Brainerd Lakes Area Golf Guide - 2020 by Brainerd Dispatch and Echo Journal

Golff Gol 2020 Brainerd Lakes Area

Guide

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

A Brainerd Dispatch & Echo Publishing Special Advertising Section

Minnesota’s Only Golf Resort with Great MidWeek Specials TRADITIONAL COURSE MIDWEEK After 2 $37 After 4:30 P.M. $29 riding. Phone # 218-562-7166

Midweek after 2 $80. And after 4, $60. 218-562-6262

WHITEBIRCH MIDWEEK After 2 $49 After 4:30 P.M. $39 riding Phone # 218-562-7177

Top 2 Palmer Courses You Can Play

Pequot to Deacon’s Lodge - 5 miles Pequot to Tralee Ireland - 3,590 miles

breezypointresort.com

2020 GOLF GUIDE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ON THE COVER:

Golf as Nature Intended

Minnesota National’s Championship Course features 18 unique and spectacular golf holes. A drone shot of hole 9 gives you an example of the beauty. It plays from 311 to 456 yards. Each hole has 5 sets of tees to challenge players of all abilities. The majestic 20,000-square-foot clubhouse is a preferred choice for weddings, special events, corporate golf outings and meetings offering five event venues and three event bars. Their on-site lodging and new RV Park make it the perfect Stay and Play or day trip destination. The 9 hole “Par 33” course is perfect for families or beginners. Minnesota National Golf Course and RV Park truly offers something for everyone.

www.brainerddispatch.com • www.pineandlakes.com 506 James Street • P.O. Box 974 • Brainerd, MN 56401 (218) 829-4705

STAFF:

Publisher...............................Pete Mohs Copy Editor................DeLynn Howard Magazine Layout............Jeff Dummer Advertising Director.........Susie Alters To Advertise, 218-855-5895 advertising@brainerddispatch.com

Thank You. Brainerd Dispatch and Echo Publishing would like to thank all the advertisers and Golf Professionals who contributed to our 2020 Edition of the Ultimate Golf Guide.

2020 Lakes Area Golf Course Map ................................ 4 2020 Lakes Area Golf Course Guide ............................. 5 2020 Lakes Area Golf Leagues........................................ 6 2020 Lakes Area Golf Tournament Schedule .......... 8-9 PRO Tip: Chris Foley, Chris Foley Golf Schools ..........10 Sadlowsky growing golf in schools ................................12 PRO Tip: Terry Thompson, owner, Cuyuna Rolling Hills Golf....................................................................14 PRO Tip: Logan Jackson, Grand View Lodge, The Pines and The Preserve.............................................14 PRO Tip: Tim Johnson, Craguns......................................18 PRO Tip: Bennett Smed, Maddens..................................18 Top 10 Tips For Golfing Beginners..................................18 Cragun's announces addition of CRMC Championship..................................................... 20-21 PRO Tip: Dan Loken, Emily Greens................................22 PRO Tip: Savannah Smith, Pequot Lakes HS Girls Golf Coach, Crosswoods Golf Course.................24 PRO Tip: Kristopher Boike, Director of Golf, Northwood Hills Golf Course...........................................24 PRO Tip: Dave Sadlowsky, PGA Golf Professional, Ruttger's Bay Lake Lodge........................26 PRO Tip: Mark C. Johnson, PGA Golf Professional, Breezy Point Resort...................................26

Championship Par 72 Golf Course Carved Into The Cuyuna Range Our rates are some of the best in the Brainerd Lakes area!

Contact us for prices and Tee Times: 218-534-3489 www.cuyunarollinghillsgolf.com Located less than 20 minutes east of Brainerd

CALL 218-534-3489 TO BOOK YOUR TEE TIME

BRING IN THIS MAGAZINE AND RECEIVE 20% OFF YOUR GREEN FEE 2020 GOLF GUIDE

2020 LAKES AREA GOLF COURSE MAP 5/15/2020

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W

MapFling™ Blueberry Pines Golf Club (Menagha) 39161 Us Hwy 71, Menahga, MN 56464 www.blueberrypinesgolf.com | (218) 564-4653 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

Here is your link (URL): | (800) 272-4867 www.craguns.com Crosswoods Golf Course https://mapfling.com/qw3ttos 35878 Co Rd 3, Crosslake, MN 56442 Share this linkwww.crosslakegolf.com in a post, email or| (218) 692-4653 blog—pretty much anywhere. Cuyuna Rolling HillsThese handy buttons24410 helpState youHighway share link MN 56444 210,your Deerwood, www.cuyunarollinghillsgolf.com | (218) 534-3489 easily (more help):

Facebook

Twitter

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Eagles Landing 14825 263rd St, Fort Ripley, MN 56449 www.eagleslanding-golf.com | (866) 632-5721 Emily Greens 39966 Refuge Rd, Emily, MN 56447 Copy Email 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 23521 Nokomis Ave, Nisswa, MN 56468 Google+ Pinterest www.grandviewlodge.com | (866) 801-2951

Little Falls Golf Course 1 Edgewater Little Falls, MN 56345 People who use the linkDr,will see your map, completewww.littlefallsgolf.com with the markers| (320) that 616-5520 you

LongBow Golf Club created, like this.

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6516 Long Bow Trail NW, Walker, MN 56484 www.longbowgolfclub.com | (218) 547-4121

You're all done!

Maddens 11672 Co Hwy 18 SW, Brainerd, MN 56401

Customize thiswww.maddens.com map • Start new | (218)map 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

E R

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

Pine Ridge Golf Course 34500 Hillcrest Rd, Motley, MN 56466 https://www.pineridgegolfclubmn.com | (218) 575-3300 Ruttger's Bay Lake Lodge 25039 Tame Fish Lake Rd, Deerwood, MN 56444 www.ruttgers.com/golf | (218) 678-2885

Tianna Golf Course 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 https://www.whitefishgolf.com | (218) 543-4900 Whitetail Run (Wadena) 13379 Leaf River Rd, Wadena, MN 56482 http://www.whitetailrungolfcourse.com | (218) 631-7718

Wildwedge Golf Course 32792 Paul Bunyan Trail Drive, Pequot Lakes, MN 56472 https://www.wildwedge.com | (218) 568-6995 MapFling • FAQ • Privacy

https://mapfling.com/#000001721a733b6c000000002ff0da3e

2020 GOLF GUIDE

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GOLF COURSE GUIDE

Nu mb er

2020 BRAINERD LAKES AREA

218-564-4653 bluerberrypines.com

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

18 18 18

4 4

2 2 2

4 4 4

218-692-4653 crosslakegolf.com

9 18 18 27

4 4 4 4

4 4 4 3

4 4 4 4

4 4 4

Cuyuna Rolling Hills

218-534-3489 cuyunarollinghillsgolf.com

Eagles Landing

320-632-5721 eagleslanding-golf.com

Emily Greens

218-763-2169 emilygreens.com

Golden Eagle Golf Club

218-763-4653 golfgoldeneagle.com

The Pines

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

The Preserve

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

27 18

4 4

1 1

4 4

Little Falls Golf Course

320-616-5520 littlefallsgolf.com

LongBow Golf Club

866-988-0562 craguns.com/bobbys-golf-course

The Classic

800-642-5363 maddens.com/golf/courses/the-classic

Pine Beach East

800-642-5363 maddens.com/golf/courses/pine-beach-east

Pine Beach West

800-642-5363 maddens.com/golf/courses/pine-beach-west

Social 9

800-642-5363 maddens.com/golf/courses/maddens-social-9

18 18 18 9

4 4 4 4

3 3 3 3

4 4 4 4

218-426-4444 mnnationalgolfcourse.com

320-692-4325 golfmillelacs.com

320-259-8969 oakhillgolfclub.com

Pierz Municipal

320-468-2662 pierzmn.org/?SEC=46D78D75-32A4-4533-A776-E3EAE510B4DF

Pine Ridge Golf Course

218-575-3300 pineridgegolfclubmn.com

Jacks 18

218-678-4646 ruttgers.com/golf 218-678-4646 ruttgers.com/golf

18 9

4 4

3 3

4 4

The Alex 9

218-547-1712 tianna.com

218-894-9907 vintagegolfclub.com

Whitefish Golf Club

218-736-9055 whitefishgolf.com

Whitetail Run (Wadena)

