Ruttger's: A Legacy Re-imagined

THE MOST SCENIC GOLF COURSES IN THE BRAINERD LAKES AREA

Throughout four generations of family ownership, Ruttger’s on Bay Lake has treated guests like family and helped create lifelong memories for many generations. What an amazing testimony to Joe, Alec, Jack and Chris Ruttger and their families! New resort ownership has been wise to recognize and celebrate their humble 120-year legacy by re-imagining the operation for the next 100 years of new generations and new memories.

The unsuspected and modest beginnings of the resort had guests sleeping in tents out on the lawn and enjoying delicious homemade meals. Soon, the Ruttger boys were kicked out of their own bedrooms to give the guests upgraded accommodations. Voilà—lodging re-imagined! Over the decades, many things were imagined and re-imagined to keep up with the times: lodging, dining, boating, retail, court sports, golf, business conferences, and simple amenities and activities.

One of the silver linings to come out of the recent pandemic is an increased awareness and need for valued quality time. In an electronic world of screens, new generations have realized the need to unplug for increased family and outdoor time. To that end, Ruttger’s set out to refresh the lakefront, the courts and the golf courses. The lakefront facelift includes an enhanced beach area, numerous boat docking slips for guests and lake neighbors, and a new fleet of watercraft. The courts have been transformed to include six pickleball courts.

And, oh boy, the golf courses! After 100 years of operation, the vintage Alec’s 9 golf course has been redesigned and rebuilt to become a pristine par-3 layout. Designed by local expert, Scott Hoffman, the new 9-hole course will appeal to all levels of golfers and become a great complement to the Jack’s 18 championship course.

From tents to vintage cabins, unique lodge rooms, condos, villas and newly built lakeside luxury cottages; from Grandma’s kitchen table meals to multiple dining options; from rugged shorelines to pristine beaches; from fairways once roamed by livestock to new bent grass maintained by a shiny new equipment; from multiple generations of owners and guests—Ruttger’s Bay Lake Resort is not re-invented but re-imagined!

ruttgers.com/golf | 25039 Tame Fish Lake Road, Deerwood, MN