Hit putts with both left and right breaks, for a 18-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Putting~18 min17 HCP3 drills
Aim38%
Alignment23%
Stroke22%
Practice Programs
Complete Golf Practice Blueprint for Ruttgers Bay Lake Lodge
Discover tailored practice programs for this course.
Total Programs
17
17 complete programs built for this course
Unique Drills
95
Total unique drills across all programs
Skill Pillars
12
Accuracy · Aim · Alignment · Dispersion · Distance Control · Green Reading
Session Durations
7
3 days , 4 days , 5 days , 6 days , 7 days , 8 days , 9 days
AccuracyAimAlignmentDispersionDistance ControlGreen Reading+6 more
The Lakes Practice Profile
We've mapped a comprehensive practice profile for The Lakes, identifying the specific skills this course demands most. The skill distribution below shows which areas of your game will be tested most frequently based on the hole-by-hole analysis (hole handicaps, stroke index, yardage, etc.), while the handicap ranges indicate the typical player profiles who perform well here.
Focus your practice on these key skills to maximize improvement and lower your scores. Check the practice programs below for targeted drills that address these specific skills.
Skill Distribution
Scoring 29%Precision 19%Distance Control 19%Trajectory 16%Aim 15%
Handicap Performance Insights
The handicap ranges shown represent the typical performance levels for this course. Players within these ranges can expect competitive scores, while those outside may yield benefits or may need additional practice in the highlighted skill areas to perform at their best.
22.2
Average HCP
11.2
Minimum HCP
35.1
Maximum HCP
Top Drills
Featured Drills for The Lakes
Most-used drills from for this course. Practice as standalone drills or scroll down for full programs.
Putting18 min
Putting Aid: String Line, 10/20
Make 10 out of 20 putts, underneath the hanging string line.
Short Game26 min
Flop | Parallel Ball Lines | 9 Stop Zones
Align a bucket of balls (avg. bucket is 40 balls) into 2 parallel lines 20 balls per line and stop flop shots inside 9 Stop Zones. Count the number of successful stops.
Driving Range31 min
All irons (9 to 2) | Progressive Targets Challenge
Complete the Progressive Targets Challenge using irons only. Hit one bucket of ~50 balls.
Driving Range31 min
Mid irons (7,6,5) | Backswing
Work only on backswing using mid irons only. Hit one bucket of ~50 balls.
Driving Range31 min
Mid irons (7,6,5) | Downswing
Work only on downswing using mid irons only. Hit one bucket of ~50 balls.
Driving Range31 min
Mid irons (7,6,5) | Low/Mid/High Shot
Produce low/mid/high shots using mid irons only. Hit one bucket of ~50 balls.
Course Details
Everything you need to know about The Lakes.
Contact Information
📞
Phone
+44 (0)1250 872622
📠
Fax
+44 (0) 1250 872622
✉️Email
Dave.Sadlowsky@ruttgers.com
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Facilities
✓Driving Range
✓Putting Green
✓Chipping Green
✓Practice Bunker
✓Motor Cart
✓Pull Cart
✓Golf Clubs Rental
✗Club Fitting
✓Pro Shop
✓Golf Lessons
✗Caddie Hire
✓Restaurant
✓Reception Hall
✓Changing Room
✓Lockers
✗Lodging on Site
Location
25039 Tame Fish Lake Road
Course Description
Ruttger's Bay Lake Resort is a historic lakefront resort in Deerwood, Minnesota, offering a variety of lodging options, golf, dining, and event facilities for families, couples, and groups. The property features lakefront cabins, villas, lodge rooms, and other accommodations on Bay Lake, with activities including golf, boating, fishing, dining, and weddings or meetings. Located in the Brainerd Lakes Area of Minnesota, it markets itself as a multi-generational vacation destination with a long-standing resort tradition since 1898.
lakefront cabins • golf resort • bay lake • deerwood minnesota • brainerd lakes area • family vacation • weddings and groups • lodging options • lake activities • dining options • specials and packages • marina rentals • guided fishing • pool and spa • events venue • real estate opportunities • tame fish lake road • mini golf? • resort tradition • family resort • hospitality • conference center • golf • spa • events
Course Information
Holes
27
Par
72
Type
Parkland
Architect
Gerry Pirkl/Donald Brauer
Opened
1977
Google Reviews
Business Claimed
⭐N/A(0 reviews)
View on Google MapsRuttgers Bay Lake Lodge Social Media Presence
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Programs
Skill-Based Practice Programs for The Lakes
We studied the course layout and prepared practice programs to lower your scores. The programs are purpose-built for each tee to align with the course strategy. Each program consists of curated drills, with pre-defined modules designed to deliver results.
Filter programs by category (select one)
Showing 17 Programs
% match to course practice profilePerfect aim and stroke, for a 3-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Putting15-30 min2 HCP5 drills
Scoring33%
Precision24%
Aim17%
Flop from bunkers, for a 3-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Short Game~26 min2 HCP6 drills
Precision24%
Scoring19%
Aim14%
Roll the ball low and straight, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Short Game~26 min35 HCP9 drills
Scoring28%
Distance Control21%
Accuracy17%
14 Week Flagship Program for The Lakes
A complete and progressive long-term development curriculum mapped from easier to harder drills, specifically for The Lakes. Start with the basics and work your way towards more challenging drills. Commit to 14 weeks of training and get in proper shape. Four days counts as a week.