218-631-7718 whitetailrungolfcourse.com

218-568-6995 wildwedge.com

Blueberry Pines Golf Club (Menagha)

BREEZY POINT RESORT

4 4 4

4 4

LEGACY GOLF CRAGUNS Par 3

866-988-0562 craguns.com/reversible9-golf-course

Dutch Legacy

866-988-0562 craguns.com/dutch-golf-course

Bobby’s

866-988-0562 craguns.com/bobbys-golf-course

Crosswoods Golf Course

4 4 4

4 4 4 4 4

GRAND VIEW LODGE

MADDENS

Minnesota National Golf Course Northwood Hills Golf Course Oak Hill Golf

4 4

RUTTGER’S BAY LAKE LODGE

Tianna Golf Course The Vintage Golf Course

Wildwedge Golf Course

4 4

2020 GOLF GUIDE

2020 LAKES AREA GOLF LEAGUES Cuyuna Rolling Hills 2020 Tournaments

» Couples League — 4 p.m. Mondays

Qualifier (Pines)

» Thursday, July 2, Party at the » Monday, Sept. 28, Great NorthPines - Fireworks on Range ern Couples Shootout (Pre(Pines) serve)

» Men’s league — 8:30 a.m. » Thursday, July 9, Concert - Led Zeppelin Tribute (Pines) Tuesdays and Thursdays » Women’s league — 8:30 a.m. » Friday, July 17, MN Teen Challenge Scramble (Pines) 18-hole Wednesday, 10 a.m. 9-hole Wednesday » Thursday, July 23, Concert Fleetwood Mac Tribute (Pines) » Women’s 9 & Wine — 5:30 p.m. Wednesday 5:30 p.m. » Saturday, July 25, Minnesota State Putting Championship Grand View Lodge (Pines)

2020 Schedule

» Monday, May 25, Fred-Mark 27-Hole Shamble (Pines) » Tuesday, May 26, Fred-Mark Best Ball (Preserve) » Monday, June 8, MN State Open Qualifier (Pines) » Thursday, June 18, Queens of the Greens (Pines) » Sunday, June 21, Grand View Challenge 2-day Pro-Am (Preserve)

ern Couples Shootout (Pines)

» Friday, Oct. 2, Golf Closer (Pines) » Saturday, Oct. 10, AFSP Run/ Walk (Pines — Marsh) » Saturday, Oct. 10, Ironman (Preserve) » Sunday, Oct. 11, Ironman (Pines) » Sunday, Oct. 11, Ironman Last Day (Preserve)

» Sunday, July 26, Member/ » Sunday, Oct. 18, Ironman Last Guest Beach Party Event Day (Pines) (Pines)

» Wednesday, Aug. 12, Brainerd Cragun’s Leagues Chamber Tournament (Pines) » Men’s League — Thursdays » Thursday, Aug. 13, Concert - » Couples Night Out — 6 p.m. Eagles Tribute (Pines) Last Friday of every month » Sunday, Aug. 16, Grand View Whitetail Run Golf Golf Club Championship (Pines) Course League » Monday, Aug. 31, MN PGA As- » Men’s League — Three men’s league Wednesdays sistant Event (Pines — Marsh to

Lakes) » Women’s League — Tuesdays » Monday, June 22, Grand View Challenge 2-day Pro-Am » Thursday, Sept. 3, Nisswa (Pines) Emily Greens Golf Chamber Event (Pines) Course League » Tuesday, June 23, Junior PGA » Tuesday, Sept. 8, MGA Net » Men’s 9-hole league — 8:30 TEAM (Preserve) a.m.; 10:30 a.m., 5:30 p.m. » Wednesday, Sept. 9, MGA Net Tuesdays TEAM (Pines) » Men’s 9-hole league — 8:30 » Saturday, Sept. 19, Fish and a.m. Wednesdays Golf Tournament (Gull Lake) » Men’s 9-hole league — 3 p.m. » Sunday, Sept. 20, Fish and Golf Thursdays Tournament (Preserve) » Women’s 9-hole league — » Saturday, Sept. 26, The Houff 5:30 Wednesdays (Pines) » Women’s 9-hole league — 9 » Sunday, Sept. 27, Great Northa.m. Thursdays 6

2020 GOLF GUIDE

Minnesota National Golf Course

Advertorial

A Minnesota must play

he COVID-19 pandemic has been very challenging for everyone and has affected every aspect of our lives including our recreation. The good news is the governor has allowed golf courses to open. Minnesota National Golf Course in McGregor has become one of Minnesota’s top “Must Play” courses. We all know golfers talk and the incredible buzz, fantastic word of mouth and overwhelmingly positive online reviews of Minnesota National say it all. ▶ Looking for beauty? Minnesota National was built on a pristine piece of Northern Minnesota virgin wilderness. Spread out over 600 acres, featuring towering

hardwoods, rolling terrain, wonderful marshes and manicured ponds that bring water into play on 15 of the 18 holes on the golf course. Each hole is set up in a way that will make you feel as if you are out on the course all by yourself. What many golfers who play Minnesota National agree on is ownership and staff is committed to constant improvement, making this great golf course better year after year. The improvements on the course, the golf shop, the clubhouse and staff training ensure every golf outing, conference or wedding is a great experience. Minnesota National continues to offer stay and plays. They have a continued commitment to expand and improve their housing to meet this increased demand. Construction of a new 49-unit full hook up RV park, opening spring of 2020, will offer seasonal, monthly, weekly and daily sites. Convenient to get to, Minnesota National is located just off Highway 210, an hour from the Brainerd area, making it an easy day trip or stay and play destination. Being centrally located makes Minnesota National a great location for golf trips, corporate golf outings, meetings, special events and weddings. You can win at Minnesota National. “Swing King” gives golfers an opportunity to win $10,000 to $20,000 dollars for

a hole-in-one on one of the par 3 holes on the back nine. How fun is that? ▶ Looking for a Challenge? Minnesota National, from the tips, is rated the second most challenging golf course in the state, second only to the pro tees at Hazeltine National Golf Course. Not a scratch golfer?

They have continued to improve the playability of the course with larger bail-out areas, tree removal and improved fairway conditions. This allows players of all skill levels to appreciate and enjoy the best of what Minnesota National has to offer. ▶ Looking for an overall great experience? Minnesota National is committed to top customer service. They seem to do everything they can to make sure you have a great experience. They deliver true championship golf, an amazing clubhouse, above average accommodations and northern Minnesota natural beauty. If you are on the ever shrinking list of golfers that have not yet played Minnesota National, you need to put Minnesota National on your 2020 must play list. You’ll be glad you did.

