MADDEN'S ON GULL LAKE
🇺🇸 Brainerd, MN, USA
Designed by Scott Hoffmann
The Classic at Madden's on Gull Lake is an 18-hole course designed by Scott Hoffmann and situated within one of Minnesota's long-established resort properties in the Brainerd Lakes region. Madden's has operated as a family destination since the 1940s, and The Classic represents the property's championship layout among its multiple courses. The design takes advantage of the rolling, wooded terrain characteristic of central Minnesota's glacial landscape, with mature pines and hardwoods framing fairways and elevation changes that add strategic dimension to shot-making.
Hoffmann's routing incorporates natural contours and integrates water features that reflect the lake-country setting, though the course itself sits inland from Gull Lake proper. The layout balances risk-reward opportunities with playability for resort guests of varying skill levels, a common approach for courses serving both serious golfers and vacationing families. Conditioning standards remain consistent with the property's reputation as a northern Minnesota golf destination.
The Classic functions as the centerpiece of Madden's golf offerings, which also include shorter courses designed for different player preferences. The resort's broader amenities—lodging, dining, and recreational facilities—support multi-day stays, and the golf operation reflects this context. Brainerd's position as a regional hub for summer recreation means The Classic competes within a market that includes several well-regarded daily-fee and resort courses, maintaining its role through accessibility and the integrated resort experience rather than tournament pedigree or national rankings.
Reviews
Great elevation Tough Par 3’s - 5 total 5 had a forced carry right in front of three of them - 5 total Par 4’s with doglegs If you can hit a nice high ball you’ll like because some traps in different locations Rocks in position to make a pleasing or puzzling look
Potentially one of the most overrated courses in Minnesota. How publications like Golf Digest rate this place over the likes of Northland, Midland Hills, Minneapolis much less its better neighbor Deacon’s is astounding. Tight tee shots, forced carries and repetitive hole after repetitive hole had me frustrated that I had to pay so much to play there. I didn’t even shoot that bad, but I hate forcing me to pull out woods rather than strategically taking them out. That isn’t good course design. The only thing I enjoyed about this course is the immaculate bunkers. It is not a repeat course for me. I think Madden’s as a resort is overpriced and outdated.
Fantastic conditions and views, could work a little bit on overgrowth on a few holes. Routing is subpar for its high rating, but a lot of gorgeous very fun holes, just wouldn’t want to play here everyday.
A top 100 public? Maybe in the state! This course really confuses me on how it get the high praise of being a good golf course when it is probably one of the worst ones in that area. So many bad hole designs out there and a little overgrown with the amount of trees that are on property. I do not recommend making the trip to play this and would recommend you going to either Craguns or Deacons Lodge.
If I spent a lot of time in the area, it’s probably where I’d play most of my rounds. I scratch my head at it making T100 lists, especially when I consider it second or third best locally. It’s good. Let’s just not get carried away.
Incredibly overrated. Great conditions but it’s boring, hard and the most expensive public in the state. Just a slog to get through. Shocked it gets into any top 100 lists
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FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
The Classic at Madden's on Gull Lake has a Course Vaults score of 7.8 out of 10 based on 28 explicit golfer ratings.
The Classic was designed by Scott Hoffmann.
Yes. The Classic at Madden's on Gull Lake is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at The Classic is 72.
The Classic plays 7,102 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at The Classic is 148.