Week 1≤ 3 days
Putting · 9 ft (3m) only
Control 9 Ft Putts
Difficulty: Intermediate · Program HCP 17.0
Weeks 1–2≤ 5 days
Putting · 3 ft (1m) only
Perfect Every 3 Ft Putt
Difficulty: Expert · Program HCP 2.0
Weeks 3–5≤ 7 days
Short Game · Bump'n'Run
Bump'n'Run From 5–10 Yds
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Weeks 5–7≤ 7 days
Short Game · Mixed
Short Game 5–20 Yds From Fringe Or Rough
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Weeks 7–9≤ 7 days
Short Game · Pitch
Check your clubface: does it match your target?
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 27.0
Weeks 9–10≤ 6 days
Driving Range · Wedges (LW,SW,GW,PW)
Control Wedge Roll
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Weeks 11–12≤ 7 days
Driving Range · Mid irons (7,6,5)
Mid-Iron Distance Control 150–180 Yards
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Week 13≤ 4 days
Driving Range · Driver
Can you match your swing to the perfect trajectory?
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 30.0
Week 14≤ 3 days
Driving Range · Long irons (4,3,2)
Control the spin: height and roll as needed
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 29.0
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Control distance, for a 18-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Driving Range30-31 min17 HCP5 drills
Distance Control31%
Scoring27%
Trajectory21%
Control mid iron arc, for a 25-handicap player, ~20 minutes.
Driving Range~31 min25 HCP9 drills
Trajectory25%
Precision20%
Distance Control17%
Stick approaches, for a 17-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Short Game~26 min16 HCP6 drills
Scoring45%
Distance Control31%
Visualization24%
Land 2 feet away, for a 4-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Short Game~26 min3 HCP5 drills
Aim22%
Distance Control19%
Precision19%
Pick line and commit, for a 23-handicap player, ~20 minutes.
Short Game~26 min22 HCP7 drills
Aim31%
Scoring14%
Accuracy14%
Unlock Your Golf Potential
Get personalized coaching and custom training programs tailored to your game.
Get StartedKeep near hole, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Short Game~26 min35 HCP9 drills
Scoring44%
Distance Control34%
Visualization22%
See landing and roll, for a 15-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Short Game~26 min14 HCP3 drills
Scoring44%
Accuracy30%
Visualization26%
Get square for strike, for a 28-handicap player, ~20 minutes.
Short Game~26 min27 HCP8 drills
Alignment28%
Distance Control19%
Scoring16%
Control distance inside 100, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Driving Range~31 min35 HCP6 drills
Precision26%
Mechanics23%
Trajectory18%
Control distance 150-180, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Driving Range~31 min35 HCP8 drills
Precision28%
Mechanics17%
Trajectory15%
Draw or fade long irons, for a 29-handicap player, ~20 minutes.
Driving Range~31 min29 HCP3 drills
Mechanics30%
Trajectory25%
Precision20%
Match swing to trajectory, for a 31-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Driving Range~31 min30 HCP4 drills
Trajectory28%
Precision23%
Mechanics22%
Match swing to trajectory, for a 26-handicap player, ~20 minutes.
Driving Range~31 min26 HCP7 drills
Trajectory31%
Precision23%
Mechanics19%
2026
Prepare for Tournaments at The Lakes
Follow a complete multi-week structured practice program ahead of the upcoming events and arrive prepared.
No upcoming tournaments at this time.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about The Lakes
Get answers to common questions about playing The Lakes and what to expect.
How difficult is The Lakes for mid-handicap golfers?
The Lakes is regarded as a strategically complex layout. The 120 slope rating keeps it accessible for developing players. The course rating of 70 reflects on scoring relative to par 72.
What tees should a 15 handicap play at The Lakes?
A 15 handicap golfer should consider tees closer to 6000 yards. The back tees extend to 6500 yards, which makes approach shots longer and scoring more challenging.
What is considered a good score at The Lakes?
With a course rating of 70 and par 72, a mid-handicap golfer would typically score in the mid to high 80s. Stronger players aiming to break 72 must manage approach shots and avoid penalty strokes.
How long is The Lakes and how does yardage affect play?
At a full length of 6500 yards, it balances distance with positional strategy.
What type of course is The Lakes and how should I play it?
Architecturally, it reflects a Parkland style. Overall, the setup will reward players who place the ball in safe positions far from hazards. Also, type of shot is more crucial rather than just trying to gain distance.
What features make The Lakes strategically challenging?
The combination of a slope rating of 120 and yardage reaching 6500 yards creates consistent pressure on approach shots. You will need to balance risk and reward, especially on longer par 4s and protected greens.
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The Lakes
Ruttgers Bay Lake Lodge
Deerwood, Minnesota