Pine Beach East will mark its centennial Aug. 14–17 with historic golf experiences honoring the course where the Madden’s story began.
BRAINERD, Minn. (July 23, 2026) — Pine Beach East at Madden’s on Gull Lake, which opened in July 1926 as Minnesota’s first 18-hole resort golf course, will celebrate its 100th anniversary Aug. 14–17 with historic golf experiences and special events open to resort guests, golf members and the public.
Construction of Pine Beach Golf Course, now known as Pine Beach East, began in 1925 under the leadership of businessmen John Harrison and Chester Start. Transforming the heavily wooded property into a full 18-hole course was a major undertaking, requiring more than 100 teams of horses and 3,000 pounds of dynamite to clear the land and shape the fairways and greens.
Designed by Scottish course architect James Dalgleish, the course opened in July 1926 as Minnesota’s first 18-hole resort golf course, introducing a new golf experience to the state’s growing resort industry.
In 1932, during the Great Depression, Jack Madden and his uncle Tom leased the golf course and clubhouse for $500. They later purchased the property with no money down and 10 years to pay, establishing the foundation for what would eventually grow into Madden’s on Gull Lake and marking the beginning of the Madden family’s long connection to the course.
“Pine Beach East represents a century of golf traditions, family memories and the beginning of the Madden’s story,” said Glenn Hagberg, Madden’s PGA Head Professional. “Generations of golfers have experienced this course, from its traditional design and panoramic views to Minnesota’s only par 6. This celebration gives us the opportunity to honor that history while sharing the course with the next generation.”
The Pine Beach East 100th Anniversary Celebration Weekend will take place Aug. 14–17 at Madden’s on Gull Lake, inviting golfers and guests to experience the game as it was played a century ago. Highlights include a Limited Edition UNRL Trunk Show, The Evolution of Golf clinic with Chris Foley, a Hickory Club Shootout, Hickory Golf Scramble and Hickory Club Two-Person Better Ball Tournament, along with authentic hickory clubs, vintage Victor mesh golf balls and 1920s-inspired cocktails.
Events are open to resort guests, golf members and the public. Registration and additional fees may apply. For details, visit Maddens.com/event/pine-beach-east-100th-anniversary-celebration-weekend.
About Madden’s on Gull Lake
Madden’s on Gull Lake is a third-generation, family-owned and operated resort set on a 1,000-acre peninsula in the heart of Minnesota’s Brainerd Lakes Area. Madden’s offers four distinct golf course layouts, from the historic Pine Beach East to the nationally recognized Classic, along with miles of Gull Lake shoreline, lodging, dining, spa services, beaches, pools, recreation, and meeting and event facilities.
