The CRMC Championship, held annually at Cragun’s Resort, Golf & Conference Center in Brainerd, MN., is part of the PGA Tour Americas. Northern Pacific Center (NPC) , located in the historic railroad district of Brainerd, has announced that it will serve as the tournament’s presenting sponsor beginning in 2025. NPC offers retail shopping across multiple retailers, wedding venues, a modern convention center, and culinary experiences with on-site restaurants.
“As a long-time supporter of this tournament and frequent player at Cragun’s Legacy Courses, I’ve witnessed firsthand how this event has grown to become a driving force for showcasing both emerging golf talent and our beautiful Brainerd Lakes region,” said Mike Higgins, owner and CEO of Northern Pacific Center. “By stepping into the role of presenting sponsor, we’re establishing our commitment to elevate this tournament to even greater heights while continuing to bring world-class golf to our community.”
Cragun’s Resort is located on Gull Lake. It offers various year-round outdoor activities for individuals, families, and groups, including a mile-long sandy beach, biking, hiking trails, and watersports. Cragun’s Legacy Courses features three outstanding nines designed by Minnesota native Tom Lehman. The “Dutch 27” has a variety of 18-hole combinations. The Red Nine is currently closed for renovation by Lehman Design Group and will reopen in 2024. After a complete renovation, the Lehman 18 reopened for its first full season this year
Northern Pacific Center has been a founding sponsor of the CRMC Championship since its inception. Their expanded partnership builds upon their earlier roles as Pro-Am and admission sponsor. The 2025 event promises enhanced spectator experiences, including premium viewing opportunities from Northern Pacific Center’s signature VIP tent overlooking the 17th hole. This elevated partnership reinforces the tournament’s position as a premier stop for professional golfers pursuing their path to the PGA Tour.
Gertens Garden Center and Professional Turf Supply, partners in the CRMC Championship, will remain Official Sponsors in 2025.
The 2024 edition of the CRMC Championship was won by Frederik Kjettrup, who is poised to be an emerging star on next year’s Korn Ferry Tour. Kjettrup claimed his third victory of the season at CRMC Championship and became the first player in International Tour history to earn the Three-Victory Promotion, resulting in an immediate promotion to the Korn Ferry Tour.
Kjettrup joins a list of notable CRMC Championship champions, such as PGA TOUR winner Jake Knapp. Knapp won the 2022 CRMC Championship and quickly emerged as a top talent on the Korn Ferry Tour. In less than two years since his win at Cragun’s, Knapp earned his PGA TOUR card and won in his fifth start during his rookie season on the PGA Tour at the Mexico Open at Vidanta.
The competitive strength of the PGA Tour Americas reached new heights in 2024, as the 10 players who earned Korn Ferry Tour cards were in the top 600 of the Official World Golf Ranking. 2025 looks to continue this trend, with the top NCAA graduates earning status on the PGA Tour Americas through the PGA TOUR University program, as well as many other top-up-and-coming players looking to fulfill their dream of making it to the PGA TOUR.
The CRMC Championship, presented by Northern Pacific Center goes well beyond golf. It features a robust week-long schedule of activities for the public, adults, and children alike, beginning the Sunday before the tournament tees off on the following Thursday in August 2025. The tournament is played on the Dutch course Cragun’s Resort, which was renovated in 2023 and 2024 by PGA TOUR great and Minnesota native Tom Lehman.
