Why Golfers Choose the Brainerd Lakes
For golfers searching for the perfect getaway, the Brainerd Lakes Area delivers everything that makes a golf vacation memorable.
Here, golf trips are about more than racing from tee to tee—they’re about soaking in the full experience. Courses are framed by towering woods and rolling greens, laughter fills the space between shots, and just enough friendly competition keeps things interesting.
One of the biggest draws? Convenience. With a wide variety of courses and vacation amenities located within a short drive of each other, groups can spend more time playing and less time traveling. Whether you’re a seasoned player looking for a challenge or a casual golfer just enjoying the game, the Brainerd Lakes Area offers something for everyone—and often turns a one-time trip into an annual tradition.
Cragun’s Legacy Courses
A Stay-and-Play Experience Like No Other
For many groups, Cragun’s Resort is the ultimate golf destination. With 45 holes offering a variety of challenges and scenic views, it never feels repetitive.
The thoughtfully designed courses incorporate natural elements like lakes and rolling terrain, creating both beauty and playability. Off the course, the experience continues with top-tier lodging—including the Lehman homes—and exceptional hospitality.
From arrival to departure, the staff ensures every detail is handled, making each trip seamless and memorable.
The result? Groups don’t just visit once—they come back year after year.
What is the Thryder Cup?
What started as a fun, Ryder Cup-style competition among friends has grown into a beloved tradition. Originally called the “Thor’s Golf Trip,” it evolved into the “Thryder Cup”—a name that stuck even after members joked about changing it.
What Does a Typical Trip Look Like?
A long weekend is the norm. Groups usually arrive Thursday morning, play rounds across multiple courses, and wrap up Sunday.
Between rounds, there’s plenty of time for dining, relaxing, and enjoying the resort’s amenities. Traditions like group dinners and friendly competitions add to the experience—and the stories that come with it.
Why Cragun’s?
Cragun’s combines everything a golf group needs:
- Multiple high-quality courses
- Convenient lodging
- On-site dining and amenities
- A staff that goes above and beyond
It’s a one-stop destination that makes planning easy and the experience unforgettable.
Golden Eagle Golf Club
Tradition, Competition & Camaraderie
Each spring, one group makes the journey to Golden Eagle Golf Club in Fifty Lakes, Minnesota—a tradition rooted in friendship and competition.
What began as a casual golf outing has grown into a meaningful annual event filled with laughter, storytelling, and just the right amount of rivalry. The course itself offers a perfect balance of difficulty and forgiveness, making it enjoyable for players of all skill levels.
But what truly sets Golden Eagle apart is the atmosphere. The staff knows guests by name, creating a welcoming, almost family-like experience.
As one golfer put it:
“It’s not just where we play golf—it’s where our tradition lives on.”
Madden’s on Gull Lake
A Classic Minnesota Golf Experience
For Drew’s golf group, Madden’s has become a go-to destination.
Their group spans multiple states, bringing together friends, coworkers, and clients. Over time, their annual trip has grown in both size and significance.
What keeps them coming back?
- A mix of courses, including The Classic, Lehman, Social 9, and Pine Beach East
- A relaxing atmosphere that blends golf with meaningful connection
- Exceptional service and value
For them, the trip is about more than golf—it’s about strengthening relationships and creating lasting memories.
Breezy Point Resort
Where Great Golf Meets Great Atmosphere
Steve’s golf group has been visiting Breezy Point for years, turning their annual trip into a Father’s Day tradition.
Their experience includes:
- Multiple rounds across scenic courses
- Comfortable lodging options like cabins and lodges
- All-inclusive dining and a welcoming clubhouse atmosphere
Courses like Whitebirch offer a challenge for experienced golfers while still being approachable for newer players. And after a day on the course, evenings are spent relaxing, sharing stories, and enjoying the lakeside setting.
Whitefish Golf Club
A Must-Play Destination
Whitefish Golf Club offers an 18-hole championship course set in a relaxed, scenic environment. With a practice range, clubhouse, and dining options, it’s a favorite for both visitors and locals.
Golf Expansions & Renovations
Exciting Things Ahead
The Brainerd Lakes Area continues to evolve, with major updates enhancing the golf experience.
Crosswoods Golf Course
Expanding to a 36-hole property, Crosswoods introduces new layouts like:
- The Farm – a bold, links-style course
- Sunrise & High Noon – classic par-36 designs
- Sunset – a reimagined par-33 course
Each offers unique terrain and strategy, while maintaining the region’s signature beauty.
Breezy Point Resort Updates
Breezy Point is undergoing exciting changes, including:
- New course expansions (“Breeze” and “Ace Valley”)
- A new clubhouse, “The Social Club,” featuring dining and a bar
- Renovations to existing courses for an improved playing experience
The Perfect Golf Getaway Awaits
From world-class courses to welcoming resorts, the Brainerd Lakes Area offers everything a golf group could want—and more.
Whether you’re planning your first trip or continuing a long-standing tradition, one thing is certain:
This is where golf meets getaway—and where memories are made year after year.
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