ LQ WKH PLGGOH RI WKH VKDȻW DQG pay attention to wear the grip points throughout the swing. From the top down is the most important piece. If the body rotates out in the transition, the grip will point toward your body and most of all across the target line. The correct position to be in is the grip driving towards the ball until waist height where it progresses to point down the target line.

The last piece of this distance puzzle SLJJ\EDFNV RȞI RI WKH SUHYLRXV WLS DQG emphasizes the correction of a move in the transition, which leads to inconsistent results. Paired with initial aggressive shoulder rotation on the way down, it seems as though most players have the tendency to in some way to move towards the golf ball in the downswing. The most common and most easily noticeable check point is the right knee bending and pointing toward the ball just before and through impact. In this situation the body has rotated out towards the ball and typically down towards it as well, causing a reduction of space through the hitting DUHD 0DQ\ H[SHULHQFH IDW RU WKLQ VKRWV with irons and the dreaded slice with the driver. A way to improve this is by having the right heel stay on the ground as long as possible in the downswing, and by simply placing a tee, club, or alignment rod under your foot during a practice session, one can easily feel themselves stay more in their posture, and most of all allow the club to freely swing through impact.

SPONSORED CONTENT | EMILY GREENS

It’s all about fun on the golf course When you come out to play a round of golf, your main goal is to have some fun while enjoying the great outdoors. At Emily Greens, they recognize this and do everything they can to set you up to have the best time possible. From the time you walk in the clubhouse to the time you drive out, their goal is to do all the little things so you can go home and feel JRRG DERXW ZKDW \RX H[SHULHQFHG DW WKH course.

Every person walking through the door is welcomed and treated as a valued FXVWRPHU :H KDYH DOO KDG H[SHULHQFHV where we did not feel welcomed or where you were made to feel like you were doing the business a favor by being there.

Not at Emily Greens — the golfer is at the KHDUW RI WKHLU HȞIRUWV Out on the golf course, the course has always been maintained well. It is a beautiful northwoods course where \RX FDQ VWLOO ȑQG \RXU EDOO HDVLO\ ,I \RX happen to hit a bad shot and are looking

IRU D EDOO D PDLQWHQDQFH VWDȞI PHPEHU just might swing by to help you look if he or she is in the area. Who does that? It is all a part of their philosophy and focus on the players having a great time. Who likes to lose a ball? Nobody.

A part of having a great time on the course is the memories you make while playing golf. Emily Greens features the ODUJHVW JUHHQ LQ WKH VWDWH DQG WKH VHOȑHV WDNHQ DV SOD\HUV DUH FRPLQJ RȞI WKH WK green show up on Facebook all the time.

The 11th hole is one of the prettiest Par 3s in the Brainerd lakes area. Great Places Minnesota included the 17th hole at Emily Greens as one of its “Great 18.”

Family outings with three or even four JHQHUDWLRQV RQ WKH ȑUVW WHH FUHDWHV WKDW Hallmark moment that becomes a part of a family's legacy that will be relived at the family get togethers for years to come.

In 2018 and 2019, Emily Greens was voted the No. 1 course in the Best of the Brainerd Lakes contest sponsored by the

Brainerd Dispatch. Many things factor into achieving this award. The fact it's a IXQ DQG DȞIRUGDEOH JROI FRXUVH FRPELQHG ZLWK D FXVWRPHU ȑUVW DSSURDFK JRHV D long way in coming out on top with the public.

Dan Loken, PGA pro, has been giving lessons at Emily Greens for 12 years and has great lesson packages that can help tune up and improve your game. A few better shots each round leads to lower scores which in turn leads to more fun on the golf course. A driving range and putting green rounds out the practice facility where you can work on every part of your game.

Emily Greens is a great course to come out and play with your spouse, the guys, the girls, the work group or the family.

Whether you are a novice or a low handicapper, you will come away with your own memories and stories.

Tee times can be made by calling the clubhouse at 218-763-2169.

VOTED #1 BEST GOLF B F COURSE

DO NOT CUT OUT

Buy One, Get One

FREE!

Best of the Brainerd Lakes 2018 & 2019 Brai B 019

GREEN FEES: Buy one at the regular rate, get one free.

Come see why a fun, affordable course was voted #1!

