A LASTING LEGACY - CRAGUN'S LEGACY GOLF COURSES A
MINNESOTA MUST PLAY (APRIL 2010)
Midwest Golfing Magazine - Golf Show Issue 2010
By GLEN TURK
Senior Writer/Editor
It seems that unless you know what you're looking for, a lot of golf
resorts appear to be the same. Such is not the case with Cragun's
Golf Resort featuring the Legacy Golf Courses in beautiful Brainerd,
Minnesota. Opened in 1998, Cragun's is the mastermind of famed golf
course architect, Robert Trent Jones, Jr. It is evident that Jones
Jr. didn't just set out to build a golf destination; he set out to
create a distinctive golf destination.
Case in point, Cragun's owns the elite status as an Audubon
International Signature Sanctuary. It is only the second resort
course in the world to be so distinguished (the first being the
prestigious Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina). The Legacy has been
named among the "Best Environmental Golf Courses in the World" as
well. Therefore, all three courses were fit into the land with
minimal disturbance including weaving the courses around a 104 acre
lake and a stunning waterfall.
Secondly, Cragun's is home to an ultra-cool 9 hole Reversible Par-3
Course. Robert Trent Jones, Jr's. unique style offers the variety of
18 different holes strategically placed clockwise or
counter-clockwise depending upon the day you visit. "I only know of
a couple of other reversible courses in the US," stated PGA Director
of Operations Chuck Klecatsky. "This short Par-3 course tests most
shots in the bag. Holes range from 85 to 200 yards and anyone that
can go around in 27 or less shots is a fine iron player. The
reversible aspect is great because people can play the course two
days in a row and get a different experience. The greens are
receptive to shots from both directions, and we get 18 different
holes out of the land that it takes for 9," concluded Klecatsky.
Adult resident guests play for only $10, non-resort guests play for
$15, while juniors play at a minimal charge when accompanied by an
adult. For tee time availability, call 1-877-UGOLF18.
Looking for more fun even after your four hour thrill ride is over?
Trent Jones Jr. has incorporated the flair for the dramatic by
designing The Gambler's Hole, or the 55th hole at Cragun's. The 115
to 75 yard par-3 is meant to decide all bets still riding on the
course. Even though it's a short iron off the tee, a bevy of bunkers
guarding the green will make you pause before firing at the flag.
The uniqueness of Cragun's doesn't stop there as one of their
championship courses, The Dutch, features an anomaly of six par-3's,
six par-4's, and six par-5's. One of the finest long holes according
to PGA Director of Operations Chuck Klecatsky is lucky number 13.
"Our 13th hole on The Dutch course is par-5 where the risk/reward
characteristic of the golf course is showcased. Players are
challenged by one of nine tee complexes on the hole and where the
tees are placed influences the options the player has. An aggressive
drive can leave the player as little as 175 yards into a green that
is 50 yards deep and protected by a wetland in front of it. The
fairway is at an angle to the tees so this hole gets more and more
fun the more times you play it," explained Klecatsky.
Klecatsky added: "Dutch #16 is another top hole on the Dutch 18. A
generous landing area off the tee presents the golfer with a
decision as to where to lay up before approaching the green. A
wetland bisects the fairway from 225 to 150 yards from the green so
there are two routes the player can take to lay-up."
Being a member of the media means I get deluged with a "Top List"
for everything in the world of golf almost on the daily basis. I
receive press releases exalting the best new courses, old courses,
remodeled courses, and even courses affiliated with casinos. But for
my money, there is only one list that truly defines greatness. No
it's not MGM's annual Editor's Choice Awards, its Golf Digest's Best
Places to Play 5-Star Rating System. The list features the coup de
grace of courses throughout America, and consists of only 24
properties total. In 2008, The Dutch Course was added to that
exclusive list based upon many factors including layout,
conditioning, service, and overall experience.
The other championship course on site is dubbed Bobby's Legacy. The
par 73 layout plays to 6,755 yards and features more elevation
changes than the Dutch 18. According to Chuck Klecatsky, any hole
that has an "8" in its number is a sure-fire winner! "Bobby's Legacy
has a beautiful green site at the end of number 8. In order to get
there the player must hit an uphill tee shot that looks harder then
it plays. A long second shot leaves a mid to short iron into this
elevated green. A waterfall and stream protect the right side and
front of this green. Once up to the putting surface, the calm and
serenity of this sight can seemingly only be broken up by the
occasional three-putt."
"Another top hole on Bobby's Legacy is number 18. This mid-length
par-5 plays around a large wetland in a horseshoe shape. Depending
on the amount of wetland the player bites off, they can end their
round with an eagle chance or a birdie! Shorter hitters play it as a
three shot hole and can still end their round on a good
score,"concluded Klecatsky.
Both of Cragun's Legacy Courses have rightfully carved out an
impressive niche in regards to group play. Trent Jones' really has
thought of everything for group and tournament play, as both the
Dutch and Bobby's Legacy courses connect each other at the
clubhouse, so groups can play the two 18-hole courses per day
without having to travel. And their exciting Legacy Par-3 Course is
right in the golfing complex if you're in a hurry or want to
practice your iron play. This reversible 18-hole course is a truly
unique concept in golf with two 9-hole courses that consists of 18
tees and 11 greens.
Plus, their adjacent driving range and full-service practice area
lets you get your swings in before your big match. Next, their golf
carts have the latest GPS Systems installed as well. The Clubhouse
can accommodate groups of up to 270 in the Pavilion plus 152 in the
dining area for golf banquets, award dinners or other event
receptions. Finally, the second level Audubon room, featuring
majestic views of tees and waterfalls, has the ability to host
smaller events. If you would like Cragun's to host your golf group
this year, visit www.craguns.com or call 1-800-272-4867. |