“An Experience You’ll Never Forget ” mnnationalgolfcourse.com | 23247 480th St., McGregor, MN Call us for tee times or more information at 218-426-4444

2020 GOLF GUIDE

2020 LAKES AREA GOLF TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

May

» May 6 — Wednesday Night Scramble Begins, Crosswoods Golf Course » May 10 — Mother’s Day, mothers play for free, Emily Greens » May 16 — Iron Man 2 Person Scramble, Cuyuna Rolling Hills » May 16 — Spring Fling ‘Go Low’ Scramble, Emily Greens » May 17 — Couples Mixer, Emily Greens » May 23 — Demo Day, Cragun’s Legacy Courses » May 24 — Spring 6-6-6 Legacy Challenge, Cragun’s Legacy Courses » May 25 — Memorial Day Event, Cragun’s Legacy Courses » May 25 — Fred-Mark 27-Hole Shamble, The Pines at Grand View Lodge » May 26 — Fred-Mark Best Ball, The Preserve at Grand View Lodge

June

» June 1 — MGA Senior Tour Northern Section, Crosswoods Golf Course » June 2 — Moonlite BAy scramble Begins, Crosswoods Golf Course » June 5 — CI Sportsboosters, Cuyuna Rolling Hills » June 8 — MN State Open Qualifier, The Pines at Grand View Lodge » June 8 — MN Junior PGA Tournament, Crosswoods Golf Course » June 12 — Jaques Art Center, Cuyuna Rolling Hills » June 13 — Grand Casino Special Olympics, Cuyuna Rolling Hills 8

2020 GOLF GUIDE

» June 13 — Crosslake Area Knights of Columbus Scramble, Crosswoods Golf Course

» July 17 — MN Teen Challenge Scramble, The Pines at Grand View Lodge

» June 15 — BFF and Grip it and Rip it Junior Classes begins, Crosswoods Golf Course

» July 19 — Pine River Backus Sports Boosters Fundraiser, Emily Greens

» June 18 — Queens of the Greens, The Pines at Grand View Lodge

» July 19 — Emily Days 9 Hole ‘Go Low’ Scramble, Emily Greens

» June 19 — Vern Wehage/Law Enforcement, Cuyuna Rolling Hills

» July 23 — Concert - Fleetwood Mac Tribute, The Pines at Grand View Lodge

» June 21 — Father’s Day $5 Special, Emily Greens » June 21 — Grand View Challenge 2-day Pro-Am, The Preserve at Grand View Lodge » June 22 — Grand View Challenge 2-day Pro-Am, The Pines at Grand View Lodge » June 23 — Junior PGA Qualifier, The Pines at Grand View Lodge » June 28 — One Person Scramble, Cuyuna Rolling Hills » June 28 — Crosslake Community School Tournament, Crosswoods Golf Course

July

» July 25 — Minnesota State Putting Championship, The Pines at Grand View Lodge » July 26 — Member/Guest Beach Party Event, The Pines at Grand View Lodge

August

» Aug. 2 — The 15th Annual Battle of the Bars, Emily Greens » Aug. 6 — Aitkin Chamber, Cuyuna Rolling Hills » Aug. 7 — Ranger Classic, Cuyuna Rolling Hills » Aug. 8 — Woodtick, Cuyuna Rolling Hills

» July 2 — Party at the Pines - Fireworks on Range, The Pines at Grand View Lodge

» Aug. 9-10 — 2020 Pro-Am Tournament, Cragun’s Legacy Courses

» July 3 — Ohlin Invitational, Cragun's Legacy Courses

» Aug. 10 — Hospital Fundraiser, Whitetail Run Golf Course

» July 9 — Concert - Led Zeppelin Tribute, The Pines at Grand View Lodge

» Aug. 12 — Brainerd Chamber Tournament, The Pines at Grand View Lodge

» July 12 — 4-Person Scramble, Whitetail Run Golf Course

» Aug. 13 — Concert - Eagles Tribute, The Pines at Grand View Lodge

» July 12 — Luau on the Links Member-Guest Tournament, Crosswoods Golf Course » July 17 — Humane Society Scramble, Whitetail Run Golf Course

» Aug. 14 — Deerwood Open, Cuyuna Rolling Hills » Aug. 16 — Grand View Golf Club Championship, The Pines at Grand View Lodge

» Aug. 20-23 — CRMC Championship, Cragun’s Legacy Courses

» Sept. 20 — Couples Steak Fry, Emily Greens

» Oct. 10 — Ironman, The Preserve at Grand View Lodge

» Aug. 21 — Mike Wilder Scramble, Crosswoods Golf Course

» Sept. 20 — Fish and Golf Tournament, The Preserve at Grand View Lodge

» Oct. 10 — Iron Man 2 Person Scramble, Cuyuna Rolling Hills

» Aug. 22 — The 2nd Annual Becky Gromek Memorial Tournament, Emily Greens

» Sept. 26 — The Houff, The Pines at Grand View Lodge

» Aug. 28-30 — Club Championship Weekend, Cragun’s Legacy Courses

» Sept. 27 — Great Northern Couples Shootout, The Pines at Grand View Lodge

» Aug. 30 — Club Championship Gross and Net Event, Emily Greens

» Sept. 28 — Great Northern Couples Shootout, The Preserve at Grand View Lodge

» Aug. 31 — MN PGA Assistant Event, The Pines at Grand View Lodge

September

» Sept. 2 — Ladies Invitational, Cuyuna Rolling Hills » Sept. 3 — CRMC Driving for Hospice, Cuyuna Rolling Hills

October

» Oct. 2 — Golf Closer, The Pines at Grand View Lodge » Oct. 4 — Fall Legacy Challenge, Cragun’s Legacy Courses

» Oct. 11 — Ironman, The Pines at Grand View Lodge » Oct. 11 — Ironman Last Day, The Preserve at Grand View Lodge » Oct. 11 — Iron Man Scramble, Crosswoods Golf Course » Oct. 17 — One Person Golf Scramble, Cragun’s Legacy Courses » Oct. 17 — Logtoberfest Red Tee Open, Emily Greens » Oct. 18 — Ironman Last Day, The Pines at Grand View Lodge

» Oct. 10 — AFSP Run/Walk, The Pines at Grand View Lodge

» Sept. 3 — Nisswa Chamber Event, The Pines at Grand View Lodge » Sept. 7 — Labor Day Golf Event, Cragun’s Legacy Courses » Sept. 8 — MGA Net TEAM, The Preserve at Grand View Lodge » Sept. 9 — MGA Net TEAM, The Pines at Grand View Lodge » Sept. 11 — Deerwood Technologies, Cuyuna Rolling Hills » Sept. 12 — The Green Jacket Open, Emily Greens » Sept. 12-13 — Two-Person Best Ball, Whitetail Run Golf Course » Sept. 19 — 16th Annual Gary Stiner Ironman Classic, Emily Greens » Sept. 19 — One Person Scramble, Cuyuna Rolling Hills » Sept. 19 — Fish and Golf Tournament, Gull Lake at Grand View Lodge 2020 GOLF GUIDE

PRO TIP

Chris Foley

Chris Foley Golf Schools

Getting your golf season off to a great start Let’s make 2020 your best year of golf ever! Follow these steps and you will have a much better chance of playing well early in the year and lowering your handicap and scores. Before you play your first round of golf, make at least one trip to the driving range. Your session at the range should include the following. Stretching

putting is critical to scoring well. Start out by finding a putt with very little break. Place several balls at a distance of between 3 and 5 feet. Work on hitting solid putts into the back of the hole. Try to make 10 to 15 in a row before quitting. Distance control is the most important element of good putting. To get a feel for distance, place balls at 10, 15, Start your session off by doing 20, 25 and 30 feet from the hole. Hit some general stretching of your each ball trying to get it to stop within shoulders, back, hips and legs. It is 2-3 feet from the hole. Do this drill to always important to get your golf multiple holes so that you have a commuscles loose anytime you go to the bination of uphill and downhill putts. course or range, but especially this Chipping time of year when you haven’t been The motion made when chipping the very active. A good way to loosen golf ball is a small version of the full up is to take a couple of short irons, swing. Hitting crisp, solid chip shots holding them together, and swinging will translate into solid hit shots with them back and forth slowly. the full swing. Remember, the correct technique is to set-up with a narrow Putting The short game is the hardest area of stance with more pressure under the the game to get your feel back. Good lead foot and the ball position in the

center of your stance. Grip down on the handle of the club. Make sure to hit the ball and then brush the ground ahead of the ball. Full Swing When practicing the full swing, start with your short clubs, making short, easy swings with a pitching wedge or sand wedge. As you start to get a feel for finding the center of the clubface, then make full swings. Progress your way through your bag by hitting a series of shots with every club. Move from sand wedge to nine iron to seven iron. Finally, hit your fairway woods and driver. Going through this type of practice session will give you a good idea of where the golf ball is going and give you a feel for hitting the ball solid. Confidence plays such a huge role in how we play, so starting the season off on the right foot will make lowering those scores much easier.