Friendly Course Conditions Friendly Rates • Friendly Staff Friendly to Family Golfers

Not valid Sat., Hol. Weekends, the week of July 4th or with specials or discounts.

Expires 10/31/22

Can be used up to four times 1 2 3 4

Look to Emily Greens for all your golfing needs: Memberships starting at $375 Golf instruction by PGA Pro Dan Loken Course improvements every year Family or company outings & events

Home of Minnesota’s largest green!

It is all about Fun on the Golf Course

218-763-2169

1 mile west of Emily on Co. Rd. 1 8 miles NE of Crosslake

Show the guide and save

S Seniors P E Juniors C I A L S

Mon-Thur

9 Holes: $12 $18 w/cart

18 Holes: $18 $26 w/cart

16 and under

Same cost as Seniors Valid 7 days a week

Midweek Mon-Thur Earlybird Before 8 Twilight After 3

9 Holes: $12 $18 w/cart

18 Holes: $20 $29 w/cart

2022 BRAINERD LAKES AREA GOLF GUIDE | 19

Tips FROM A PRO

Green reading

Putting

Chris Foley of Chris Foley Golf Schools

Joseph Hollenback, Assistant Golf Professional, Ruttger's Bay Lake Resort

The way a ball moves on the putting green LV VLPSO\ WKH HȞIHFW RI JUDYLW\ *UDYLW\ PRYHV the ball in the direction of the low point.

Becoming a good green reader is developing the skill of identifying the direction of the slope of the green in relationship to the ball and then matching that slope with the proper speed of the putt.

The slope of the putt can be determined visually or with feel. The problem with only using our sight is that our eyes can fool us. The way a green lay in relation WR WKH WRSRJUDSK\ DURXQG LW DȞIHFWV WKH perception of how we see slope and can fool us. Some of the great golf course architects were masters at creating green VLJKWV WKDW ZHUH VORSHG GLȞIHUHQWO\ WKDQ WKH\ looked. Visually, things like the placement RI GUDLQDJH ER[HV DURXQG D JUHHQ VHHLQJ KRZ ZDWHU ȠORZV RȞI D JUHHQ DQG SD\LQJ attention to the overall slope of the green from the fairway will all help increase our awareness of the correct direction of slope.

Feel is the most reliable way to determine slope. If we have awareness of the way the green feels under our feet, we have a much more reliable way of determining the direction the ball will roll. As you walk around the green, pay attention to if you are walking uphill, downhill, or across the slope. If you walk from your ball to the hole pay attention to whether you are walking uphill or downhill. Stand behind the ball facing the hole. Which foot feels higher?

Gravity will move the ball in the direction of the lower foot. If the slope feels downhill the putt will be faster and the ball will break PRUH *UDYLW\ GRHV QRW DȞIHFW WKH GLUHFWLRQ the ball breaks as much on uphill putts EHFDXVH WKH EDOO KDV WR EH KLW PRUH ȑUPO\

My tip that I have for you is a putting GULOO WR JDLQ FRQȑGHQFH ZLWK VKRUW SXWWV It's a variation of the Clock Drill. You pick out four spots around a hole and put ball markers on the ground at three, four, and ȑYH IHHW DW WKH DQG SRVLWLRQV on a clock. You start by hitting the three IRRWHUV ȑUVW DQG ZRUNLQJ \RXU ZD\ EDFN WR WKH ȑYH IRRWHUV <RX QHHG WR PDNH DOO WKH WKUHH IRRWHUV ȑUVW LQ RUGHU WR PRYH WR four feet and then make all four footers WR PRYH WR ȑYH IHHW ,Q RUGHU WR FRPSOHWH the drill you need to make all the putts in order of length. First you need to make all four at three feet then all four at four feet DQG ODVWO\ DOO ȑYH DW ȑYH IHHW ,I \RX PLVV

DQ\ SXWW \RXU ȑUVW WKUHH IRRWHU RU ODVW ȑYH IRRWHU \RX PXVW VWDUW RYHU IURP WKH ȑUVW three footer and start again. This can be changed to make it more challenging by SXWWLQJ PDUNHUV DW IRXU VL[ DQG HLJKW feet away or add in a fourth spot like DGGLQJ D VL[ IRRWHU RQ WR P\ WKUHH IRXU DQG ȑYH IRRWHU DV DQ H[DPSOH 7KLV GULOO LV PHDQW WR EXLOG FRQȑGHQFH LQ \RXU VKRUW putting to cut down on those pesky three putts and be able to get up and down to make more pars. It also helps your whole putting game just by seeing the ball roll into the hole. Let me know if that needs any changes to be made to make it more concise or easier to understand.

