The Classic at Madden's

The Classic at Madden's on Gull Lake opened in 1997 as the crown jewel of a resort that already offered 45 holes of golf but wanted a true championship test. Designed by Scott Hoffmann, the resort's own golf architect, the 18-hole layout stretches to roughly 7,100 yards, winding through wetlands, hardwoods, and dramatic elevation for a par of 72. Recognition came immediately: Golf Digest named it Best New Public Golf Course in America for 1997. The course has held that acclaim for decades, carrying a Golf Digest five-star rating and appearing among America's 100 Greatest Public Courses, ranked #80 in the publication's 2025 list. Set on the shores of Gull Lake in Minnesota's Brainerd Lakes resort country, The Classic remains one of the Upper Midwest's premier destination golf experiences.