Tianna Country Club

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 10

2020 GOLF GUIDE

Advertorial

EMILY GREENS: Where golf memories are made Emily Greens was voted the No. 1 golf course in the Best of the Brainerd Lakes contest sponsored by the Brainerd Dispatch for the second year in a row in 2019. It is a great honor to have an affordable, family-owned golf course recognized by the Brainerd community in a region that is rated as one of the top 50 golf destinations in the country. The 17th hole at Emily Greens has been featured in the Lake Country Journal and as one of the “Great 18” holes by Great Places Minnesota. Emily Greens has carved a niche in the lakes area by offering good golf, good conditions, good pricing and great customer service. We feel if a player is paying $20 or $120 to play, they deserve to be valued and appreciated. The players are here to have fun and we take it as our collective mission to help them achieve that goal. Emily Greens is there to make it an experience to remember. Our slogan and mission is: “It is All About Fun on the Golf Course.” With senior and junior rate specials Emily Greens is the perfect course for the entire

two holes-in-one on Father’s Day 2018. The father and son who each carded an ace on the same hole a few months apart. There’s been a gentleman who recorded two holes-in-one on the same hole eight days apart and the lady, who in her 60s took her first lesson from PGA professional Dan Loken and proceeded to get a hole-in-one shortly after. Whatever your age or ability, whether by yourself or with your entire family, Emily family. There have been family outings with Greens Golf Course is where golfing memfour generations standing on the first tee. ories are made. It’s also a great place to make great golfing memories. The staff at Emily Greens enjoys hearing how a 12-year-old outdrove their dad for the first time or the first time someone birdies the 543-yard par 5 14th hole, the No. 1 handicap hole on the course. It’s a joy to hear about a lady who broke 40 or 50 for the first time on the front nine of Emily Greens. Like a rare sighting of a wolf or bear on the course, it’s also fun to hear about rare holes-in-one and Emily Greens has witnessed a few. Like the man who had

VOTED #1 BEST GOLF COURSE

DO NOT CUT OUT

Buy One, Get One

FREE!

Best of the Brainerd Lakes 2018 & 2019

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, June 30th though July 6th or with specials or discounts. Expires 10/31/20.

Can be used up to four times 1 2 3 4

Look to Emily Greens for all your golfing needs: Memberships starting at $300 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 Seniors

S P Juniors E C I A L S

60+

Walking $11; $17 w/cart 18 holes - walking $17; $24 w/cart Valid Mon - Thurs

16 and under Same cost as Seniors Valid 7 days a week

Midweek

9 hole - walking $11; $18 w/cart 18 holes - walking $20; $28 w/cart Valid Mon. - Thurs., Not Val. Holiday or June 30th - July 6th

Twilight & Early Bird 9 hole - walking $11; $18 w/cart 18 holes - walking $20; $28 w/cartValid Everyday Before 8am & After 3pm

2020 GOLF GUIDE

FEATURE STORY

By Conrad Engstrom Sports Writer

Sadlowsky growing golf in schools

When Dave Sadlowsky became the PGA Golf Professional at Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge, he noticed something he didn’t like. “When I first came up here seven years ago,” he said, “I just noticed Ruttger’s specifically didn’t have many kids playing (golf) just casually. My assistant at the time was from Deerwood told me ‘kids up here just don’t play golf.’” Sadlowsky sought to change that. The PGA of America’s “Golf in the School” program interested Sadlowsky as a way to help grow the game in his area. “We have two school districts that we can serve,” he said. “I contacted both schools and through the physical education teachers we go into their class and we see every kid grades kindergarten through sixth grade over the course of three days in each school.” For three years now, Sadlowsky has taught golf for three days at Cuyuna Range Elementary School in Crosby and Rippleside Elementary School in Aitkin. This year Sadlowsky was awarded a $4,000 George Waters Memorial Grant to help him in his efforts to promote youth golf at Cuyuna Range and Rippleside. “The program is a big part for us as PGA Professionals to grow the game,” Sadlowsky said. “Through the PGA Minnesota section we are fortunate to have the Waters Memorial Fund where we can apply for grants and help grow the game to others who might not have the opportunity.” He went to Rippleside March 10-12 and was scheduled to go to Cuyuna Range March 16-18, but due to the COVID-19 and school closing, he never went to Cuyuna Range. The equipment used is specialized for 12

2020 GOLF GUIDE

small children. The clubs are short and light with large heads. The balls look more like a tennis ball than a golf ball. To make it more fun, the students will hit balls toward velcro targets and Hula Hoops. “What I didn’t anticipate going into the second year, last year, was how much the kids were looking forward to it,” Sadlowsky said. “And how much they remembered from the previous year. I get goosebumps talking about it because that’s why I do it.” Sadlowsky says he receives letters from teachers expressing their gratitude from him teaching golf. “They always say they can sense an excitement of the kids when they know we are coming in,” he said. Along with Sadlowsky, Peter Vukelich, who works at Cuyuna Rolling Hills, and Rich Aulie, the Crosby-Ironton boys golf coach, help teach the classes. “I think it’s important to teach these kids the good game of golf at a young age,” Vukelich said. “Dave’s a great guy. Super laid back. He’s a great storyteller. He knows the game, knows the business and knows how to teach the game. He’s a great guy to learn the game from.” Vukelich’s role is teaching the students a proper putting stroke. “He’s an awesome guy to have with,” Sadlowsky said. While Sadlowsky shopped at Super One Foods in Crosby one day a child ran up to him with his mom saying, “‘Hey you’re the golf guy.’” Sadlowsky said the child thanked him

for bringing golf to his school because “golf is so fun.” When teaching, Sadlowsky tries to keep it simple. He’s not giving tips to the students, but introducing them to golf. “We introduce them to the three smallest shots we have in golf and that’s pitching, chipping and putting,” Sadlowsky said. “There’s a safety element to all of it because we are in a small space with a lot of kids. We help them, first of all, how to hold a club and then very simple things with how to swing.” Sadlowksy uses letters of the alphabet to make his point. He tells the students their arms make a “Y” shape with the club and to swing the “Y” back and through. The velcro targets help to make it competitive. Sadlowsky will hand out prizes to students who get bullseyes. Sadlowsky has two sons of his own, Sam and Bennett, who have interest in golf. Sam, a senior at Aitkin, missed going to the state golf tournament last season. Bennett is a sixth-grader and can be a recruiting tool for Sadlowsky in the elementary school to get others excited about golf. Moving forward, Sadlowsky hopes to continue to go to Rippleside and Cuyuna Range year after year. He thinks the repetition and familiarity he builds with the students will help. “Hopefully, a few of them then will start playing the game,” Sadlowsky said. “That’s the ultimate goal is to get them to play the game.”

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

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AREA GOLF: Porter becomes new superintendent at Golden Eagle A hidden gem in the Brainerd lakes area has a new course superintendent. Aaron Porter was hired to oversee Golden Eagle Golf Club in Fifty Lakes. Porter, who previously was Director of Agronomy at Giants Ridge in Biwabik, says the opportunity to stay in northern Minnesota was something he couldn’t pass up. “It essentially came down to the culture and the lifestyle that I’ve come accustomed to living,” Porter said. “I came from Giants Ridge and the opportunity to stay in northern Minnesota has always been my goal.” Porter grew up in Des Moines, Iowa, and was a three-sport athlete in high school. He graduated from Iowa State and said working at a golf course gave him that team experience he was looking for. “I’ve always been a part of sports as a child,” Porter said. “The first time I worked on a golf course it was like being back in a locker room again, and everyone has the same goals.” Living in an area where golf is prevalent is another reason why Porter is excited about working at Golden Eagle.

“The typography changes, the way they cut it through the forest, the number of tees, the size of the greens and the overall playability and the aesthetics of the design is incredible,” Porter said. “It really is a true gem, and I’ve only seen it three weeks without snow.” Along with Giants Ridge, Porter has worked at StoneRidge Golf Club in Stillwater, Des Moines Golf and Country Club in Iowa and Fargo Country Club in North Dakota. As an agronomist working at those different courses has provided Porter with the experience necessary to tackle Golden Eagle. “It’s not what you see on top and what you are standing on, it’s what we are given as a need to grow,” Porter said. “That’s the biggest challenge from going to Des Moines which was very black copper soil, to StoneRidge which was 100% sand, back to Fargo which was Red River Valley clay, up to Giants Ridge which was 100% sand again. Golden Eagle is a bit of a mix of sandy loam, which is probably the best that I have worked with in the last 10 years.”