Hitting irons Minnesota National Golf Club and Resort If you want to hit an iron with a lower trajectory, add some ZHLJKW WR \RXU OHȻW 5+ 3OD\HU VLGH DW DGGUHVV DQG PDNH VXUH WR WUDQVLWLRQ RȞI RI \RXU ULJKW VLGH WKURXJK WKH GRZQVZLQJ

The mature Pierz Golf Club Pie is aan aesthetic masterpiece. ma This remarkable Thi 9 hole course is one of the scenic marvels built by 75 men who worked for the Works Progress Administration (WPA) from 1932-1935.

Use this process to enhance your green reading skills.

• Pay attention to the overall slope of the green as you approach it from the fairway.

• Watch for visual clues of slope when you get on the green.

• As you walk to your ball, feel the direction of the slope under your feet.

• Stand behind the ball facing the hole to determine the proper aim.

• Matching up the line with the pace you are going to hit the putt.

• Commitment to your line and make the stroke.

Practice this process and your green reading skills and opportunity to make more putts will be enhanced!

20 | 2022 BRAINERD LAKES AREA GOLF GUIDE

603 Park Ave SE, Pierz, MN 56364 (320) 468-2662 | pierzmn.org

WE ARE ADDING ON!

Soon to be an 18 hole course! Opening 2024

SPONSORED CONTENT | CUYUNA ROLLING HILLS

Cuyuna Rolling Hills has a laidback, welcoming atmosphere Cuyuna Rolling Hills IRUPHUO\ &X\XQD &RXQWU\ &OXE KDV EHHQ LQ EXVLQHVV since 1923. It was formed by several local businessmen along with Cuyler Adams, whom the Cuyuna Range is QDPHG DȻWHU For many years Cuyuna Country Club was a membersonly golf club and had nine KROHV LW DOVR KDG D VKRRWLQJ trap range. In 1988 the back nine was added to make it an 18-hole golf course and the shooting range closed.

As time has gone by, the golf course went from membersonly to a public golf course where everyone is welcome.

In 2013, the Thompson family

purchased the golf course and changed the name to Cuyuna Rolling Hills. The name was chosen to describe the layout and design of the course as it is cut through the rolling hills of the Cuyuna range.

The front nine is more

open and it allows you to swing away, where the back nine is tighter and requires an accurate tee shot. The course was designed to be challenging, but in recent years, some changes have been made to accommodate

the casual golfer while keeping it a challenge for the avid golfer. We have worked H[WUHPHO\ KDUG WR NHHS JROI YHU\ DȞIRUGDEOH DW RXU FRXUVH From 2014 through 2021, the amount of golf rounds played at Cuyuna has doubled.

We attribute that to DȞIRUGDELOLW\ FRXUVH improvements and a very laidback welcoming atmosphere.

I believe we are the best buy in the Brainerd lakes area; many of our customers have told us for the price they paid, they can't believe our course is as nice as it is.

Come golf Cuyuna Rolling Hills and enjoy a very fun and scenic golf course.

CHAMPIONSHIP PAR 72 GOLF COURSE Book your tee time online or by phone 20% off for new memberships Leagues for all levels. Non-members welcome.

218-534-3489 www.cuyunarollinghillsgolf.com Located less than 20 minutes east of Brainerd 24410 State Highway 210 Deerwood, MN 2022 BRAINERD LAKES AREA GOLF GUIDE | 21

SPONSORED CONTENT | GRAND VIEW RESORT

THE PINES GOLF COURSE

Exciting changes are coming at Grand View Each year when spring rolls around, WKH H[FLWHPHQW EHJLQV DPRQJ JROIHUV UHDG\ IRU WKH ȑUVW WHH RȞI RI WKH \HDU 7KH JROI VWDȞI DW *UDQG 9LHZ 5HVRUW VSHQGV WKH RȞI VHDVRQ SODQQLQJ IRU WKH FRPLQJ \HDU DQG H[SORULQJ ZD\V to improve the courses. The Pines is a longtime favorite of guests at the resort and golfers throughout the region.

