BRAINERD — Northern Pacific Center will become the new presenting sponsor for the PGA Tour Americas CRMC Championship held at Cragun’s Resort.
NPC will replace Gertens Garden Center and Professional Turf Supply, the presenting sponsor for the first three years of the
PGA Tour Americas event
.
“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,” NPC owner and CEO Mike Higgins said. “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 event’s inception. Its 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.
Frederik Kjettrup tees off Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024, during the CRMC Championship presented by Gertens at Cragun’s Legacy Courses.
Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
Gertens 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 the 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 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.
Bryce Lewis autographs hats, balls and everything else he was handed following the final round on Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024, of the CRMC Championship presented by Gertens at Cragun’s Legacy Courses.
Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch
The competitive strength of the
Americas Tour
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.
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