“It’s a little more of a golf friendly economy,” Porter said. “With more courses and more rounds to be played versus where I have been before.” Porter loves the design of Golden Eagle even calling it one of the best layouts he’s seen.

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www.northco.com 2020 GOLF GUIDE

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Terry Thompson

Owner - Cuyuna Rolling Hills Golf

Consistency is the key in golf

Consistency is the key in golf, most golfers are always striving to get a lower score. When golfers come into the club house after golfing, I can almost immediately tell whether they had a good round. If they did, they are excited and want to share their accomplishment. If you want to constantly shoot in the 80s and occasionally lower, it is important to be consistent. This starts with off the tee box, a common trait among golfers is they always want to hit the ball as far as they can. Hitting it far is not a bad thing but, if you can’t control it you are setting yourself up for a bad hole.

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Hitting the ball straight and in play is far more important than hitting it far. Now for your second shot, when you watch the pros it is amazing how good they are with their second shot, but reality is most of us don’t have that ability. Which means your third shot is probably with a wedge, this is where you have the chance to lower your scores. You should practice and get comfortable with one wedge, and I would recommend a 54- or 56-degree wedge. After you have mastered that wedge, which would mean you can land the ball within three feet of where you are aiming, then

start practicing with your other wedges. Once you get good with your wedge you will most likely have more one putts or at the very most a two-putt. Next practice putting, when you get to the golf course go to the practice green and start by getting a feel for the speed of the green. Once you have determined the speed, start practicing aim, start close and work yourself away from the hole. Lastly, try to stay relaxed. When you get angry your body does a lot of things which won’t help your golf game. The game is meant to be fun, so please enjoy it.

Logan Jackson

Grand View Lodge — The Pines and The Preserve

We should always think 'face first'

As we head out to the driving range, or golf course at the start of this season, one of the earliest frustrations is seeing the golf ball go the opposite direction in which we intended to hit it. No matter the club, when working to correct direction we should always think 'face first.' That is the clubface of course, and primarily at impact. The club face is the only direct interaction we have between the club and

2020 GOLF GUIDE

the ball, and the angle in which the face is pointed will determine 60-80% of the initial direction of a full swing shot and nearly 90% of the starting direction when putting. When playing or practicing, we should first look at which way our ball is traveling relative to the target line, and then determine which way the face was pointed in relation to that same line. For right-handed players, if the golf ball starts to the right,

the face is open, and if the ball starts left, it is closed, in relation to the target. Although there are a multitude of ways to alter face angle, I find the easiest place to start is to look at the direction the face is pointed in the takeaway. If we bring the club back to waist height, we can quickly inspect the club face. If the face of the club is pointed toward the ground, the face is closed, and typically leads to the ball going left. Opposite to that, if the face points up toward the sky, the face is open, and thus the ball goes right. While practicing, if you see the ball going in one of these two directions, alter the face in the takeaway, opposite to the position in which the ball is traveling. So, to hit the ball more left, point the face more toward the ground, or to get the ball to go more right, have the face point more towards the sky. Overall, if you make your first swing this season and the ball heads in the wrong direction, be sure to think “face first” when working to correct it.

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or more than 50 years Northwood Hills Golf Course has been the preferred tee time and a long-time 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 offering a tremendous golf experience to the Mille Lacs Lake community. Prepare yourself for an unparalleled 18-hole, par 72 golfing adventure. 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 traditional blue grass. Designed by

By Bryan Reeder famed course architect Robert Murphy, Northwood Hills Golf Course has been a Minnesota golf gem since it first opened in 1969. Northwood Hills will challenge you while providing a relaxing, picturesque backdrop. Test your accuracy and improve your golf swing with fairways, water hazards and sand traps. Northwood Hills’ goal is to provide you with a quality experience that includes exceptional service and a comfortable 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 you can turn it into an extended weekend get-away and

enjoy the scenic Mille Lacs Lake. In addition, the close proximity to Grand Casino Mille Lacs means a change of pace is only a short drive away. Northwood Hill’s Mission To provide an innovative and refreshing product that offers traditional and nontraditional golfers an enjoyable, affordable and premier golf experience, through exceptional service, first-class professionalism and 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 alike. Ultimately these efforts will create a legacy that will last for generations.

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pros play CRAGUN’S LEGACY COURSES

Home of the Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada’s CRMC Championship! Advertorial

AREA GOLF: Golf1-800-CRAGUNS trips are made easy thanks to resort bookings  CRAGUNS.COM A number of years ago, “Golf Digest” ranked the Brainerd lakes area among the top 50 TONYgolf FINAU destinations in the world. Mackenzie Tour New and exciting restaurants, Alumni spas and other amenities and access to many of the top lakes all work to make the lakes area a great family vacation spot. One hidden gem often overlooked is the ease at making your golf trip a reality. Tim Bauman at Cragun’s Resort is a golf package expert who takes the worry off everything, but your golf game. Bauman said with cabins along the Legacy course as well as at Cragun’s Resort, a group of 16 or more can easily be accommodated. But the demand is high, said Bauman. “It used to be you could sneak one of these bookings not that far out, but the demand is changed such that if you’re not booking these nine months out they’re gone,” Bauman said. “Many of these groups are contacting us right after they finished their golf trip from last year.” Bauman said the biggest demand is for the cabins on the Legacy Golf Courses.

But the key point is for these groups to be in close proximity to everyone. “A lot of these golf groups are up with their buddies from college or whatever,” Bauman said. “They really just want to be together. Whether it’s playing pool or ping pong at the cabin or hanging out at the bar or at the golf course. It’s really about them being together. The most popular thing is truly fire pits. They want to sit around and play bean bags or just have open outdoor space.” Cragun’s is updating their meeting spaces on the resort to be more hospitality specific. The meeting areas are then surrounded by rooms to create a natural noise buffer and to allow large groups to be close. The concept is big with wedding parties. Bauman said game rooms are a big selling point at Cragun’s. The size of your group and how many rounds of golf and at which courses you want to play golf are key information to have ready to help a group get the best possible rate or at least have a good idea of the complete cost. Bauman said the best asset with dealing directly with the resort is golf costs and room costs are included in one price. There are plans that even include meals.

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pros play CRAGUN’S LEGACY COURSES

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TONY FINAU

Mackenzie Tour Alumni

2020 GOLF GUIDE

Advertorial

AREA GOLF: Whitefish provides an experience that goes beyond the 18 holes Voted a four and half stars rating and winning the best value award from the Golf Digest, Whitefish Golf Club provides an award winning experience for its golfers.

Open to everyone, Whitefish Golf Club is the only course on the Whitefish Chain that allows you to be 100% yourself. The course makes you feel at home and is an authentic Whitefish Chain experience.

Seven miles from Pequot Lakes and 10 miles from Crosslake, Whitefish is located in the heart of Minnesota’s lake country.

Whitefish provides memberships, weekly private leagues and discounts for its members. Not only that but you can own part of the Whitefish Golf Club and shareholders receive the best possible golfing value with other amazing benefits.

Carved out in the woods, the 18 holes at Whitefish rewards the accurate hitters. The course gives a challenge to those just learning how to swing a club to those who have been playing years because of its tree-lined fairways and towering trees. At Whitefish, people value the golf and relationships built in the clubhouse. A social nine holes of golf can turn into lifelong friendships.

You’re going to like it at Whitefish Golf Club, so grab your clubs, your golfing buddies and get ready for some fun.

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2020 GOLF GUIDE

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Tim Johnson Craguns

Start turning your 9s into 6s

1. Fitness versus Distance - A great way to increase your distance without buying expensive equipment or making extra time for lessons is becoming physically fit. Create workouts to strengthen your core, increase your flexibility and improve your conditioning to help your fatigue during the back nine of your round.