Grand View Resort has partnered with Bobby Jones Links to help with the renovation project and service training. This year a three-phase reconstruction project will begin.

Work will start at The Lakes course DQG FRQWLQXH WKH QH[W WZR \HDUV ZLWK The Marsh and The Woods both also seeing changes.

Each of the courses will see a major transformation to the bunkers during the project. Some bunkers will be removed, some will be improved, and others will be newly added to each of the three courses. Ohio white sand will be brought in and used on the bunkers. The playability, overall surfaces, and drainage on the courses will improve as a result.

The project's initial phase calls for the Lakes course to close a few weeks early, around the end of September, for work to begin. The Woods and The Marsh will remain open for golfers WR ȑQLVK RXW WKH VHDVRQ 3KDVH Two will move on to The Woods in the VSULQJ DQG WKH SURMHFW ZLOO ȑQLVK LQ WKH IDOO RI QH[W \HDU ZLWK WKH WKLUG DQG

22 | 2022 BRAINERD LAKES AREA GOLF GUIDE

ȑQDO SKDVH WDNLQJ SODFH RQ 7KH 0DUVK course.

Adam Haugen, director of golf for Grand View, stated, “This is a great investment for Grand View. The level of WKH JROI H[SHULHQFH ZLOO EH KHLJKWHQHG for our guests and members. We look forward to getting this project started.”

One of the nine-hole courses is typically closed in the spring and the fall for maintenance, so golfers at the 3LQHV DUH QRW H[SHFWHG WR H[SHULHQFH much of a change in playing schedules during the project. During the upcoming season and throughout the renovation and following the project, WKH VWDȞI DW *UDQG 9LHZ ZLOO FRQWLQXH providing golfers with the best golf H[SHULHQFH LQ WKH DUHD

SSPONSORED CONTENT | WILDWEDGE GOLF, MINI GOLF AND MAZE

An affordable golf outing for the whole family Sometimes you don't want to VSHQG WKH WLPH RU PRQH\ RQ DQ all day 18-hole golf outing. If you're ORRNLQJ IRU D IXQ JROI GD\ WKDW GRHVQ W WDNH DOO GD\ FKHFN RXW WKH par 3 golf course at Wildwedge Golf, Mini Golf and Maze in Pequot Lakes.

With nine scenic holes winding through the northwoods, along with plenty of sand and water, Wildwedge's beautifully landscaped course has all the features of a big course, perfect for the beginner JROIHU RU WKH H[SHULHQFHG JROIHU alike. Holes range from 75 yards to 175 yards, so you can use a variety of clubs and it's a great course to work RQ \RXU VKRUW JDPH DQG ZH DOO QHHG WKDW 7KHUH LV DOVR D GULYLQJ UDQJH

so you can hit a bucket of balls to warm up before your round.

Even better, the reasonable rates DW :LOGZHGJH PDNH LW DQ DȞIRUGDEOH outing for the whole family to have a great day together. When you ȑQLVK WKH SDU WU\ RXW WKH IXQ DQG challenging mini golf course, rated the best in the state by Minnesota Monthly magazine. Then race each other on the 10,000-square-foot wooden maze. The Wildwedge )DPLO\ )XQ &RPSOH[ KDV VR PXFK WR RȞIHU LQFOXGLQJ DQ 59 SDUN and lodge rooms, that a trip to Wildwedge Golf, Mini Golf and Maze in the heart of lake country will become a treasured family tradition.

THE

• PA PAR AR 3 GOLF GO OLF • MINI GOLF GO OLLF • MAZE • RV PARK • DRIVING RANGE

For the female golfer, up your style game on the course with a Birdie Babe golf bag. Birdie Babe carries ladies’ golf bags and accessories such as gloves and towels in colorful designs that are designed and sold online at birdiebabegolf.com or purchased directly at Wildwedge at a discount designed by Wildwedge co-owner Jill Beyer. Check out her line of colorful, designer golf items at www.birdiebabegolf.com.

