News Summary
Cragun’s Resort in Brainerd, Minnesota has completed a significant renovation of its 45-hole golf course, enhancing playability and enjoyment for golfers. The upgrades, which included reshaping landscapes and redesigning holes, culminated in an unveiling ceremony for the Dutch Red course’s final nine holes. With a focus on modern playability, the resort is now fully operational, attracting both guests and members of the public, and is set to host the upcoming CRMC Championship, showcasing the enhanced amenities.
Brainerd, Minnesota — Cragun’s Resort Completes Major Golf Course Renovation
The multi-year overhaul of the golf courses at Cragun’s Resort, Golf and Conference in Brainerd, Minnesota, has been finalized, returning the resort’s famed 45-hole layout to full operational status. The renovation initiative was conducted alongside the resort’s broader property upgrades and was highlighted by an official ceremony unveiling the final nine holes of the Dutch Red course.
Renovation Highlights and New Features
The renovation of the Dutch Red course was primarily designed to improve playability and enjoyment for golfers of all skill levels. The updates included extensive reshaping and clearing of the course’s landscape, which has enhanced scenic views while maintaining its original routing. Among the most noticeable improvements are new bunker designs, redesigned greens, and fresh green surrounds that contribute to the overall aesthetic and challenge of the course.
Specific updates to holes #3 and #4 illustrate the renovation’s focus on modern playability. On hole #3, the fairway has been significantly widened, nearly doubling in size, to provide more landing area for shots. The green has been repositioned approximately 50 yards back, surrounded by a soft chipping area to facilitate better short-game play.
Meanwhile, hole #4 has been transformed into a drivable par 4. Its bunkers and cart path have been relocated to streamline play and provide a more challenging yet accessible hole for golfers attempting a bold shot to the green.
Unveiling Ceremony and Notable Attendees
The official grand opening and unveiling of the final nine holes took place with the presence of representatives from Leisure Hotels & Resorts, the resort’s new ownership group, along with media and local officials. The event marked a significant milestone, symbolizing a new chapter for golf operations at the resort.
Implications for the Community and Future Events
Now fully open to both resort guests and the public, all 45 holes offer diverse options for recreational and competitive golf activities. The resort is scheduled to host the CRMC Championship from August 28-31, showcasing the renovated courses’ new layouts including the Red and White courses. The tournament has historically attracted notable champions such as Jake Knapp, Yi Cao, and Frederik Kjettrup.
Historical Context and Facility Overview
Established in 1940, Cragun’s Resort has long been a centerpiece for tourism and recreation in Minnesota’s Brainerd Lakes area. The property boasts 206 lodge-style rooms, 55 cabins, and seven homes, providing a wide range of accommodations. It features multiple dining options, extensive meeting and conference spaces, and is home to more than 400 employees.
In a landmark transaction, the resort was sold to Leisure Hotels & Resorts, based in Baxter, Minnesota. This sale represented the largest resort transaction in the history of the state. The new ownership has committed to ongoing investment, with plans to enhance facilities and guest experiences in 2025.
Legacy and Operational Continuity
Despite changes in ownership, the resort’s staff and leadership team will remain unchanged to ensure continuity and uphold the property’s longstanding legacy. The Cragun family, which initially developed the resort, continues to oversee the operation, maintaining its reputation as a family-run enterprise that has grown into one of the largest resorts in Minnesota.
Ongoing Investment and Development
Future investments include further enhancements to golf courses and resort amenities, aimed at attracting more visitors and improving overall guest satisfaction. The renovation of Dutch Red marks the beginning of an anticipated period of revitalization for the entire resort property, with a focus on blending tradition with modern improvements.
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Additional Resources
- The Golf Wire: Cragun’s Resort Completes Total Course Renovation
- Brainerd Dispatch: Sale of Cragun’s Resort to Leisure Hotels and Resorts Finalized
- Star Tribune: Cragun’s Resort Sold to Local Hospitality Company
- Twin Cities Business: After Sale of Cragun’s Resort, What’s Next for Minnesota Tourism?
- Bring Me The News: Sale of Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake Finalized
- Wikipedia: Cragun’s Resort
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