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Stick with a fitness routine and your golf game will reap the benefits in the long run. 2. Analyzing your lie - Start turning your 9s into 6s- A good way to help is by analyzing your lie with certain ground conditions. Whether the lie is wet, dry, in the rough, fairway, hilly or in the sand You

should choose the correct club for the appropriate shot you need to hit. Always avoid hitting a shot with high difficulty to keep yourself out of trouble and eliminate big numbers on your scorecard.

Bennett Smed Maddens

Easiest way to add speed in 2020

“I teach many golfers with limited hip mobility and players that have lost speed over the years. Here are two easy keys to add distance to your game this season. 1. Flare your feet: It may sound silly, but having your toes perpendicular to the target line at setup is a rotation killer. Try flaring your feet 30-40 degrees out

at address, this will enable your hips to rotate more freely and allow for a bigger shoulder turn in the backswing. 2. Lift that Heel: Log in to Youtube and watch a few swings of Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, Sam Snead…what is one thing they have in common? All of them lift their left heel in the backswing. This

allows a deeper turn into your trail side and promotes good tempo and kinematic sequence (how your body works together). You will find it much easier to swing the club faster when your lower body is freed up.

Top 10 Tips For Golfing Beginners 1. Take lessons. Teaching yourself, even with a good instructional book, can lead you to get into bad habits. Learning from a pro will provide lasting benefits to your game. 2. Don't neglect your putting. Putts account for about 50% of your strokes in a round, yet far less than 50% of golfers’ time is spent practicing putting. 3. Work on your grip.There are three main grips: the interlocking, the Vardon and the baseball — decide with your coach which is best for you. 4. Visit a driving range. Not only will a driving range give you a chance to hit a few balls without having to worry about finding them again, they are a great place to get advice and instruction. 18

2020 GOLF GUIDE

5. Use cavity-back clubs instead of traditional bladed clubs. Cavity-back or peripheral-weighted clubs usually have an oversized head and a greater ‘sweet spot’, so the area where you contact the ball and still get a reasonable result, is bigger. 6. Don't neglect brushing up on your etiquette. Knowing your golfing etiquette is a must. Without it, you may end up in all sorts of bother, not even realizing what you have done wrong. 7. Buy second hand balls. When starting out, you might be losing balls at a rate that your pocket cannot afford, purchase second hand balls to save yourself some money. 8. Go prepared for a round. A round of golf could take up to four hours, depending

on how busy it is, so make sure you have everything you could possibly need. 9. Don’t be pressured by other golfers. As long as you are not playing at a particularly slow pace then don’t feel pressured by other golfers. Everyone was a beginner once. 10.Always have some money for the 19th hole. Part of the golfing experience is the clubhouse or the 19th hole, where players can get together, enjoy a drink, compare their scorecards and show off their latest equipment. It can be a useful place to pick up tips, find out about any second-hand equipment for sale, or even any golfing social events which are being organised.

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AREA GOLF: Whitebirch continues to get better With the wind whipping from the west, the 11th hole at Whitebirch Golf Course was challenging enough. This year, however, the 440-yard par 4 got a bit more character. In order to make hole 11 more interesting, head PGA professional Mark Johnson and his Breezy Point Resort golf crew decided to reconstruct the 11th hole by adding an enormous tee box and an even bigger bunker along the right-hand side of the fairway. Pine trees were planted on the left side to narrow the landing area that is bookended by the new bunker and an established bunker that was shortened and given a facelift. The fairway itself was moved about 50 yards to the south. Depending on the wind, that is usually in the player’s face on the east to west routed hole, and which tee box the player is teeing off from, finding the landing area could be difficult.

The large, single-tiered tee box will provide a number of set up options for the hole. The bunker was originally going to be three smaller bunkers, but for maintenance purposes and because Johnson liked the look better, it was decided to make the new feature one large bunker with three larger distinctive segments. The entire bunker will be surrounded by tall grass to add more visual depth. Johnson planted 24 Norway Pines along the left-hand side of the fairway to give the hole even more definition and separation from other holes. The large green awaiting the player’s second shot was not changed.

Along with the hole 11 improvements, tee boxes on five other holes are being redone for improved play and maintenance. Johnson hopes to continue making “The new bunker is huge and you’re going to want to hit it between the two bunkers,” Johnson said. “That’s going to be improvements on Whitebirch by installing a continuous your target area and I think we have it set up where it looks cart path. pretty good from the tee box. The landing area is wide.” “We’re definitely going in the right direction,” Johnson said. “This golf course has really turned into a darn good golf Scott Hoffmann, the architect of the Classic at Madden’s, designed the new features for Breezy Point. course. It’s very playable and we’re excited.” 2020 GOLF GUIDE

FEATURE STORY

By Conrad Engstrom Sports Writer

Cragun's announces addition of CRMC Championship

EAST GULL LAKE — It’s officially official. A press conference Thursday, Feb. 20, was conducted at Cragun’s Legacy Clubhouse to announce the CRMC Championship will be the newest tournament for the Mackenzie Tour’s — PGA Tour Canada with the tournament slated to be conducted Aug. 17-23. A press release sent out Jan. 16 broke the news the Mackenzie Tour and CRMC Championship agreed to a sixyear deal for Cragun’s Legacy Courses to host the event. It will be the first Mackenzie Tour event played outside of Canada. “We are excited to expand the Tour to the United States,” Mackenzie Tour Vice President Scott Pritchard said. “We are super excited about our players, 75% of our players are U.S. born, and so we really believe they will see this as a destination event for their families.” The Mackenzie Tour is a series of golf tournaments played around Canada (and now Minnesota) in the summer. It’s one of three international tours with PGA Tour China and PGA Tour Latinoamérica. “This is how they start their PGA Tour career,” Pritchard said. By adding the CRMC Championship to its schedule the Mackenzie Tour now plays 13 events. At the end of the season, the top 10 money winners of the Mackenzie Tour earn status on the Korn Ferry Tour, which is a step below the PGA Tour. In the history of the Mackenzie Tour, 41 of its members have played at the PGA Tour level and seven have won on the PGA Tour. Most recently, Nick Taylor, who won the AT&T Pebble Beach 20

2020 GOLF GUIDE

Pro-Am Feb. 6-9. “We are excited about Cragun’s taking on the role as host of this event,” Pritchard said. “The six-year deal is a historic deal, not only coming into the U.S., but it’s the first time we have announced a six-year partnership.” It was announced the open qualifier tournament for the CRMC Championship will be played Monday, Aug. 17, at Deacon’s Lodge in Breezy Point with the top eight finishers getting into the field for the CRMC Championship. “It’s a natural fit,” Mark Neva head PGA professional at Deacon’s Lodge said. “Both Breezy Point Resort and Cragun’s have such a solid relationship. We play host to each other's guests. And certainly, the golf course itself will be a fair and appropriate venue for this

type of qualifier.” There are expected to be 156 players playing for a purse of $200,000 at the CRMC Championship, with the winner earning $36,000. The top 60 players and ties will make the cut after the second round of play Friday, Aug. 21. Minnesota native and 1996 Open champion Tom Lehman was named honorary chairman for the CRMC Championship. Lehman is one of Minnesota's most decorated golfers and currently plays on the Champions Tour. “There’s a whole bunch of really strong stories that will come of it,” Lehman said of the CRMC Championship. “From the golfer’s perspective, it’s a true stepping stone type tour. It’s not where you want to end up at, but it’s a great place to get a great start at.

