This place rules, a natural beauty for the ages. Cool Lake breezes and gorgeous fairways. Breezy Point Resort is a premier Brainerd Lakes Area gem, perched on the shores of Pelican Lake in Breezy Point, Minnesota.
Three championship 18-hole courses (plus upcoming short courses) surrounded by Northwoods beauty, loon-filled lakes, dense forests, wetlands, and that quintessential Minnesota “up north” relaxation vibe. It’s a full-service family resort with marina, pools, spa, dining, and the iconic Breezy Belle paddlewheel boats. This place is awesome for the family, for the boys, for everyone.
Quick Facts
- Three 18-hole courses: Deacon’s Lodge (Arnold Palmer design), Whitebirch (championship classic), and the historic Traditional (with short-course evolution in progress)
- Northwoods scenery: Rolling terrain, tree-lined fairways, water hazards, wetlands, and wildlife everywhere
- Seasonal play: Mid-spring to fall; peak summer/fall for ideal weather (60s-80s°F), long days, and top conditions
- Resort perks: Stay-and-play packages (including all inclusive options with meals/beverages), priority tees, carts, and multi-course access
- Top acclaim: Deacon’s Lodge often in “America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses” (Golf Digest), top Minnesota public lists, and praised as one of Palmer’s best designs
It shouldn’t be too hard to convince your spouse or your friends to vacation at Breezy Point. Hopefully this article provides you with all the tools you’ll need to do so. You deserve this trip. They deserve this trip.
Perfect For…
- Guys’ Trips: Multi-round days across the courses (Deacon’s for challenge, Whitebirch for fun), post-golf patio beers with lake views, friendly bets, and easy access to Brainerd-area nightlife or bonfires
- Families: Beach, marina, pools, kids’ activities, spa; more forgiving options on Whitebirch/Traditional; non-golfers enjoy boating, fishing, or paddlewheel cruises
Top Standout Courses
Deacon’s Lodge (Arnold Palmer Signature)
The crown jewel, named for Arnold Palmer’s father “Deke,” sculpted through 500 acres of wilderness with wide bent-grass fairways, masterfully contoured greens, native transitions, lakes, woods, and wetlands. Nationally acclaimed (Golf Digest top public lists), challenging yet enjoyable. A must-play with signature-hole drama everywhere.
Whitebirch Golf Course
The original championship layout in the Brainerd area, over 6,700 yards of lush fairways, huge undulating greens, multiple tees, sand, and water. A beautiful, playable test that maximizes the terrain; great for all levels with that classic Northwoods feel.
Traditional Golf Course
Historic favorite since the 1920s/1930s, shorter (around 5,200 yards), tree-lined, demanding accuracy over power with small, fast greens and undulating challenges. Hosted legends like Patty Berg, Les Bolstad, and Walter Hagen; fun, nostalgic, and rewarding for shot-makers (transitioning to new short courses “Three Breeze” and “Ace Valley” in 2027).
Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots
- Breezy Point Resort on-site — Variety of lodging (hotel rooms, suites, condos, cabins) with lake views; full amenities including indoor pools, spa, marina, restaurants (Palmer’s Grille at Deacon’s, Dockside, etc.)
- Packages like PAR/BIRDIE (1-night with rounds), all-inclusive (meals/beverages), or custom multi-course deals — add-ons for Deacon’s/Whitebirch; breakfast, carts, and perks included
All Key Breezy Point Golf Courses at a Glance
- Deacon’s Lodge (Arnold Palmer, top-ranked drama)
- Whitebirch (championship classic, lush & challenging)
- Traditional (historic short gem accuracy test)
- Upcoming: Three Breeze & Ace Valley (short courses, 2027)
- Plus driving range, pro shop, and practice areas
Pro Tips
- Book stay-and-play packages early via breezypointresort.com or golf specialists all-inclusive options unique in MN, multi-round savings
- Fly into Brainerd Lakes Regional (BRD) for closest access, or Minneapolis (MSP) 2-3 hour scenic drive
- Pair golf with Brainerd Lakes classics: fresh walleye, local brews, lake cruises on the Breezy Belle, or fishing/boating
- Use carts for terrain; forward tees for fun; embrace the wildlife and loons calling across the fairways
Time to tee it up amid Pelican Lake sunsets, test yourself with Deke, Have some fun on the Traditional Course and Find peace in Beautiful Minnesota,
We’ve Partnered With Good Guy Golf Trips To Help You Plan & Book Your Next Golf Trip.
