2013 Ultimate Golf Guide

The Pines – Lakes #7

Tips From The Pros Area Golf Schedule Lakes Area Golf Course Map

A B r a i n e rd D i s p a t c h & Echo Publishing Special Adver tising Section GolfGuide_Glossy_2013.indd 1

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TABLE OF CONTENTS ON THE COVER:

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media Dispatch Echo

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 2013 Lakes Area Golf Tournament Schedule ...4 2013 Lakes Area Golf Leagues .........................5 Strokes Gained Drill ...........................................6 Practice Like You Play .......................................7 Choose Motion Over Mechanics ....................7 Prepare Before You Play ...................................8 Fairway Bunker Shots ......................................10 Understanding Clubface Control Is A Key Element In Game Improvement ............12 Slice Fix: Turn Your Hands Down .....................13 Top 10 Ways To Speed Up Play On The Golf Course ........................................13 Getting Fit... By Golf ........................................14 Mindfulness ......................................................15 Make This The Year You Cure Your Slice.........16 Kathy’s Favorite Putting Tips............................16 The Lakes Area Golf Industry ..........................17 2013 Ultimate Golf Guide Golf Course Map...18

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AREA GOLF SCHEDULE

2013 Lakes Area Golf Tournament Schedule April April 26: Duffer’s Open — Cragun’s Legacy Courses April 26: KFAN Golf Opener — Grand View Lodge April 27: Cardinal Boys Invite — The Vintage at Staples April 28: Early Bird scramble — The Vintage at Staples April 28: Bob Mohr/Commander Scramble — Breezy Point Resort’s Traditional

May May 4: The Tradition tournament — Breezy Point Resort’s Traditional May 11: Cardinal girls Invite — The Vintage at Staples May 13: MGA Senior Tour — The Pines May 17: Spring senior open — The Vintage at Staples May 18: Staples-Motley Chamber tournament — The Vintage at Staples May 18: Spring Fling Scramble — Emily Greens May 19: Couples Mixer Kickoff — Emily Greens May 19: Bloody Open — Whitefish Golf Club May 26: Legacy Spring Challenge — Cragun’s Legacy Courses May 27-28: Fred-Mark Charity Invitational May 26: Parent/Child Memorial day tournament — Madden’s May 31: Staples Lions Par 3 Tournament — The Vintage at Staples

June June 1: Prostate Cancer tournament — Little Falls Country Club June 2: Couples Mixer — Emily Greens June 4: Charlie’s Scramble — Breezy Point Resort’s Whitebirch June 8: Little Falls Golf Extravaganza Tournament — Little Falls Country Club June 10: All-Season Match Play Deadline — Grand View Lodge June 14: Camp Confidence Classic 18-hole event — The Classic at Madden’s June 14: Camp Confidence Classic 9-hole event — Madden’s Pine Beach West June 16: Couples Mixer — Emily Greens June 16: Father/child best ball tournament — The Vintage at Staples June 18: ACS Pink Ribbon — Grand View Lodge June 21: Brainerd Sports Boosters Scramble — Grand View Lodge June 22: Ironhub Masters — Emily Greens June 22: Boys & Girls Club tournament — Little Falls Country Club June 23: MN Teen Challenge Tournament — Grand View Lodge June 23: Relay for Life — The Lakes at Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge June 23: Coco Loco Scramble — Whitefish Golf Club June 26: Twisted Bar and Grill scramble — The Vintage at Staples June 28: U of M Golf tournament — Cragun’s Legacy Courses July 30: First International Bank and Trust tournament — The Vintage at Staples June 30-July 1: Grand View Challenge Pro-Am — Grand View Lodge

July July 2: Charlie’s Scramble — Breezy Point Resort’s Whitebirch July 10: Cuyuna Chamber tournament — The Lakes at Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge July 13: Izzy Cup — Vintage at Staples July 14: Hackensack Sweetheart days — Black Bear Golf July 14: Couples Mixer — Emily Greens July 14: Riverwood Healthcare — The Lakes at Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge July 18: Breezy Point Ladies Invitational — Breezy Point Resort’s Whitebirch July 18: Mielke Oil tournament — Little Falls Country Club July 21: Emily Day 9-hole “Go Low” scramble — Emily Greens

