Deacon's Lodge — Hotel in Breezy Point

Deacons is one of the best courses in the state, without a doubt. The layout, condition, staff and amenities are fantastic. I'm always amazed how the course superintendent/assistant superintendent and outdoor crews get the course ready each day considering how many rounds that course takes on a daily basis all season. Well done.

The only improvement I could recommend are GPS screens inside each cart. Not the small ones on the dash either. Who wants to look down at the dash when they are trying to figure out where their ball is anyways? The nicer GPS screens under the roofs of each cart. Other high-end nearby courses like Legacy, MN National, Grandview and others have this...yet Deacons doesn't? Very small ask, but I think the course could definitely benefit from this feature. It would also give your staff an easier way to track each group's round and remind those who are behind pace to pick it up. Nothing worse than slow golf!!! It would also provide a cheap insurance policy for your grounds crews so no one is driving too close to the greens or tee boxes or other areas you want golf groups to avoid. Just my...

If you're looking for an elite Northern MN golf track, Deacon's provides that. If you're looking for a relaxing, idyllic golf outing, this is far from it. Many other nearby courses will give you a more enjoyable experience (Craguns, Pines, Classic, Preserve).

I played MANY rounds at Deacon's in Summer 2024. At $125 per round in Brainerd, expectations are high. Primarily, the course rangers are a complete pain in the ass. Even if you're keeping pace, they are hounding you and tracking you throughout your round. Having a handful of crusty white men nagging my group ruins an attempt to have a peaceful golf outing.

Deacon's will likely suggest that the golfer needs to increase the pace of play. But there are plenty of things Deacon's can do if pace of play is there primary concern. Put some water on the course (Deacon's claims it's a Covid issue. That was 4 years ago and other courses have put water back on the course). Be more thoughtful about tee and pin placement on peak days. Etc etc.

No water. No GPS. Annoying rangers. I will...

Just returned from three days on this course (play-n-stay called "Palmer's Package". Hahaha!) Upon arriving for the first round, was immediately disappointed to learn the carts have no GPS/screen to assist you with distance and hole description (which is badly needed for this course, as nearly every shot requires perfect placement). Also, the ball & club washers on the carts are in rough shape and nearly unusable, and witnessed multiple carts that died on the course due to power issues, including one of ours. The course itself is beautiful and meticulously maintained, but extremely challenging and, at times, simply unfair. I definitely wouldn't recommend it for 15+ handicappers. The fairways have the tightest lies I've seen, which might even frustrate some low handicappers. The staff is fantastic. Each employee we encountered was friendly and a pleasure...