CRMC Championship announces Northern Pacific Center as new presenting sponsor in multiyear deal

BRAINERD, Minn. – The CRMC Championship, held annually at Cragun’s Resort, Golf & Conference Center and part of PGA TOUR Americas, announced Monday that Northern Pacific Center (NPC) will serve as the tournament’s presenting sponsor beginning in 2025. Located in the historic railroad district of Brainerd, Minnesota, NPC offers retail shopping across multiple retailers, wedding venues, a modern convention center and delectable culinary experiences with onsite restaurants.

“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,” said Mike Higgins, owner and CEO of Northern Pacific Center. “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 inception of the event. Their 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.

Gertens Garden Center and Professional Turf Supply, who has been an incredible partner for the CRMC Championship, 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 PGA TOUR Americas 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 quickly 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 VidantaWorld.

The competitive strength of the PGA TOUR Americas 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 at Cragun’s Resort, renovated in 2023 and 2024 by PGA TOUR great and Minnesota native, Tom Lehman.