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“In the long picture, there is going to be a time where you look at the guys who are playing in the Masters, US Opens and guys at the top of the PGA Tour and you are going to remember when that guy was here in Brainerd. “One of the most compelling stories that it will bring is that this tournament brings kids in the area into the game, closer to the game. They are to develop relationships with guys out there and watch them play and want to be like them. So I do think having a tournament there will help grow the game of golf in Central Minnesota without question.” Lehman added the CRMC Championship will help build the brand of the Brainerd community. “Whichever way you look at it, it’s a positive thing,” Lehman said. “The community can really get involved and take ownership of this. It’s not too big where the average person doesn’t just think they are a spectator and it’s not too small that it’s insignificant.” Lehman’s son Thomas Lehman will participate in Mackenzie Tour Q School this March and the father hopes to visit

Cragun’s for the CRMC Championship to watch his son play. “That’s really his goal for this year is to be part of the Mackenzie Tour,” Lehman said. “He’s working on his game. He’s a guy who really needs a tour like this and the type of player it's intended for.” With any PGA Tour-sanctioned event, there is a charity aspect, where through the CRMC Championship money will be given back to the community. “We are excited that this will be a week-long event,” CRMC CEO Kyle Bauer said. “It will give more exposure to our charitable programs.” Other events for CRMC Championship week will be announced as the Aug. 17-23 approaches. “Some of my very, very best experiences in golf have come in the smaller towns, in the smaller tournaments, where the community really wraps its arms around it,” Lehman said. “And that’s the opportunity (the tournament) has and that’s why I’m quite happy to help in any small way I can.”

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

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2020 GOLF GUIDE

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Dan Loken Emily Greens

Tips to get into a good spot

We all love to get off the tee box in good position: in or close to the fairway with decent length. ‘Decent length’ is relative to your average distance – not your playing partners, not the pros, not how you hit your drives 30 years ago. You know what I mean. I want to help get you off the tee box to a ‘good spot’ and put you in position for success. The No. 1 fault in driving the golf ball is: Do not roll your wrists. Wrists are a vital part of the drive but they should be used as an up and down hinge. Players who struggle with the driver usually start going off the rails early in the swing. The problems typically begin with the hands and wrists in the takeaway. Watch one of the pros swing with sequence and rhythm – I recommend Ernie Els, Tiger Woods or Lexi Thompson. The common theme is

2020 GOLF GUIDE

that all the important parts are working together. The hands and wrists, arms, shoulders and hips are doing their jobs in what is called a One-Piece Takeaway. Players get into trouble when one part takes over, or when the club starts in the wrong direction. As noted earlier, rolling the wrists at the start results in the left hand on top of the right hand causing the clubhead to pull to the inside. That makes the swing way too flat and forces the player to reroute the club path to even make contact with the ball. Wrists should not roll, they should hinge up and down. This hinge, combined with a full body turn, sends you on your way to better driving. The ‘full body turn’ as a part of the One-Piece Takeaway is the second biggest challenge that impacts our driving. The combination of age, knee/

hip replacements, back surgeries, all impact how a ‘full body turn’ is defined for you. Yet, stretching and loosening our large trunk muscles, no matter what shape or size we are, is vital. How many times have you gotten to the 6th tee box and said to yourself ‘Now I feel loose’? It takes a combination of stretching and swinging to get to that point. 5-10 minutes before stepping up to the first tee can get you prepared so you feel good right from the start. Playing golf in the wooded courses here in our region rewards good driving that finds the short grass. The concepts above can be worked on year round and will help get us to where we all want to be – in the middle and having fun! Which brings us right back to our motto at Emily Greens – It is all about fun on the golf course.

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GOLF AT MADDEN’S: The perfect family outing From introduction and instruction to a memorable round, Madden’s on Gull Lake is home to all the amenities that make family golf special. Whether it’s someone’s first time picking up a golf club or if they’re a veteran of the game, Madden’s offers the ideal experience and challenge for even the largest of families. Starting with golf instruction, Madden’s has the perfect plan to take your game to the next level. Lead teaching professional Bennett Smed and fellow PGA professionals Jake Wherley and Glenn Hagberg can make golf more enjoyable for any ability. Madden’s junior golf instruction uses a customized improvement plan designed around the student’s goals, ability level and physical fitness. From a true beginner or for the 14-year-old looking to beat Dad for the first time, Madden’s instructors can help. Golf instruction doesn’t stop at the youth level. Madden’s offers ladies’ swing clinics and personal instruction for men and women in need of a quick fix. Madden’s is now offering TrackMan, the best Launch Monitor technology available in order to offer golfers the ability to practice, learn, and play the game of golf year-round. TrackMan will now be used in all lessons, club fittings, and skills

Enjoy the beautiful par 3 16th hole on the West Course or tackle the daunting par 6 on the East. For those looking for the lakes area’s biggest challenge look no further than The Classic at Madden’s. The 18-hole championship design is consistently ranked among the top 100 public golf courses in America. The 7,102-yard layout weaves through the beautiful lakes area hardwoods. With so many different experiences available there’s a reason to keep coming back and Madden’s makes that easy, too. Every Sunday on Pine Beach West children 18 and under play for free with assessments as well as be used for virtual golf and a paid adult. Madden’s also participates in the year-round enjoyment. Minnesota Golf Association’s Youth on the Course From there it’s off to the course and with four initiative, which provides discounted rates at unique options to choose from, Madden’s has the Madden’s all season long. course for every player. Regardless of what is happening in the world, For beginners, a quick round on the Social 9 is golf at Madden’s Resort is the perfect outdoor the perfect welcome to golf. Featuring eight par 3s activity for the entire family. and one par 4, the Social 9 isn’t intimidating for new players, but provides enough challenge for the entire family to enjoy. Next, transition the family to Madden’s Pine Beach East or West Course. Both 18-hole venues offer scenic challenges on pristine layouts. Both options provide their own unique experience.

2020 GOLF GUIDE

PRO TIP

Savannah Smith

Pequot Lakes HS Girls Golf Coach — Crosswood Golf Course

Get ahead while being away

Whether you are just getting back five senses. Imagine what you are into the swing of things or you have seeing, feeling, hearing, smelling, been taking advantage of open golf and even tasting! Is there a slight courses, everyone could use some breeze? What does the ball sound like when you hit it? What does your pointers on how to get ahead while being away from the course. So how grip feel like in your hand? The more can we improve our golf game without you use your senses, the more suceven picking up a club? The answer is cessful the visualization will be. 3. Imagery needs to be realistic to your imagery! 1. The image needs to be as vivid as skill level. Having positive imagery about your golf swing is key, but possible. Imagine yourself swinging make sure you are visualizing your on a very well known golf course or swing/golf shots. If you hit your drivdriving range. This allows the brain to really connect with what you are er 200 yards in real life, you should visualizing. be hitting 200 yards in your imagery too. 2. Imagery needs to be done with all

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Kristopher Boike

Director of Golf, Northwood Hills Golf Course

Distance and club control

I’ve noticed a fair amount of novice golfers tend to struggle with distance

4. Imagery needs to be done in a first person perspective. If you are watching yourself swing in your mind, the connection will be lost. Visualize within your own body in real time. Use these pointers to visualize yourself playing a round at your favorite course. You will be surprised when you get on the course you may feel more confident because you have rehearsed in your mind. You can also try this technique with other activities as well. Try it out and see what you think!

2020 GOLF GUIDE

and club control. All too often we see misses due to overswinging or poor club selection. Just because you may have hit a 7-iron 180 yards a time or two, it’s likely that is not your stock distance. I also hear golfers talk about how much they dislike certain clubs because they don’t hit them well. As a result, the tendency is to mis-club, because we have large distance gaps. In most situations, taking an extra club and making a smooth controlled swing will yield much more consistent results. This is where working on distance and club control can really benefit the golfer. Here’s a fun method for working on club control: Start with any club. I prefer to start with lower lofted clubs and work my way to higher lofted clubs. Beginning with a lower lofted club also prevents over swinging early. Typically I’ll start

with a 3 iron and begin by hitting 100 yard controlled shots. After a few shots to 100 yards with 3 iron I’ll start to hit 100 yard shots with 4 iron, moving through my bag, hitting every club to that designated distance. Once I’ve made my way through the bag, I’ll increase my distance to 125 yards, starting over with the 3 iron, and work my way through the bag again. Try to increase distance by 25 yards at a time until about 200 yards. Once you’ve reached beyond a club’s furthest distance, no longer hit those clubs. Don’t be afraid to try this with drivers, fairway metals and hybrids as well. It takes time to get comfortable hitting every club in your bag, but once you do, it can take your game to a whole new level.

