Interview With Tim Johnson Head PGA Golf Professional Cragun's Legacy Courses

Below is an interview with Tim Johnson, the Head PGA Golf Professional at Cragun's Legacy Courses. The following are a few traditional and non traditional golf centric questions that I love to ask influential people in the golf industry.

Can you provide our readers a brief biography?
-played 3 years of high school golf
-played 3 years of college golf at Bemidji State University
-Have only taken 2 lessons (beside junior golf camps) in my life
-Went to Professional Golfers Career College in Temecula, CA and was top golfer in my graduating class.
-I played 18 holes of golf with Terrell Davis, Denver Broncos Running back.
-worked in the golf business since I was 14 years old at 6 different courses (Maplebrook Golf Course, Oak Summit, SCGA golf Course, The Pines at Grand View Lodge, and Cragun's Legacy Courses)
-Became a Class A member of the PGA in 2012
-Have been to the 2016 Masters and 2016 Ryder Cup golf events
-Have played in 5 Mn State Opens
-I have 5 Hole-In-Ones during my playing career
-Low score is 65 for 18 holes on par 72
-Low score is 29 for 9 holes on par 36
-Currently reside as the Head PGA Professional at Cragun's Legacy Courses.


When did you start golfing and who introduced you to the game?
I started golfing about age 5. My dad would periodically take me golfing when he played later in the evening. I never rode in the cart during the round. I was handed 1 club (a WOOD driver) on each tee box to use until I got to the green. While I was hitting and running forward after every shot, the other players in the group played like I wasn't there unless I hit a LONG shot. However, if I fell too far behind, I was told to pick up my ball and run to the edge of the green. All that running did make me thirsty, and I once accidentally drank 1/2 beer in a cart while my dad was putting on the green. Nevertheless, I enjoyed golf and it was apart of my life.

What is your current home course?
My home course is Cragun's Legacy Courses. We have 36 championship holes that will test your golf game. The variety of woods, marsh, sand, and green grass make it a treat to play almost everyday. I have some great friendships with my members which gives me a chance to find a spot to play each day. A great perk with my job!

To date, what is your proudest golf accomplishment?
I have a tie for my proudest golf accomplishment-

1) Winning the 2008 MN PGA Assistant Championship at The Classic at Madden's. It was my first big event after joining the Mn PGA section. I didn't know how big the event was until after I won it. I ended up shooting 1 under par for 36 holes, but finishing with a 31 on my final 9 holes. My putter was dialed in and never enjoyed such a victory!

2) I won a local Pro-Am event in 2010. While winning the event, I played the round of my life by shooting 29 on the front side and limping in with 36 on the back 9. I was able to win by 2 strokes. As you could guess, my putter was my best friend during the round again. It is such a feat to shoot 29 for nine holes and it gets you to start thinking about "59".

What is your biggest golf pet peeve on or off the course?
My biggest pet peeves on the golf course is cellular phones and SLOW PLAY. More so having to deal with taking phone calls, emails or distractions. We are getting to a time where we are reliant on our phones. (Some people are lost without them) Phones usually are the reason for slow play. Plus, when you are on your phone the whole round, you are missing great shots by your partners. But I will keep it brief as we don't need this to take up all of your time!

What is your favorite club in your bag and why?
My putter is my favorite club. The putter is a PING anser 2X with lead tape on the bottom of the sole with a Superstroke 2.0. It is the club that is the smallest yet causes the most heart ache, GOOD OR BAD! I have used only 3-4 putters consistently in my 30 years of playing golf. Whenever I struggle with putting, I just rotate the collection and the different look at the set up position gets me focused and back to rolling in putts. The putter better be the 1 club in your bag that you have confidence with during your round, otherwise you should just open your wallet and let your friends take what they need.

What is your favorite golf destination?
Brainerd Lakes Area is by far the best golf destination I have seen. I have the luxury of living in this area and feel it is top notch in the summer month. Finally, when you are burnt from golf, we have beautiful lakes to relax the day away. One last feature that separates the Brainerd Lakes Area as a golf destination is a golf trip that you can bring the entire family. The area is known for being host to golf, fishing, hunting, boating, shopping, hiking, biking, and nature getaway. Find your avenue of enjoyment and explore in the Brainerd Lakes Area!

What course is on your bucket list that you have not played yet?
Augusta National Golf Club---If anyone ever needs a 4th, feel free to give me a call.

If you woke up tomorrow and could play one course you played before, where would you play?
I would wake up and head directly to Sea Island Golf Club and play Seaside Course. What a premier facility with gorgeous views on every hole. It was a real luxury to play the course and enjoy the amenities.

If you could change one aspect, rule or thing about golf, what would it be and why?
I would change, playing your ball out of a divots, specifically IN YOUR OWN FAIRWAY. I don't agree with punishing GOOD GOLF due to someone's lack of etiquette. I would like to see it changed to lift, clean and drop if you can declare your golf ball is in a divot in YOUR OWN FAIRWAY ONLY. It is one of the tougher shots in golf to hit after you pipe a drive!

Dream foursome (living)?
Myself
Jimmy Fallon
Justin Timberlake
Ken Griffey Jr

Dream foursome (living or dead)?
Myself
My Dad
Payne Stewart
Tiger Woods


Favorite 19th hole drink?
My favorite 19th hole drink would be Steigl grapefruit radler and Tito's vodka--I call it a Stitos.

18 Rapid Fire, Off The Cuff Questions

1) Hitting Long Drive OR Sinking Long Putt?
Sinking Long Putt--I have outgrown the trying to be the longest hitter--more gratification with the putting game. All my great scores have been because of putting.

2) Having Round of Life OR Hole in One?
Round of Life-- I feel the round of my life would almost have a hole in one mixed into the formula, so I could have BOTH!

3) Golfing at the crack of dawn OR twilight?
Twilight--Best Views of our golf course and FASTEST rounds of golf!

4) Hit a power fade OR power draw?
Power Fade- Way more control

5) Beverage cart OR halfway house?
Halfway House- Keeps pace of play moving and chance to settle any 9 hole bets!

6) Bathroom OR bushes?
Bushes?

7) Hot dog OR wrap?
Hot dog--Nothing can beat it during a golf round

8) Around the green, being in sand OR thick rough?
Sand (consistency is the key)- spoken like a true PGA professional. You know what you are going to get out of the sand with regards to your ball reacting.

9) Walking OR riding?
Riding

10) Do you carry traditional 3 iron OR hybrid?
Both- I have a strong 3 iron that I use strictly as a driving iron off the tee.

11) Do you prefer long par 3 OR long par 5?
Long Par 5- Everyone needs a challenge!

12) Pants OR Shorts?
Shorts all the way-

13) Palmer OR Nicklaus?
Nicklaus

14) Beatles OR Elvis?
Beatles

15) Play for fun OR play for money?
Play for money--Just ask my wife

16) Bump and run OR flop shot?
Bump and run

17) Lay up OR gamble?
Gamble

18) 18 holes OR 36?
36