Laimer promoted to director of golf at Ruttger's

BAY LAKE -- Ruttger's Bay Lake Lodge has promoted PGA Professional Bill Laimer to director of golf.

"Bill has done a great job as our head golf pro for six seasons," general manager Chris Ruttger said. "Now it's time to have him oversee the entire golf operation, including course design and maintenance."

Ruttger's features the Lakes, an 18-hole championship course, as well as the Alex Nine, an executive-length course.

In addition to teaching lessons and running the pro shop, Laimer will work with the maintenance and design staffs as they redesign several holes to improve playability while maintaining the course's north woods feel.

"Golf in the Brainerd lakes area is tremendous," Laimer said. "The courses we have in this area are as beautiful and enjoyable as anything you find throughout the country. Ruttger's is committed to making sure our Lakes course holds up its end of the bargain.

"The other courses in the area provide a certain combination of beauty and challenge. And, the Lakes, as the only course specially designed to incorporate that north woods feel, just adds to the area's golf cornucopia."

Last season, length was added to the first and 10th holes, forcing golfers to make a decision between safety and bogey golf.

More changes, and challenges, are planned, said Laimer, who worked as a PGA Pro in Sarasota for 12 years before joining Ruttger's.

"I'm just so lucky to work for the Ruttger family," Laimer said. "I've worked as a PGA Pro for nearly 20 years at courses in Minnesota and Florida. Believe me, our golf staff at Ruttger's is second to none."