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July 23: MMBA Scholarship tournament — Cragun’s Legacy Courses July 26: Ducks Unlimited — Little Falls Country Club July 27: MN State Putting Championship — Grand View Lodge July 28: Pine River-Backus Sports Boosters — Black Bear Golf July 28: Couples Mixer — Emily Greens July 28: Best Ball Beach Party — Grand View Lodge

August Aug 3: Member/guest tournament — The Vintage at Staples Aug. 4: 9th annual Battle of the Bars — Emily Greens Aug. 5: MGA Senior Tour — The Preserve Aug. 5: Little Falls Chamber tournament — Little Falls Country Club Aug. 6: Charlie’s Scramble — Breezy Point Resort’s Whitebirch Aug. 9: F.A.B. Tournament — Little Falls Country Club Aug. 10: Swanson’s Melanoma Cancer scramble — Breezy Point Resort’s Traditional Aug. 11: Couples Mixer — Emily Greens Aug 11: Drew Sjodin tournament — Whitefish Golf Club Aug. 13-14: Club Championship — — Whitefish Golf Club Aug. 17-18: Club Championship — Little Falls Country Club Aug. 17: Club Championship — The Vintage at Staples Aug. 18: Ted and Gen’s Invite — The Vintage at Staples Aug. 18: 4th Emily-Outing Food Shelf Scramble — Emily Greens Aug. 18: Membership Club Tournament — Grand View Lodge Aug. 21: Brainerd Lakes Chamber tournament — Grand View Lodge Aug. 23: Lakewood Heathy System Foundation tournament — The Vintage at Staples Aug. 24: Wolfhound Cup — Emily Greens Aug. 25: Club Championship — Emily Greens Aug. 26: Lakes Area Par 3 Championship — Grand View Lodge Aug. 31-Sept. 1: Eagles Landing Open — Eagles Landing Golf Club

September Sept. 2: Paranoia Open — Madden’s Pine Beach West Sept. 3: Charlie’s Scramble — Breezy Point Resort’s Whitebirch Sept. 12: Women’ Pink Ribbon — Madden’s Pine Beach East Sept. 12: Fall Senior Open tournament — The Vintage at Staples Sept. 15: Couples Steak Fry — Emily Greens Sept. 21: Hackensack Legion tournament — Black Bear Golf Sept. 21: 9th Gary Stiner Ironman Classic — Emily Greens Sept. 21-22: Fish & Golf tournament — Grand View Lodge Sept. 22: Vintage 5-person scramble — The Vintage at Staples Sept. 27: Camp Ripley tournament — Little Falls Country Club Sept. 28: Lumberbats baseball tournament — The Vintage at Staples Sept 28-29: Greater Whitefish scramble — Whitefish Golf Club Sept. 29-30: Great Northern Couples Shootout — Grand View Lodge Sept. 29-Oct. 1: NSIC Men’s Fall Classic — The Classic at Madden’s

October Oct. 4-6: NSIC Women’s Fall Classic — The Classic at Madden’s Oct. 6: Legacy Fall Challenge — Cragun’s Legacy Courses Oct. 12: KFAN Golftoberfest — Grand View Lodge Oct 12: Chili Open — Madden’s Pine Beach West Oct. 13: Die Hard Challenge — Whitefish Golf Club Oct. 19: Legacy 1-person scramble — Cragun’s Legacy Courses Oct. 19-20: Ironman — Grand View Lodge

AREA GOLF LEAGUES

2013 Lakes Area Golf Leagues Sundays Couples afternoon group — Birch Bay Resort (no membership required) Couples afternoon league — Crosswoods Golf Course Mixed afternoon league — Emily Greens Couples league — Whitefish Golf Club

Mondays Morning women’s 18-hole league — Crosswoods Golf Course Afternoon women’s group — Birch Bay Resort (no membership required) Junior league — Crosswoods Golf Course Ernie’s two-person night league — Cragun’s Legacy Courses (no membership required) 2-person scramble — Eagles Landing (no membership required) Mixed morning league — Emily Greens

Tuesdays Business league — Cuyuna Golf Club (no membership required) Women’s night — Cragun’s Legacy Courses (no membership required) Morning men’s league — Crosswoods Golf Course Men’s leagues — Emily Greens (AM and PM) Men’s night — Madden’s Resort Men’s league — Whitefish Golf Club

