At 7 AM on opening day for golf at the Minnesota resort, Madden’s on Gull Lake near Brainerd, a steady downpour of rain would seem to be preparing the morning gathering of golfers in the lobby for a non-start. But Madden’s has a tradition which will not be put aside by this minor force of nature. An appropriately clad piper will usher in the new season no matter what.
By 7:30 the golf gods have recognized the importance of the event, and the rain has been reduced to a minor drizzle. A few minutes later, as though on cue from the sound of bagpipes emanating from behind the spruce trees beside the first green, even those few drops are stopped, and the dark grey sky begins to show signs of white. The distance appears to even offer a wishful faint hint of blue.
As the piper marches up the first fairway to the first tee box, the hopeful onlookers begin a quiet applause which grows louder as the piper passes the starter’s shelter, and then proceeds to join the crowd on the deck overlooking the first and eighteenth fairways.
The season is on, and some of the best courses one could envision await its spring and summer golfers in the Brainerd Lakes region. Courses designed by Trent Jones Jr. and Arnold Palmer have meaning for golf enthusiasts; as do 4 ½ to 5 star ratings from Golf Digest, as well numerous recognitions for resort quality and value from various other prestigious national publications.
So one week ago today, on opening day, even as the grass had yet to let go its winter brown, and the trees still waited for their coat of green, nothing could deter me and my golf buddy Ron Delaronde,from achieving our goal…over two days on what is called the Brainerd Golf Trail, we would test four exceptionally designed golf tracks in the region.
For decades the Brainerd Lakes area has been known to tourists as both a vacation paradise for families seeking out the Paul Bunyan legend, and as a haven for fishing aficionados from all over the U.S. and Canada.
Before Brainerd ever thought of promoting itself as a golf destination, this writer had the most memorable experience of fishing with the now famous Al and Ron Lindner, the brothers who disseminated world wide sport fishing knowledge and awareness through their television series and widely distributed fishing bible, In Fisherman magazine.
Few resorts featured golf courses then, and catching largemouth bass, walleye, and plentiful Northern Pike was perhaps all the region needed, given the bonus it offered of majestic views that are still easy to find traveling through its byways.
While fishing is still a major drawing card, and family vacations continue to bring steady clientele year after year, tourist interests evolve, and the resorts recognized that the trend to golf was real and long lasting.
They proceeded to construct golf courses, and good ones at that. Deacon’s Lodge, designed by Arnold Palmer and named after his father Milfred J. (Deacon) Palmer, has been recognized by Golf Magazine twice in the “Top 100 Courses You Can Play”.
Cut through 500 acres of Minnesota lakes, wetlands, and forest, almost every hole offers either a powerful lake view, or a fairway winding through a deep valley. Shot selection is critical in reaching any of the elevated greens.
Only a few miles away, its sister course in the Grand View Golf Group, is the 27 hole Pines course. Sharing a Golf Digest 5 star rating with only 10 other courses in the U.S., it presents a significant challenge for the low handicapper but a reasonable chance for success for even the duffer from the white tees. Both players share scenic vistas equally, and can look back on a unique golf experience regardless of their levels.
Dutch and Irma Cragun (a Canadian by birth) own the Legacy Golf Courses, 54 holes of 4 1/2 star rated golf, designed by Trent Jones, Jr. For the Craguns, Legacy, the name they anointed their golf sanctuary has significant meaning. Married for over forty years, and without children, their objective in creating these courses went beyond simply giving golfers the pleasure of a day or two of tee to green pleasures. This project was their baby, and they would build something that would have lasting value beyond their time.
They selected Robert Trent Jones, Jr. as the designer because of his reputation for preserving the natural character of the land, and keeping the environment of the area intact. In 2005 the investment paid off with certification from Audubon International, one of only two golf courses in the United States committed to uphold the rigid environmental standards imposed by the Audubon society.
While nature may be a prime beneficiary of this lofty standard, golfers will appreciate the 1,450 feet of bridges, an impressive waterfall meandering between the 1st and 8th holes of the Bobby’s Legacy course, and the fact that the courses surround a 104 acre lake with numerous holes running beside it.
While the Craguns established their Legacy with Audubon International, the adjacent facility at Madden’s on Gull Lake found recognition from a different source. To be selected as a member in National Trust Historic Hotels, it must be recognized as having genuine historic significance.
It must be at least 50 years old, and maintain standards of hospitality demanded by the nonprofit membership organization for over 75 years. With a singular goal of preserving America’s historic places they welcomed Madden’s on Gull Lake in 2005. The Pine Beach Hotel, one of the three cornerstones of the resort’s historic buildings, was opened in 1929.
Golf at Madden’s does not take a backseat to the architecture or its surroundings. In addition to the Pine Beach East and West Courses, its third 18 hole design, The Classic, opened only 10 years ago is also rated 4 ½ stars.
What makes the Brainerd region most surprising is, that compared to most golf destinations in America, prices are very reasonable. Weekday rates at Deacon’s Lodge and The Pines start from about $87 U.S. (approx. $100-$110 CDN) cart included.
Even better deals are offered with packages. Madden’s lodge offers a modified American Plan (breakfast and dinner included) with golf, starting as low as $136 pp U.S. (approx. $155 CDN.).
The week has passed. Delaronde and I achieved our goal of golfing four of the many exceptional courses in the region. By now, the rains that began as we left the area will have hurried the greening of the fairways, and the buds on the trees will open more quickly with each passing day of sun and heat.
With each coming week, the pulse of this golfer will quicken, dreaming of the possibility of going back to Brainerd once more before the summer ends.
If you go
Where to Stay
Madden’s on Gull Lake really is a treasure for those who appreciate history and architecture. Service at every level is exceptional. Cragun’s offer excellent on-the-lake options in room or cabin accommodation. Grand View Lodge, bordering the 5 star Pines Course offer 1-3 bedroom golf villas for groups as well as fairway Town homes.
Where to Eat:
The prime rib at Maddens is outstanding and the hamburgers in their casual lounge are to rave about. Craguns menu is also excellent. You must try the walleye sandwich at Deacon’s Lodge. Brainerd and nearby Baxter offer the usual selection of national food chains and franchises.
How to get there:
Take Highway 59 from Winnipeg to Detroit Lakes, then Highway 10 East to Brainerd. It’s about a five hour drive but excellent highways make it seem faster.
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