Wildwedge Golf, Mini Golf, Maze and RV Park was voted "Best Place for Summer Family Fun" in the Best of the Brainerd Lakes contest.

Check out pricing and other information at wildwedge.com or call 218-568-6995.

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2 MILES N OF PEQUOT LAKES ON HWY 371 NEXT TO AMERICINN 2022 BRAINERD LAKES AREA GOLF GUIDE | 23

SPONSORED CONTENT | BREEZY POINT

Golf the way you love it

Whether you are a beginner looking IRU D IXQ ȑUVW \HDU RI JROI RU D VHDVRQHG YHWHUDQ XS IRU D FKDOOHQJH JROȑQJ DW Breezy Point delivers.

Already, the 2022 golf season is shaping up to be a great one. “We're looking forward to a good year,” said Dave Gravdahl, general manager. “Our pro VWDȞI LV DOO UHWXUQLQJ DQG ZH KDYH D ORW RI packages coming in for the new season.

7KH FRXUVHV DUH DOO LQ H[FHOOHQW FRQGLWLRQ and early this summer a new water system will be added to the Traditional course.”

Mark Johnson is the director of golf at Breezy Point who has been with us \HDUV 2WKHU VWDȞI UHWXUQLQJ LV 1RODQ 7RȻW KHDG SUR DW WKH :KLWHELUFK DQG WKH Traditional courses, and Mark Neva at Deacon's Lodge, who has managed and been the head golf pro since Deacons opened in 1999. :KHWKHU \RX FKRRVH WR SOD\ D UHOD[LQJ and recreational round of golf or

something more challenging for the day, one of the three courses at Breezy Point ZLOO ȑW WKH ELOO Deacon's Lodge has everything you ZRXOG H[SHFW LQ D FRXUVH QDPHG E\ Arnold Palmer to honor his father, “Deek.”

Wetlands, lakes and woods enhance the layout to create one of the must-play courses in the state. Each of the 18 holes on the Par 72 course is better than the last.

3DOPHU V *ULOO DW 'HDFRQ V /RGJH RȞIHUV the perfect place to dine whether you're ȑQLVKLQJ KROHV RU MXVW ORRNLQJ IRU RQH RI the best meals around for lunch or dinner.

Whitebirch Golf Course is rich in history DQG GHOLJKW ,W ZDV WKH ȑUVW FKDPSLRQVKLS FRXUVH OD\RXW LQ WKH ODNHV DUHD 2ȞIHULQJ dynamite views combining trees, water and wetlands, it should be high on the list of courses to play for any golfer. Antler's 5HVWDXUDQW RȞIHUV DQ H[TXLVLWH YLHZ RI WKH beautiful greens and an interior design that is second to none. The restaurant serves everything from seafood and

24 | 2022 BRAINERD LAKES AREA GOLF GUIDE

VWHDNV WR OLJKWHU RȞIHULQJV DQG D IXOO EDU WR enjoy while recapping a successful day on the course.

The Traditional course at Breezy Point is rightly considered a gem. An enjoyable course that pleases golfers of every age, The Traditional course has been a longtime favorite with guests of the resort and locals, alike. We are happy to announce a renovation to the irrigation is in the works for the course this summer that will improve course conditions will enhance WKH JROIHU V H[SHULHQFH The pro shops and clubhouses at the Breezy Point courses carry the latest in DSSDUHO DQG RȞIHU D UHOD[HG DWPRVSKHUH IRU GRZQWRZQ DȻWHU \RXU URXQG RI JROI Come out today and enjoy one of the FRXUVHV DW %UHH]\ 3RLQW 5HVRUW <RX OO ȑQG rich green fairways and breathtaking views.

For more information on the courses and to schedule your tee time, go to breezypointresort.com.

SPONSORED CONTENT | NORTHWOOD HILLS GOLF

Unparalleled 18-hole golfing experience For more than 50 years Northwood Hills Golf Course has been the preferred tee time and a longtime staple of Garrison golf enthusiasts. This course has become quite popular among the nearby Brainerd golfers. The reason is simple. Northwood Hills Golf Course provides beautiful north wood scenery and a historic course that has been RȞIHULQJ D WUHPHQGRXV JROI H[SHULHQFH WR the Mille Lacs Lake community.