Wednesdays

Junior golf program — Cragun’s Legacy Courses Women’s morning group - Birch Bay resort (no membership required) Women’s morning 9-hole league — Crosswoods Golf Course Afternoon mixed scramble — Crosswoods Golf Course Women’s Night — Eagles Landing (no membership required) Men’s morning league — Emily Greens Women’s evening league — Emily Greens Couples night — Madden’s Resort Women’s 18-hole league — Whitefish Golf Club Women’s 9-hole league — Whitefish Golf Club

Thursdays Senior men’s morning group — Birch Bay Resort (no membership required) Morning men’s league — Crosswoods Golf Course Women’s morning league — Breezy Point Resort (membership required) Afternoon women’s 9 and wine league — Crosswoods Golf Course Men’s night league — Cragun’s Legacy Courses (membership required) Men’s Twilight league — Breezy Point Resort (membership required) Men’s league — (no membership required) Men’s Night — Eagles Landing (no membership required) Women’s morning league — Emily Greens Women’s social night — Madden’s Resort (no membership required)

Women’s league — Cuyuna Golf Club (no membership required)

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GOLF PRO TIPS

Strokes Gained Drill There are two elements that we need to consider when making a putting stroke. Those elements would be DISTANCE and DIRECTION. Of these elements, distance control is the most critical. We can have the perfect read and aim, but if we don’t hit the putt at the correct speed, the ball is not going to go in the hole. The optimal speed for any given putt would be one in which the ball rolls at a pace where it would stop approximately five inches past the hole. At this speed, the entry point of hole is effectively its largest and the ball has the greatest opportunity to go in the hole.

A great drill that addresses both elements is based on the Strokes Gained statistic on the PGA Tour. Strokes Gained is based on the percentage of one putts from 1 to 100 feet.

On the PGA Tour, just over five feet is the distance where tour players miss as many putts as they make.

To set up the drill pick out a relatively straight, flat putt. Place a barrier like an alignment rod at about 12 inches past the hole. You will need 14 balls. Place two balls at 5’, three at 10’, four at 15’, and 5 at 20’. The first level of the drill is to make one putt from each distance (the PGA Tour Strokes Gained average). The second level is to score par or better for the 14 balls with scoring as follows; made putt = -1, missed putt finishing between the hole and the barrier = par, missed putt short of the hole or long of the barrier = +1.

Do this exercise two to three times a week and you will find yourself making more putt and eliminating three putts!

Chris Foley

PGA Master Professional of Instruction Chris Foley Golf Schools at Cragun’s Legacy Courses

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GOLF PRO TIPS

Practice Like You Play So many times throughout the season I am approached by golfers telling me they hit the ball great on the range but terrible on the course. People have many different ways of hitting balls on the range. Some people hit only short wedge shots, some people swing the driver as hard as they can, others hit twenty five balls with each club.

Next time try starting out your range session with a small warmup. Hit three shots with a few clubs of varying lengths. For example: hit three wedges, hit three 7-irons, hit three 4-irons, and then hit 3 drivers. Not that you have warmed up its time to practice like you play. Take out your driver and hit a tee shot pretending to try and find a fairway. Next grab your 7-iron and pick a target for your approach shot. Now, maybe take out your chipping club and practice a short wedge shot. Keep up with this routine throughout your practice session. This method will help you simulate a round of golf and it will teach your muscles and mind to adjust to each club and each shot.

Try this method next time you are on the range and you should be able to take your “range game” to the golf course!

Choose Motion Over Mechanics It is all too easy for golfers looking to improve their swing mechanics to lose sight of the single most important factor, swinging the club head.

You must swing the club freely through the ball. Fluid motion allows you to deliver the clubhead accurately and at a high rate of speed.

This kind of motion can only come from relaxed muscles. Be aware of anything mechanical that restricts your muscles. Try the Jason Dufner Jim Carlson waggle!

PGA Golf Professional Good luck and good golfing!

Blueberry Pines Golf Club

Jack Wawro

Head Golf Professional, PGA The Pines, Grand View Lodge

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GOLF PRO TIPS

Prepare Before You Play We are excited for a great season ahead. Head Professional Jamie Alderman (PGA) offers these golf tips to help you get the most out of your next round of play.

Prepare Before You Play 1. Stretching is a must, most importantly, your back and shoulders. Spend at least 15 minutes to avoid possible injury.

2. Do yourself a favor—do not try to figure out your swing before you play. Do not overwork yourself and get tired and frustrated. This time is meant for “warm up.”

3. Go with your shot tendency from the range to the course.

Although this may not be what you were looking for, it’s always easier to repeat this day’s swing.

