Minnesota Golf: Madden’s on Gull Lake

Madden’s World Class Service and Amenities

When it comes to family-owned resorts with world class amenities and service, Madden’s on Gull Lake comes to mind. It’s earned national recognition for its leadership in the industry and with roots that date back to 1909, if you’re a Minnesotan, you know about Madden’s. Even if you’re not from Minnesota, there’s a good chance you’re aware of it’s championship golf and wonderful family setting on Gull Lake. We recently connected with Glenn Hagberg, Head Golf Professional at Madden’s, and asked him a few questions about this historic resort.

Why do your guests visit you?

Guests visit Madden’s on Gull Lake as a destination lake resort and golf experience.  We have guests that visit from all over the world annually.  Guests who have stayed at other properties tell us they prefer Madden’s for three reasons: 1. Service, 2. Convenience, 3. Quality.  With all 63 holes of golf, 287 guest accommodations and 6 restaurants on one property we provide high service levels and you can put your keys away once you are here.  One would think that the lake and golf courses would be the highlight of the trip, but it’s not uncommon for a guest to tell us that their dining experience and service was over the top – the highlight of their trip!

What makes your signature course, The Classic, unique?

The Classic at Madden’s is Minnesota’s only public course rated both Top 100 and 5 stars by Golf Digest.  The reputation for a meticulously manicured course and uniqueness of every hole is what separates The Classic from being just another great course.  It is also the only public golf course in MN to offer Caddie services.  Our professional caddies come from all over; New York, Florida, Seattle, and Australia to name a few.  They are all 18+ years of age and sport a 13 handicap or less.  Their golf knowledge and personalities significantly adds enjoyment to your Top 100 golf experience.

What is your favorite hole at The Classic?

The funny thing about The Classic, if you ask 18 people what their favorite hole is, you just might get 18 different answers.  That’s the reason The Classic has received so much national acclaim; the variety of hole styles, shot variety, and there isn’t a bad hole on the course.  Personally, my favorite is #11.  The most photographed hole on the course is truly unique to anything I’ve seen.  The Tour Tee measure 444 yds through a tight tree lines shoot and a 265 yd carry to the fairway.  An elevated green perched on a rock wall over a large marsh surrounded by 9 bunkers, 6 of which rest picturesquely on the hillside behind the green.

What is the best complement you can receive from a golfer?

“I’ve played all over the world and The Classic is as good as any top course I’ve ever played”  Every year we have guests visit The Classic from all corners of the globe, and we have the opportunity to meet some amazing people.  Last year a guest from Kansas City Played golf in all 50 states.  “Top 5 favorite courses: The Classic, Bandon Dunes, Kiawah Island, Maui Kai, & Cordellaine.”  That’s pretty good company!

What are the best months to visit you?

May – Early October during the week Monday – Thursday.  Golf in Minnesota is generally played April 1 – Nov 1.  The season at The Classic is the first Friday in May through the second Sunday in October.  We cut out the first and last month of the season to make sure that we provide the Top 100 5-star experience that golfers expect.

What do your guests say are the most fun things to do as a family?

A longtime guest aptly puts it:  “Whatever I happen to be doing at any time is my favorite thing to do at Madden’s”