Prepare yourself for an unparalleled KROH SDU JROȑQJ DGYHQWXUH Measuring up to 6,300 yards, Northwood Hills is rewarding for golfers of any skill level to play with a course rating of 70 and a slope of 117 on beautiful bent grass. Designed by famed course architect Robert Murphy, Northwood

Hills Golf Course has been a Minnesota JROI JHP VLQFH LW ȑUVW RSHQHG LQ Northwood Hills will challenge you ZKLOH SURYLGLQJ D UHOD[LQJ SLFWXUHVTXH backdrop. Test your accuracy and improve your golf swing with fairways, water hazards and sand traps.

Northwood Hills’ goal is to provide you ZLWK D TXDOLW\ H[SHULHQFH WKDW LQFOXGHV H[FHSWLRQDO VHUYLFH DQG D FRPIRUWDEOH atmosphere. It is widely known as a facility where the entire family can enjoy a round of golf.

PLAY AND STAY

While making plans to golf at Northwood Hills, check out our sister resort, Appeldoorn's Sunset Bay, and turn LW LQWR DQ H[WHQGHG ZHHNHQG JHWDZD\

while enjoying scenic Mille Lacs Lake. In DGGLWLRQ WKH FORVH SUR[LPLW\ WR *UDQG Casino Mille Lacs means a change of pace is only a short drive away.

NORTHWOOD HILL'S MISSION

To provide an innovative and UHIUHVKLQJ SURGXFW WKDW RȞIHUV traditional and nontraditional golfers DQ HQMR\DEOH DȞIRUGDEOH DQG SUHPLHU JROI H[SHULHQFH WKURXJK H[FHSWLRQDO VHUYLFH ȑUVW FODVV SURIHVVLRQDOLVP DQG outstanding facilities. Northwood Hills aim is to enhance the recreational and social opportunities and add economic value to the surrounding area and communities for golfers and non-golfers DOLNH 8OWLPDWHO\ WKHVH HȞIRUWV ZLOO FUHDWH a legacy that will last for generations.

Premier Golf Around Mille Lacs Lake Pristine conditions, fabulous greens and unbeatable value!

Up North Golf • GPS Carts • Latest Equipment & Apparel

NORTHWOOD HILLS GOLF COURSE • Garrison, MN

Enjoy great food & drinks after your round!

FEATURING 9-HOLE TRADITIONAL GOLF AND 18-HOLE MINI GOLF!

FIDDLESTIX GOLF COURSE • Isle, MN 320.682.4325 • www.golfmillelacs.com

Visit our website to book online!

320.676.3636 • www.fiddlestixrv.com

2022 BRAINERD LAKES AREA GOLF GUIDE | 25

Tips FROM A PRO Bring the club back low and slow Jake Wherley, Grand View Lodge The biggest thing I see amateur players do LV VWDUWLQJ WKHLU EDFNVZLQJ RȞI RI WKH EDOO LQ a vicious manner in order to “swing faster.”

However, speed is built from the top of the VZLQJ QRW ULJKW DZD\ RȞI RI WKH EDOO $ ORZ and slow backswing will only help you to fully load your weight to your back side, get your arms in sync with your lower half, and make a fuller turn. A good drill to work on this is to place a second ball directly behind your clubhead, and focus on dragging your FOXE EDFN WKH ȑUVW IRRW RI \RXU EDFNVZLQJ and push the second ball back in a straight OLQH IRU WKDW ȑUVW IRRW )URP WKHUH FRPSOHWH your backswing. Concentrating on doing this will give you that Low and Slow feeling on your takeaway and will only put you in better positions in the remainder of your swing.

Bunker shots Bennett Smed, Head Teaching Professional at Madden's

Here is a quick tip to help out with the dreaded 30-40 yard bunker shot! Grab your gap wedge, open the face slightly and then try to splash the sand under the ball with some speed.

This shot seems scary to many golfers but using the bounce of the club instead of digging into the sand will greatly increase your chances of success!

Importance of pre-shot routine Cuyuna Rolling Hills In all sports some sort of routine is involved. In baseball, a batter might loosen and tighten his gloves three times before VWHSSLQJ LQ WKH EDWWHU V ER[ ,Q IRRWEDOO you can see a kicker take two or three steps back and one to the side and then line up his kick, sometimes with his hand. Golf is QR GLȞIHUHQW $ VLPSOH URXWLQH EHIRUH HYHU\ swing can go a long way to help you stay focused and hit shots to the best of your ability.