4. Warm up with all the clubs. Hit about 30 balls and split about half your time on your short game. Golfers like to go to the driving range and hit a lot of drivers. While it can be fun to rip some big drives early, remember you only hit 14 drives

5.

6.

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at most throughout the round.

On the putting green, practice mostly inside seven feet. For distance control (lag putting), take three balls and putt them to various spots on the green without looking up until all three are hit. This will give you the “feel” for the greens.

Note: The average tour player makes less than 10 percent of 15- to 20-foot putts Spend time chipping. Hit from multiple lies. Most golfers chip about 12 times per round.

Focus on what you are doing. Going through the motions is exactly that.

Relax. Enjoy your time on the golf course.

Looking to start this spring with good habits to improve your game? Call Jamie for some private instruction. He also gives weekly Tuesday adult clinics, Wednesday junior clinics, or Thursday junior play days.

Jamie Alderman PGA Head Golf Professional Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge

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GOLF PRO TIPS

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GOLF PRO TIPS

Fairway Bunker Shots Most amateur golfers encounter the same feeling when their ball flies into a fairway bunker; fear. This fear is generally a result of past experiences, flailing away trying to smash the ball out of the bunker only to see it barely escape over the lip, or worse yet, remain in the bunker.

I’m here to tell you the shot doesn’t have to be one that you fear, once you understand how your swing and setup help you to escape from the fairway bunker.

The main difference between a fairway bunker shot and a greenside bunker shot is that with a fairway bunker shot you must contact the ball first. Since your objective is a longer carry distance on this shot you must contact the ball first. Any sand caught between the clubface and the ball will greatly reduce the distance the ball will travel.

When you set up to the shot, a few important elements will give you a better chance of striking the ball first. First, take at least one extra club than you would normally use to travel the same distance. Second, establish a solid footing in the sand; especially with the right foot by lightly work your feet into the sand.

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Third, choke down on the club the same distance you have worked your feet into the sand. And finally, position your ball more toward the center of your stance. These setup procedures will increase your chances of making solid contact.

As for the swing itself, it is important to visualize yourself sweeping the ball from the sand as if were resting on a sheet of glass.

Visualize yourself striking the ball just below the equator of the ball, but above the sand.

You want to “pick” the ball off the sand with as little disruption to the sand as possible.

Another key element in the swing is not to over-swing. Most people swing far too hard out of the fairway bunker and wind up taking too much sand. Since you want to pick the ball off the sand you must maintain your balance. It’s a good idea to think about making a three-quarter swing and to keep your legs fairly firm during your swing. Overswinging is the death of this shot.

If you work on your set-up and these swing thoughts, the fairway bunker shot doesn’t have to invoke fear. It is just another shot to master in the great game of golf.

Play Smart, Not Afraid The great Bobby Jones once said, “golf is played on a 5 inch course, the distance between your ears.” We’ve all heard this, or quotes like it, and to a degree know of its truth. To excel at any endeavor you cannot have fear and ultimately that emanates from the chatter going on inside your head. Even if you make a smart decision, but try to execute it under fear, the results will more than likely be poor. How many times have you picked the right club, then, at the last possible moment looked at the sand traps, water, and all the other trouble around? What happened? I bet you didn’t hit the shot you originally intended to. Your last thoughts before a shot cannot be about the negative. You cannot fear the outcome.

Steve Bengtson Golf Pro Whitefish Golf Course

GOLF PRO TIPS

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GOLF PRO TIPS

Game Improvement Have you ever played golf with someone who swings the club the same speed or slower than yours, but always seems to hit their ball further and straighter than yours? Over the years I have observed this several times with golfers of various playing abilities. Have you noticed while watching golfers that not all swings look the same? When comparing swings of John Daly, Jim Furyk and Tiger Woods one realizes that each player swings different, but all of them hit great golf shots.

The reason that these players with different swings can effectively hit the ball is their ability to control the clubface. One important factor to consider is that less than 5% of all golfers know how to use the clubface in an efficient manner. In order to use the club in a more efficient manner you must first understand how to use the tool that hits the ball. The clubface should be open on the back swing and keep it open on the downswing until a few inches before impact with the ball.

At impact the club has to be released, which means the toe of the club must pass the heel

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of the club.

An advantage of using the clubface properly is the power that is generated from the club head, called club head speed.

