BRAINERD, Minn. (July 15, 2025) - The multi-year golf course renovation at Cragun’s Resort, Golf and Conference is finished. PGA TOUR Champions player and course architect Tom Lehman led today’s ceremonial unveiling of the final nine holes, now known as Dutch Red. Once again, all 45 holes are open to resort guest and public play.
The renovation of Dutch Red—thoughtfully designed to improve playability and enjoyment for golfers of all skill levels—includes striking new bunkering, four redesigned greens, and fresh green surrounds. The routing remains the same, but significant reshaping and clearing have enhanced scenic views across the course.
Among the most noticeable changes is the improvement in playability on holes #3 and #4. Hole #3 now boasts a dramatic change in the landing area off the tee, nearly doubling the size of the fairway. The new green was moved 50 yards back with a soft chipping area surrounding the entire green, making the hole much more enjoyable for all skill levels.
Hole #4 is now a drivable par 4, previously guarded by a series of bunkers and a cart path along the left side. The renovation relocated the bunkers to new strategic areas, moved the cart path to the right side, and it is now more playable and enjoyable. The new green on #4 is much more subtle but still allows for some terrific pin placements.
Today’s grand opening was attended by representatives of Cragun’s Resort owners, Leisure Hotels & Resorts, PGA TOUR Americas, regional and national media, marking the start of an exciting new chapter for golf in the Upper Midwest.
Looking ahead, Cragun’s Resort, Golf & Conference will host the prestigious CRMC Championship, presented by the Northern Pacific Center, for the fourth year, August 28 to 31, offering fans and players an exciting glimpse of the renovated Red and White layouts.
Past champions include two-time PGA TOUR winner Jake Knapp (2022), Yi Cao (2023), and Frederik Kjettrup (2024).
For more information, visit the website at www.craguns.com.
About Cragun’s Resort, Golf & Conference
Since 1940, Cragun’s Resort, Golf and Conference has been a beloved fixture in the Brainerd Lakes community, attracting thousands of tourists annually with its outdoor amenities and scenic location. After being owned by the Cragun family for 85 years, the resort was sold to a Baxter-based company in a deal believed to be the largest resort transaction in Minnesota history, completed without brokers through a relationship-based agreement with Dutch Cragun. Despite the change in ownership, the staff and leadership team will remain intact to preserve the resort’s legacy and ongoing operations. The new owners plan to spend 2025 understanding the resort’s operations and investing in future improvements, aiming to sustain and enhance Cragun’s tradition as a premier, full-service destination with a prime lakeside location, a mile of sandy beach, golf courses, and a dedicated team.
Media Contact:
Karen Moraghan
Hunter Public Relations
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