It’s really hard to write this article without doing my world famous impression of Frances McDormand in Fargo. But I’m gonna do my best. Brainerd is Minnesota’s premier golf mecca. A region packed with over 450 holes across dozens of top-rated courses, framed by pristine lakes, dense pine forests, rolling terrain, and that classic “up north” Northwoods escape feel. Home to legendary resort layouts from designers like Arnold Palmer, Robert Trent Jones Jr., Tom Lehman, and more, it’s a stay-and-play paradise with Gull Lake views, family resorts, and endless multi-course options.
Quick Facts
- Hundreds of holes in close proximity, many world-class public/resort courses within short drives
- Northwoods charm: Tree lined fairways, water hazards, elevation changes, and wildlife-filled settings
- Seasonal play: Mid-April/May to October; peak summer/fall for long days, mild temps (60s-80s°F), and prime conditions
- Variety for all: From championship tests to forgiving resort tracks and short courses; stay-and-play packages abundant
- Top-ranked gems: Multiple courses in Golf Digest/Golfweek “Best in State” lists (e.g., Deacon’s Lodge, The Classic at Madden’s)
You know Brainerd is home to a 26 foot tall talking statue of Paul Bunyon. If the amazing golf wasn’t enough to get your tush to Brainerd, I’m sure the Paul Bunyon statue has you chomping at the bit to get there.
Perfect For…
- Guys’ Trips: Epic multi-resort days (36+ holes easy), post-round beers on patios with lake views, friendly competition, and nearby breweries or bonfires
- Families: Resort amenities like beaches, pools, kids’ programs, marinas; shorter courses or par-3s for all levels; non-golfers enjoy boating, fishing, or hiking
Top Standout Courses
Deacon’s Lodge (Breezy Point Resort)
Arnold Palmer’s tribute to his father “Deacon” sculpted through 500 acres of wilderness with rolling hills, wetlands, lakes, and loons calling. Challenging yet playable, nationally acclaimed (Golf Digest top public lists), with dramatic holes and impeccable maintenance.
The Classic at Madden’s on Gull Lake
Upscale championship gem, ranked among the best new public courses nationally, with pristine conditions, strategic design, and Gull Lake scenery. Part of Madden’s 63-hole lineup; a must-play for serious golfers.
Legacy Courses at Cragun’s Resort (Dutch Legacy 27 + Lehman 18)
Modern masterpiece with PGA Tour pro Tom Lehman’s signature 18,stacked sod bunkers, wetlands, wooded sanctuary, and massive renovation/expansion. Dutch Legacy adds variety; 45+ holes total in one spot, rated among Midwest’s top.
The Pines at Grand View Lodge (27 holes)
Joel Goldstrand design with Lakes, Woods, and Marsh nines, a true “player’s course” with challenging variety, blind shots, water, and Northwoods beauty. Highly ranked in state lists; renovated for top conditions.
Pine Beach East at Madden’s on Gull Lake
Historic classic (opened 1926) with Minnesota’s only par-6 hole (over 600 yards!) scenic, enjoyable, and full of character alongside the more modern options.
Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots
- Madden’s on Gull Lake: Classic resort with 63 holes, lakeside lodging, spa, marina, dining
- Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake: Mile-long beach, Legacy Courses, pools, sports center, cabins/hotel
- Breezy Point Resort: Deacon’s Lodge access, multiple courses, vacation homes/condos
- Grand View Lodge: The Pines & Preserve courses, family amenities, cabins
- Packages include lodging, rounds, carts, breakfast, book direct or via Brainerd Golf Trail sites
All Key Brainerd Golf Courses at a Glance
- Deacon’s Lodge (Arnold Palmer design)
- The Classic at Madden’s
- Legacy Courses at Cragun’s (Lehman 18 + Dutch Legacy)
- The Pines at Grand View Lodge (27 holes)
- Pine Beach East/West at Madden’s
- Whitebirch at Breezy Point
- Plus short courses, par-3s, and nearby gems like Ruttger’s
Pro Tips
- Book stay-and-play packages early via resort sites (maddens.com, craguns.com, breezypointresort.com, grandviewlodge.com) or brainerdgolftrail.com, multi-course deals save big
- Fly into Brainerd Lakes Regional (BRD) for closest access, or Minneapolis (MSP) 2-3 hour drive
- Pair golf with Brainerd classics: fresh walleye, craft beer, lake cruises, or fall colors
- Use carts for terrain; forward tees for fun; caddies or GPS for strategy on tougher tracks
Get yourself to Brainerd you won’t regret it,
Jesse