According to the Ultimate Golf Method “Club head speed is measured by figuring the rotation of the end of the club head into the ball at impact. The goal is for the toe of the club to be traveling faster than the heel, which produces positive club head speed.

Club head speed is not seen by the naked eye. Therefore, it’s a hidden source of power.

When the toe of the club is traveling slower than the heel, a negative club head speed results.”

Positive club head speed results in solid, straight shots where negative club head speed causes non-solid shots that are rarely straight. If you work the club toe up to toe up you will on your back swing and follow through you are working the clubface. You will find that learning to use the clubface in a more efficient manner will make you a better ball striker.

Mark Johnson PGA Golf Professional Breezy Point Resort

GOLF PRO TIPS

SLICE FIX: TURN YOUR HANDS DOWN More Release Will Help You Avoid ‘The Rights’

Expert players try to limit their hand action during the swing.

They can square the clubface to the target mostly with body rotation.

But that takes advanced skill and loads of practice. Many amateurs, meanwhile, struggle to make the contact they’re looking for, and the ball routinely slices to the right. If this sounds like you, let your hands be active into impact to square the clubface.

The forearms, hands and the club should be rotating in a counterclockwise motion as you swing down and through the ball.

When you do this correctly, the right palm, back of the left hand and clubface will be facing down after impact. This rotation allows the face to turn over naturally, which helps prevent the dreaded slice.

It’s also a sign you’ve compressed the ball.

Practice this by hitting wedge shots and letting your left hand roll under your right. You’ll soon notice this hand action makes those weak-right shots a thing of the past.

Dan Loken PGA Professional Emily Greens

Play On The Golf Course 1.

2.

3.

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Play ready golf. Play in the order of who is ready instead of who’s the furthest out.

Limit the time that you search for lost balls.

Choose the set of tees that match your skill level.

Use the time between shots to think over your next shot, don’t wait until you get over your ball to make distance and club decisions.

5. When using a cart and your ball is near the green be sure to take a couple of clubs and your putter with you when you walk from the cart to the ball. This way, you won’t have to return to the cart until you’re done with the hole.

6. When you think your shot might have landed out of bounds or be lost, immediately hit a provisional ball. (Many courses in the Lakes Area treat lost balls in the woods as a lateral hazard, which means you may simply drop with a one stroke penalty at the point of entry.)

7. At the turn between holes 9 and 10, get your food and beverages to go, don’t stop and eat at the club house.

8. Keep pace with the group ahead of you. If you fall behind and are struggling to keep up, allow the group behind you to play through.

9. Never record scores on the green after holing out. Wait until you reach the next tee.

10. If a course ranger provides your group information or instructions pertaining to your group’s speed of play, don’t take it personally or get angry with the ranger. The ranger is looking at the big Mike Stone picture of how the pace of Director of Golf your group is impacting play Crosswoods Golf on the rest of the course.

Course, Crosslake

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GOLF PRO TIPS

Getting Fit... By Golf 2,900 calories burned by a golfer who

walks 2 rounds (36 holes) per week

2.5 miles walked for an average 9-hole round

3 strokes lower for 9-holes when walking with a push cart vs riding cart

According to Health & Wellness articles by wearegolf.com and aboutgolf.com

I’m as big of a believer as anyone in improving your stance and swing, but how about something much more important this year….your health!

Obesity is at an all-time high in the United States. Twenty-four Hour Fitness Centers are thriving. New York City is trying to outlaw soda pop. The PGA is handing out pedometers to spectators to create awareness for the “Let’s Move…on the course” initiative.

Join the movement to become more fit this year….by golfing! Not only will you feel better and shed the pounds, you will score

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better too! According to a Golf Fitness article on aboutgolf.com golfers playing 9 holes with a push cart walked an average of 2.5 miles, burned 718 calories, and shaved 3 strokes off their score compared to riding in a cart!

This year Madden’s is launching a Walking Initiative encouraging walking on all 4 courses. Our NEW Milers Club is FREE to join and you can earn $1 for every mile walked.

Classic – 6 miles East – 4 miles West – 3 mile Social 9 – 1 mile Our goal is to assist people in reaching their goals, both in fitness and in golf.

Chances are you’ll enjoy it more too. Think back to rounds that you’ve played…both walking and riding. Which was more memorable and enjoyable? So this year, if you want to play better golf and be fit, my challenge to you is to walk!

What will your goal be this summer?

