BRAINERD, Minn. (Nov. 25, 2024) – The CRMC Championship, held annually at Cragun’s Resort, Golf & Conference Center and part of PGA TOUR Americas, announced today that Northern Pacific Center (NPC) will serve as the tournament’s presenting sponsor beginning in 2025. Located in the historic railroad district of Brainerd, NPC offers retail shopping across multiple retailers, wedding venues, modern convention center and delectable culinary experiences with onsite 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.”
Northern Pacific Center has been a founding sponsor of the CRMC Championship since the inception of the event. Their expanded partnership builds upon its 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, who has been an incredible partner for the CRMC Championship, will remain an Official Sponsor 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 adds his name to a list of notable champions of the CRMC Championship 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 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 as there is 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, renovated in 2023 and 2024 by PGA TOUR great and Minnesota native, Tom Lehman.
For additional information on the CRMC Championship presented by Northern Pacific Center, visit crmcchampionship.com.
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About PGA TOUR Americas | pgatour.com/americas
PGA TOUR Americas is an international tour that provides professional golfers with competitive opportunities and prepares them to advance their careers on the Korn Ferry Tour and PGA TOUR. The 2024 schedule consists of 16 events – six in Latin America and 10 in North America – and the inaugural season culminates in September with the Fortinet Cup Championship, where the top 10 players on the season-long points list will earn Korn Ferry Tour membership the following season.
About Northern Pacific Center | northernpacificcenter.com
Located in the heart of Brainerd, MN, the Northern Pacific Center is a historic venue offering a unique blend of industrial charm and modern amenities. Once a bustling railway hub, the Center has been transformed into a premier destination for events, dining, and business. With versatile spaces, a rich history, and a vibrant community atmosphere, the Northern Pacific Center provides an unforgettable experience for visitors and guests alike.
About Cragun’s Resort | craguns.com
Cragun’s Resort is located on Gull Lake and offers a wide array of year-round outdoor activities for individuals, families, and groups, including a mile-long sandy beach, biking, hiking trails, and watersports. Cragun’s Legacy Courses present golfers with the ultimate challenges and options at any skill level—from weekend warriors to the best pros in the game. The “Dutch 27” features three nine-hole layouts offering a variety of 18-hole combinations. The Red Nine is currently closed for renovation by Lehman Design Group and will reopen in 2024. The Lehman 18 reopened for its first full season this year after undergoing a full renovation.
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