First you need to pick a target. When on a WHH ER[ RQ D SDU RU SDU DUH \RX DLPLQJ WR WKH OHȻW HGJH RI WKH IDLUZD\ EXQNHU" $UH \RX aiming for a yardage marker in the middle of the fairway? Are you hoping to just land it in the fairway? Every shot you should have a target you are trying to hit. Now that you have your target picked out you should

How to play smarter - chipping Just like for a full-swing iron shot, the goal in chipping is to strike the ball before the club hits the turf.

7KH ȑUVW VWHS LQ JHWWLQJ VPDUWHU ZLWK your approach to chipping is to direct your attention and focus on a spot in front of the EDOO ZKHQ \RX SUDFWLFH \RXU FKLSSLQJ <HV I did say when you practice – your chipping will not magically improve if you don't spend VRPH WLPH DURXQG WKH SUDFWLFH JUHHQ When you focus on a spot in front of the ball, this will help get your body to rotate towards the target on your through swing – a key

Dan Loken, Emily Greens

LQ PDNLQJ EDOO ȑUVW FRQWDFW 7KHUH DUH WZR common mistakes that result in poor and LQFRQVLVWHQW FKLSSLQJ 7KH ȑUVW LV VODSSLQJ and jabbing at the ball. Do not slap – swing through the ball. The second common mistake is being too rigid and mechanical while chipping. Let your body rotate towards the target as you swing through the ball and we will be back to our primary goal of making EDOO ȑUVW FRQWDFW Notice I did not address what club to use while chipping. The principles above apply to all chipping situations. The club used is

26 | 2022 BRAINERD LAKES AREA GOLF GUIDE

visualize your shot. Visualize your draw or \RXU IDGH 9LVXDOL]H WKH EDOO ȠOLJKW DOO WKH way to your target. Are you visualizing it hitting your target? Now that you have your shot visualized, take a practice swing or WZR DQG YLVXDOL]H WKDW EDOO ȠO\LQJ ZKHQ \RX take those practice swings. Lastly, you need to think positively as you are addressed to the ball. Too many golfers think about where you don't want to hit it. “I hope this doesn't go in the water,” “don't chunk it,” “I hope I don't top it.” Those negative thoughts can quickly ruin a round. Positive HQFRXUDJHPHQW ZLOO ERRVW FRQȑGHQFH DQG FRXOG KHOS \RX H[HFXWH \RXU VKRWV EHWWHU Everything is ready for you to take your swing, take a deep breath, take one last look at your target and swing to your target.

We hope you have a great golf season.

dependent on personal preference, how much green you have to work with, and the challenges of your lie such as if you need to carry your chip over some longer grass, a sand trap, a mound, a sprinkler head, etc. *LYH WKLV D WU\ (YHQ DȻWHU RQO\ D IHZ WLPHV at the practice green you are going to get a better feel for this approach and see better and more consistent results. A few better chip shots, a few better scores, throw in playing with a few good friends or family and it brings us right back to our motto at Emily Greens – It is all about Fun on the Golf Course!!

SPONSORED CONTENT | CROSSWOODS GOLF COURSE

A century of golf goes into the Crosswoods’ difference

Crosswoods Golf Course has been in the Crosslake community in some form for as long as most people can remember. In the 70s and part of the 80s, the family business was an amusement center with bumper cars, a moon walk, mini golf, train and golf driving range. Then, the focus moved more toward becoming a true golf center.

The mini golf remained and a new 29-par course was created. Fast forward to today, Crosswoods is a popular 27-hole course with EHDXWLIXO JUHHQV DQG DQ H[SHULHQFH WKDW OHWV golfers rub elbows with a variety of local wildlife and feel like they are part of the Stone family.

Today Crosswoods is owned by Mike Stone and his wife, Kelly. The couple's daughters $OH[DQGUD DQG 6DYDQQDK JUHZ XS RQ DQG around the course. But the seeds were planted for one of the favorite courses in the lakes area almost 100 years ago.