Glenn Hagberg

PGA Head Golf Professional Madden’s on Gull Lake

GOLF PRO TIPS

Mindfulness I always try to relate golf to life and visa versa. As an adolescent matures into an adult, so does their game. As an adult in their twenties reaches each new decade, so does their humbleness. Having children and other “real life” experiences gives us reality checks and makes us appreciate every summer that has come and gone and every breath of fresh cut grass and soft step onto a perfectly manicured fairway or green. Many adults do not have hours upon hours to practice like a teenager does, but they do use their time more wisely as every minute is valuable.

I loved the short story the masters had on

Tom Watson showing him taking a minute to observe the waves cresting amongst giant cliffs and gazing off into a clear blue ski with a light house in the background. Granted he didn’t win, but at age sixty, was able to score lower than many twenty and thirty year olds that were grinding it out. Freddy Couples too was able to shoot an amazing score and looked quite relaxed and seemed to be having a good time even though his back was aching the last few rounds.

It is really important for all of us to set goals and reach them to our best ability, but golf gives us a chance to be mindful of the present. To be a successful golfer, you have to live in the present moment. We all have heard it a thousand times, “one shot at a time”. However, how many of us can do it? It is probably golfs biggest challenge, and is why those who win the tournament are usually the most calm, collected and confident. Tiger Woods was a perfect example of how not to act. Swearing, ungrateful and not able to live in the present moment of each shot. His score of course suffered because of it. Phil Mickelson on the other hand was able to stay focused and steady, thereby winning.

You can get a million tips from instructors, but your attitude coming into the lesson and the course makes a world of difference. Pray for good traits and qualities to reach your goals, the solutions and accomplishments will come.

Liz Larson Wildwedge Golf Pro

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GOLF PRO TIPS

Make This The Year You Cure Your Slice To fix this problem, you first need to know and understand the cause.

The main reason we slice the ball is a club face that is open or opening through the impact zone. By eliminating this, we can eliminate the slice. Here are a couple of tips that can help you do just that.

First, get a stronger grip. The club face tends to open as it returns to the ball when the hands are placed in a weak position, or a position that is turned too far to the left. A correct grip has the hands rotated more to the right. To strengthen your grip, start by placing your top hand on the grip so when you look down you see two or three knuckles. Now place your bottom hand on the grip so it matches the angle of your top hand. If you find that you are hooking the ball too much, you can experiment with the grip until you find the position that works best for you.

Secondly, loosen up. Too much pressure in your grip makes it difficult to release or rotate the club face through the impact zone. On a scale from one to 10, try to maintain a grip pressure that’s around a four. This will relieve tensions in your hands, forearms and shoulders. By doing this you will achieve a more natural, effortless club face rotation at impact.

By following these tips and a Tim Trott little practice, you will be hitting it longer and straighter in no Golf Professional time.

Golden Eagle Golf Club

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KATHY’S FAVORITE PUTTING TIPS 1.

Invest in your putting game. Spending 10-15 minutes on the practice green before your round is relaxing and will pay off in a better putting stroke.

Fun Practice Suggestions: Game 1: Send 5 balls long distance across a green. Try to get within 12-18 inches of the cup. Score a point when you do.

Game 2: Set up a course on practice green. Par is 2 on each hole.

Score yourself.

Game 3: Set up 5-8 golf balls 18 inches away in a circle around a hole. Score 1 point for each one you get in a cup on one try.

2.

Proper Alignment & Form. Swing putter like a pendulum, from shoulders. Keep wrists & elbows still. Keep eye on ball.

Position head directly above ball. (Follow through toward cup.)

3.

Study Putting Watch how ball acts on hills and curves. Adjust aim accordingly. Read golf articles on putting. Become an expert. Your score will improve with your putting.

Kathy Brown Golf Professional Birch Bay Golf Course

THE LAKES AREA GOLF INDUSTRY

The Lakes Area Golf Industry A larger than usual snow pack for March hasn’t hindered changes in the lakes area golf industry.

The biggest news to hit the area came in November with the sale of Deacon’s Lodge Golf Course to Breezy Point Resort.

The Arnold Palmer designed, 18-hole championships course in Breezy Point was owned by Sienna Corp., who opened the course in May of 1999. Whitebirch Inc., the parent company of Breezy Point Resort, entered into a purchase agreement in November of last year.