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AREA GOLF: The golf life of Savannah Stone and Crosswoods Crosswoods Golf Course in Crosslake is the quintessential family affair. The proof is in Savannah (Stone) Smith, who, like the property, has grown into a golf powerhouse. What started as mini-golf and Barbies transformed into a 27hole golf complex, college golf excellence and golf career. “My sister and I were pretty much there every day,” Savannah said. “A lot of the members that we have today were original members so they literally watched us grow up. We would bring all of our toys there and we would be sitting out on the front lawn playing with Barbies and all of our stuffed animals.” At 10 Savannah was washing and parking golf carts. At 12 she was working at Whistling Wolf Mini-golf which was started by her grandparents Jack and Dee in 1967. She transitioned back to Crosswoods in high school. “My cousins and I all went through that whole phase of working with the family,” Savannah said. The golf business also went through the growing phases. When Savannah was 5 her father Mike started work on the first regulation nine holes. The back nine, or Sunset, was built when Savannah was around 8. A short par 3 course was added and then in 2015 the third nine was constructed.

“When we built the newest nine holes I actually got to be a part of that,” Savannah said. “I was out there digging trenches. When we go out and play now I can say, ‘yep, I actually helped build this green.’” Savannah went on to a successful college golf career at Concordia St. Paul. Every summer, however, she returned to Crosswoods. The lure of the family operation even made picking a career difficult. “I graduated with a degree in psychology and kinesiology from Concordia and my plan was to go right into grad school and I wanted to go into clinical psychology and I wanted to be a sports psychologist,” Savannah said. “A month before I graduated I had this quarter-life crisis if you can call it that and I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do.” Stone returned to Crosswoods to weigh her options. At the end of the season, she was enrolled in the PGA program and landed an internship at Hazeltine National in Chaska. Stone returned to Crosswoods where she teaches golf, coaches the Pequot Lakes High School girls team and helps run the golf operations with her parents. In 2018, Savannah married her college sweetheart Josh Smith with a large contingent of Crosswoods members in attendance. “They are definitely our second family,” Savannah said.

2020 GOLF GUIDE

PRO TIP

Dave Sadlowsky

PGA Golf Professional Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge

Yes! How lucky we are

As I pen this article, our world stands still under the weight of COVID-19. Despite that, I can’t help but think how lucky we are. Lucky? Yes! How lucky we are to be able to enjoy all of what the Brainerd lakes area has to offer. Whether you live here, have a cabin here, are vacationing or just passing through, we are all lucky to have the opportunity to enjoy this area. I realize you are reading this wondering when I’m going to provide you with a quick fix tip that will help your golf game. Well here it is. Enjoy! As golfers, we

get to play our game in nature’s beauty and every round allows for a unique experience. Enjoy it for what it is — a stroll through nature and all the critters we share it with, breathing the fresh air, camaraderie with playing partners, time away from the hustle and bustle of today’s world, and maybe even a good hot dog and a beverage. Sometimes we get caught up in anger if our game is not going well. To that I say, who cares? Golf is a game, not life or death, and it’s scientifically proven that you perform better when you are happy and smiling versus being angry and frustrated.

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“Keep your sense of humor. There’s enough stress in the rest of your life not to let bad shots ruin a game you’re supposed to enjoy.” - Amy Alcott “As you walk down the fairway of life you must smell the roses, for you only get to play one round.” - Ben Hogan By the time this article is published, the golf courses in the Brainerd lakes area will be open for you, so get out there and enjoy!

Mark C. Johnson

PGA Golf Professional Breezy Point Resort

Course Conditions: Wind, rain and how to overcome them

A distinctive feature of golf in Minnesota is the number of variables Mother Nature can throw at you. You may tee off in the morning with temperatures around 40 degrees and by the 6th hole it is 65-75 degrees. A few holes later, wind comes up and then it starts to rain. If you’re not properly prepared, weather like this can ruin a golf game. When preparing for any round of golf make sure you are mentally prepared to play. Focus on what you can control and don’t waste energy or thoughts about controlling the elements. Avoid negative thoughts like “I can’t play well in the wind or rain.” Learn to be positive. Coming prepared with the following equipment will help you play in all conditions: Plenty of clothing that you can layer, allowing for full swing movement.

2020 GOLF GUIDE

Extra glove and/or rain gloves and winter gloves. Rain gloves are gloves you wet before use. They allow excellent gripping potential in wet conditions and work best in warmer conditions. Winter gloves are gloves that are lined on the back for added warmth and work best in cold conditions but not wet. Umbrella. Towel and extra towel. Gore Tex hat and stocking cap. Rain suit. Waterproof shoes. Raincover for bag. With the appropriate gear it’s now time to tee it up. When playing in the wind, it is important to strike the ball as solidly as possible. I recommend a person take a little wider stance than normal. This helps to

maintain proper balance. Placing the ball slightly back in the stance allows a person to hit the ball lower. Also, don’t feel you have to swing or grip harder because of the wind. That will only throw off your timing and result in poor shots. Paying attention to the ball flight of playing partners and to the natural environment around you will enable you to play your shots better. When playing in the rain it helps to have the right gear. In wet conditions, I recommend a person use a slightly stronger grip with the right hand. Also, play the ball slightly forward in the stance to prevent hitting fat shots. With the combination of the right equipment and the right mental attitude, you can and will play better in the wind and rain.

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AREA GOLF: The most unforgettable hole in the lakes area It might be the most visually intimidating hole in all the Brainerd lakes area. It certainly is unforgettable. Ask anyone who has golfed Jacks’ 18 at Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge in Deerwood what their most memorable hole is and the majority would say the par 3 18th. Whatever the score, chances are something happened on that hole to make a lasting impression. Despite being just 215-yards long, rounds PGA professional Dave Sadlowsky said. have been won or lost on this par 3 that is “When I’m playing here it’s always on my guarded by water in front and along the mind. You can’t get around it. And you have right, a sand bunker on the left and deep to wait until the very end. It’s a very unique woods far left. thing. It’s a love/hate hole. From most tee boxes the forced carry “I think the love comes more from the over water is the first hurdle players have spectators. Whether they’re just sitting on to overcome. While going short or right are the deck casually dining or if it’s a large golfterrifying, going long isn’t any better as Zig’s ing group, they all line their carts up along Restaurant deck looms just beyond the large that hole and watch their buddies struggle green. Chances are a large crowd is watching. and they love it.” “It’s the most memorable” Ruttger’s head Throw in a strong westerly wind and the

tee shot could require anywhere from a mid-range iron to a driver. In Sadlowsky’s seven seasons at Ruttger’s, he’s witnessed only two holes-in-one on the 18th. The first was with a driver. The second with a hybrid. “First and foremost you have to take everything out of the peripheral,” Sadlowsky said when asked how he plays the 18th. “My teaching style is not mechanical, but rather focusing on where you want the ball to go. If you truly can do that then the peripheral becomes blurred. Or it should. That’s what you really have to do here because there is a lot going on. There’s the water on the right. There is dense woods left and the building, the deck and the people behind. There are a lot of things going on. You have to make that all go away. It’s a relatively big green so pick the positive target and swing toward it.” ◆

2 COURSES. 27 HOLES. Jack’s 18 is one of the most scenic golf courses in the area, and Alec’s 9 is one of the area’s only 9-hole courses. Both are beautiful and fun to play for all skill times: 218-678-4646 levels.Tee Ruttger’s is quite simply a must-golf Minnesota ruttgers.com destination.

TEE TIMES: 218-678-4646 or ruttgers.com/golf/book-a-tee-time

Minneota’s Original Golf Resort! 2020 GOLF GUIDE

$32 18 w/cart Sun-Thurs

Not valid May 25-26, July 1-7, Sep 1, Exp 10/31/19

$44 18 w/cart

Add $5 on Saturday Not valid May 25-26, July 1-7, Aug 30-Sep 1, Exp 10/31/19

$30 18 w/cart Add $5 on Saturday

Valid before 5/17 or after 9/9. Exp 10/31/19

2020 GOLF GUIDE