From Ice and Turf to the Tee Box: Minnesota Sports Stars Head to Brainerd PGA TOUR Stop
Adam Thielen, Matt Boldy, and Ryan Hartman join CRMC Championship in Brainerd
Cuyuna Regional Medical Center (CRMC) Championship officials announced today that former NFL wide receiver and Minnesota Viking Adam Thielen, Olympic gold medalist Matt Boldy, Ryan Hartman from the Minnesota Wild, and local PGA Professional and Staples, Minnesota native Andrew Israelson have received sponsor exemptions to compete in this year’s CRMC Championship. The PGA TOUR Americas event, presented by Northern Pacific Center, takes place August 24–30, 2026 at Cragun’s Legacy Courses in Brainerd, one of Minnesota’s premier year-round lake and golf destinations located at Cragun’s Resort, which offers direct resort access to Gull Lake, on-site dining, and premier accommodations just minutes from the 1st tee. The event supports the CRMC Foundation, a charity supporting critical health care needs in the Brainerd Lakes area.
Thielen, a Detroit Lakes native, built a standout NFL career with two Pro Bowl selections. Joining him are Wild forwards Boldy—fresh off capturing an Olympic gold medal with Team USA—and Hartman, both avid golfers known for bringing their trademark competitiveness from the ice to the fairways. Boldy, who scored Team USA’s opening goal in the 2026 Winter Olympic gold medal game, swaps his hockey stick for a driver to take on the Legacy course layout. Rounding out this year’s sponsor exemptions is local PGA professional Andrew Israelson, who returns to the CRMC Championship field following an impressive performance in 2025, where he carded a 16-under-par total to finish in 26th place against the world-class field.
The CRMC Championship serves as a crucial stop on the PGA TOUR Americas schedule, where up-and-coming tour professionals battle for status on the Korn Ferry Tour. Throughout its history, the tournament has proven to be a launching pad for future stars, producing PGA TOUR champions such as inaugural 2022 CRMC winner Jake Knapp and 2025 winner Michael Brennan.
“We are thrilled to welcome Adam, Matt, Ryan, and Andrew to this year’s field,” said Jack Wawro, CRMC Championship Tournament Director. “Their presence brings incredible energy for our local sports fans and highlights the unique, community-focused spirit of this event. Having an Olympic gold medalist and elite Minnesota athletes competing alongside local talent like Andrew is going to create an amazing atmosphere for our spectators.”
All net proceeds from the tournament directly benefit the CRMC Foundation, supporting crucial healthcare initiatives, patient care, and community wellness programs throughout the Brainerd Lakes Area.
WHEN: August 24 – 30, 2026*
* In addition to Wednesday’s Pro-Am Boldy, Hartman, Thielen are competing in the 156 p;layer field Wednesday/26th, Thursday/27th and Friday/28th AND POSSIBLY into the weekend basis the 36 hole cut (Top 60 plus ties)
*A Wednesday/26th afternoon press conference is scheduled for media access to Boldy, Hartman and Thielen. Exact time of press conference TBD following Tuesday’s announcement of championship round qualifiers, tee times and parings.
WHERE: Cragun’s Legacy Courses
11496 E Gull Lake Dr
Brainerd, MN 56401
SCHEDULE:
Monday, August 24 and Tuesday, August 25
Professional Practice Rounds | Cragun’s Legacy Courses
Wednesday, August 26*
Official CTC Pro-Am | Cragun’s Legacy Courses
*Includes TBD media press conference
Thursday, August 27:
CRMC Championship — Round 1
Friday, August 28:
CRMC Championship — Round 2
Saturday, August 29:
CRMC Championship — Round 3
Sunday, August 30:
CRMC Championship — Final Round
MORE INFO: https://crmcchampionship.com/
Schedule, VIP hospitality packages, resort lodging, concert tickets, and more
About Cragun’s Legacy Golf Courses
Located in the heart of Minnesota’s Brainerd Lakes Area at Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake, Cragun’s Legacy Courses offers a world-class, 45-hole championship golf experience combining pristine Northwoods beauty with course design by PGA TOUR Legend Tom Lehman. Recognized nationally as one of the Midwest’s premier golf destinations, Cragun’s Legacy Courses cater to golfers of all skill levels with state-of-the-art practice facilities, expansive clubhouse amenities, custom golf packages, and renowned resort hospitality. For tee times, packages, and resort lodging information, visit craguns.com/golf.
CONTACT:
Carrie Scarfino (Onsite) Michael Deering (Pre-Event)
Marketing Manager, Cragun’s Resort Media Relations Facilitation
cscarfino@craguns.com michael@superstarpr.com
612.716.5573 612.360.7789