The course was managed by Grand View Lodge and most of the same cast of characters remain at the course. Head PGA professional Mark Neva and course superintendent Ed Thomas have been with the course since it opened. All of Neva’s players assistants return and the majority of his outside service staff returns.

Assistant professional Jesse Nelson remained with Grand View Lodge.

“We got new carpet, we’re going to stain the clubhouse soon and we’ve gotten a whole new fleet of golf carts,” said Neva.

Sometimes change is good.

“We’re changing the name and just trying to give this place a face lift,” said Boike. “We’re trying to keep up with the times.”

Boike, who graduated from Crosby-Ironton, said his first few months have been exciting and word of mouth is spreading about the changes being made at the 18-hole course east of Deerwood.

■ Let’s walk Madden’s Resort wants to take a walk with you and for motivation it has created a walking initiative.

Two key things to the initiative is a milers club, which gives golfers a $1 for every mile they walk at one of Madden’s four courses during the golf season.

Another service is the reintroduction of caddies in the lakes area.

“It’s unique and it fits into the health and fitness hot topic that’s going on right now,” said Madden’s head golf professional Glenn Hagberg. “Nobody else is doing it so we’re giving it a try.”

People golfing at Madden’s will have the opportunity to try the caddy program this summer at The Classic.

■ Free lessons People like free and Kathy Brown likes people so the co-owner of Birch Bay Golf Resort is offering free golf lessons.

Brown will offer free beginner lessons on Mondays at 11 a.m. and Fridays at 11 a.m.

The lessons need to be booked at least 24 hours in advance and restrictions do apply.

■ Junior golf

Jeremy Millsop Brainerd Dispatch Sports Writer

The king of lessons in the lakes area is taking junior golf development to new heights this summer.

Chris Foley and his Chris Foley Golf Schools in conjunction with Cragun’s Legacy Courses is offering four distinct levels of junior golf training this summer.

From FUNdamentals, train to play, pre-elite to future champions, Foley and his staff have a training program tailored toward a junior’s age and ability.

A complete breakdown of Foley’s junior programs and all of his golf instructions can be found at www.chrisfoleygolf.com.

■ Boike at CGC Kris Boike, formally of Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge, is now the general manager and head golf professional at Cuyuna Golf Club, formerly Cuyuna Country Club.

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LAKES AREA GOLF MAP

2013 Ultimate Golf Guide Golf Course Map Walker

Menahga

Crosslake Pequot Lakes

Crosby

Brainerd

A B C D E F

Long Bow Golf Club 6516 Long Bow Trail NW Walker, MN 56484 (218) 547-4121 Crosswoods Golf Course 35878 County Road 3 Crosslake, MN 56442 (218) 692-4653 Tianna Country Club 7470 State 34 NW Walker, MN 56484 (218) 547-1712 Cuyuna Golf Club 24410 State Highway 210 Deerwood, MN 56444 (218) 534-3489 Cragun’s Golf Courses 11000 Craguns Drive Brainerd, MN 56401 (800) 272-4867 Grand View Lodge Golf 23521 Nokomis Ave Nisswa, MN 56468 (866) 801-2951

18 2013 GOLF GUIDE

G H I J K L

Whitefish Golf Club 7883 County Rd. 16 Pequot Lakes, MN 56472 (218) 543-4900 Madden’s Golf Courses 11266 Pine Beach Peninsula Rd. Brainerd, MN 56401 (218) 829-2811 Emily Greens 39966 Refuge Rd. Emily, MN 56447 (218) 763-2169 Wildwedge Golf PO Box 899 Pequot Lakes, MN 56472 (218) 568-6995 Birch Bay Resort and Golf 1646 S. Agate Shore Dr. SW Nisswa, MN 56468 (218) 963-4488 Breezy Point Resort and Golf 9252 Breezy Point Dr Breezy Point, MN 56472 (800) 432-3777

M N O P Q

Ruttger’s Bay Lake Resort and Golf 25039 Tame Fish Lake Road Deerwood, MN 56444 (218) 678-2885 Golden Eagle Golf Club 16146 W Eagle Lake Rd Fifty Lakes, MN 56448 (866) 316-4653 Eagle’s Landing Golf Club 14825 263 Street Fort Ripley, MN 56449 (320) 632-5721 Blueberry Pines Golf 39161 US Highway 71 Menahga, MN 56464 (218) 564-4653 Black Bear Golf Complex 2677 16th Street SW Backus, MN 56435 (218) 587-8800

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