Mike Stone's father, Jack, started holding his own father's clubs and perfecting his VZLQJ ZKHQ KH ZDV MXVW ȑYH \HDUV ROG Mike's grandfather, Harold, liked to play competitive amateur golf. “My grandfather was a really good golfer, but he allowed my dad to passively discover the game on his own. He would take clubs out of my grandpa's golf bag and go out to the park across the street and whack a ball around.”

Growing up, he would golf with friends.

One of those friends was hockey legend Herb Brooks. “My dad and Herb golfed together a lot and in junior high the two caddied together at Keller Golf Course in St. Paul. They caddied during the week.

On Mondays, the caddies were allowed to golf for free. “They did a little gambling. My dad and Herb would bet a nickel a hole.

Sometimes they would sneak out to U KRXUV WKH IRXUWK KROH DȻWHU KRXUV at Keller and play putting skins for a dime.”

Grandpa Harold and Jack were both club champions at Phalen Golf Course, 30 years apart — Harold in 1934 and Jack in 1964.

Jack Stone and his wife, Dee, stayed at a friend's cabin in the Crosslake area for their honeymoon. While boating in the area WKH\ H[SORUHG RWKHU WKLQJV WR GR ORFDOO\ DQG noticed a piece of land that was for sale.

Jack had the idea about putting in a mini golf course and started to string out the possible layout before he even signed the ȑQDO SDSHUV The mini golf course opened in 1967 and two years later they added a driving range, DQG DȻWHU WKDW RWKHU DPXVHPHQWV In the early 80s construction began on a new par 29. The mini golf remained and the business began to center more on golf and was a popular place for entertainment.

“It was always a family business,” says Mike. “We lived in the Twin Cities in the winter and came up here in the summer growing the course. As a kid I helped build and maintain the golf course.”

In 1987 Mike was accepted to the U.S. &RDVW *XDUG $FDGHP\ DQG VSHQW ȑYH \HDUV on active duty in Oregon, where he met Kelly. The couple moved to Minnesota and construction began on today's Crosswoods.

The course opened in 1997.

Initially, the course operated as a regulation nine hole course and a shorter H[HFXWLYH QLQH ǘ$ȻWHU D FRXSOH \HDUV LW became clear that our customers wanted a full length 18-hole course,” stated Mike. ,Q WKH RULJLQDO H[HFXWLYH FRXUVH ZDV

lev leveled to make way for a ne 9 that is known today as new th Sunset Nine. “We found a the recipe for golf that people loved. Demand was high enough to justify the addition of a third nine in 2015. I think my grandpa would approve,” says Mike.

Before his grandfather passed away Harold was able to play on the course that his son and grandson built. “He got to see the full circle of property. It was an always H[FLWLQJ GD\ IRU PH ZKHQ , ZDV JURZLQJ XS when I got to go out on a course with my dad and grandpa.”

0LNH DQG .HOO\ V GDXJKWHUV $OH[ DQG Savannah, carry on the family's love of the sport. “Both of our girls were keenly interested in golf,” says Mike. Savannah is close to becoming a Class A Member of the PGA and continues to play competitively in the summer. She works at Crosswoods and coaches the Pequot Lakes girls golf team. $OH[ ȑQLVKHG KHU FROOHJH JROI FDUHHU DW Augustana last year.

“We keep on improving things here a little bit every year. Last year we got new golf carts with an amazing GPS. They also run on a lithium battery.”

“We really pride ourselves on our customer service,” says Mike. “Our employees don't have to be great golfers; they just have to be great people. We really try to connect personally when people come in. We have WDNHQ DOO RXU H[SHULHQFHV LQ WKH JROI ZRUOG in the last century and combined it so you FDQ H[SHULHQFH WKH &URVVZRRGV GLȞIHUHQFH a fun, interesting golf course, wonderful people and reasonably priced.

2022 BRAINERD LAKES AREA GOLF GUIDE | 27

SCENIC 18-HOLE

CHAMPIONSHIP COURSE

$39 18 Holes

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34500 Hillcrest Hillcr Rd Motley, otley MN 56466

pineridgegolfclubmotley.com Only 25 miles west from Brainerd, MN or 25 miles north of Little Falls, MN. Located in the Lincoln Lakes area with plenty of local lodging nearby.

WORTH THE DRIVE!