Notch 8 Pro-Junior Connects Local Youth with PGA TOUR Americas Professionals at CRMC Championship

Inaugural event, made possible by the Higgins family, creates opportunities for young golfers to learn, compete and build lasting connections through the game of golf

BRAINERD, Minn. — August 28, 2026 — For the young golfers who participated in the inaugural Notch 8 Pro-Junior on Tuesday, August 25, the experience was about much more than the scorecard.

Sponsored by Notch 8 Restaurant & Catering in conjunction with the CRMC Championship presented by Northern Pacific Center, the new event paired area junior golfers with PGA TOUR Americas professionals for nine holes of golf, giving young players a rare opportunity to compete alongside—and learn directly from—professional golfers.

The event was made possible through the generosity of the Higgins family, led by Justina and Mike Higgins, whose desire to give back to the next generation inspired the sponsorship.

Golf played an important role in Mike Higgins’ own life, providing structure, relationships and connections that extended well beyond the course. Through the Notch 8 Pro-Junior, Mike and Justina hoped to create that same kind of opportunity for young golfers in the Brainerd Lakes Area.

“This event was really about giving kids an opportunity to experience everything golf can offer beyond competition,” said Mike Higgins. “The game had a tremendous influence on my life because of the structure it provided and, especially, the people and relationships that came with it. If an experience like this helps even one young golfer make a connection, gain confidence or find a mentor who influences their life, then it has accomplished exactly what we hoped it would.”

11 Teams Take on the NICE 09

The inaugural event brought together 33 junior golfers and 11 PGA TOUR Americas professionals, creating 11 four-person teams consisting of three juniors and one professional.

Teams competed in a nine-hole step-aside scramble on the NICE 09, with junior golfers playing from the forward tees and professionals from the back tees. After each shot, the team selected its best ball, and the golfer whose shot was chosen stepped aside for the following shot.

The format kept every member of the team involved while encouraging strategy, teamwork and conversation throughout the round.

But the real opportunity came from simply sharing the course.

For nine holes, junior golfers could ask questions, observe how a professional approaches the game and get to know someone competing at one of golf’s highest levels.

Every participating junior also received a complimentary hat courtesy of Waggle, and the day concluded with grilled hot dogs, chips and refreshments.

PGA TOUR Americas professional Conner Gaunt, junior golfers Abe Franke, Rhett Harting, Miles Dunphy and Mike Higgins

Inaugural Champions Crowned

PGA TOUR Americas professional Conner Gaunt, along with junior golfers Miles Dunphy, Rhett Harting and Abe Franke, captured the first Notch 8 Pro-Junior title after finishing the nine-hole event at 6-under par.

The champions received a Replica Paul Bunyan Axe Trophy, commemorating their victory in the inaugural event.

PGA TOUR Americas professional Bryan Lee with junior golfer Jonathan Bassett

While one team took home the trophy, the connections formed throughout the day provided some of the event’s most memorable moments.

Junior golfer Jonathan was paired with PGA TOUR Americas professional Bryan Lee, and according to Jonathan’s mother, the connection continued well after their nine-hole round ended.

“My son Jonathan and Bryan Lee really hit it off at the Jr Pro Am,” his mother shared. “Jonny has walked the course for every hole with Bryan so far. Bryan saw him at the first tee yesterday and invited him inside the ropes. Jonny got up at 6 a.m. so he could be at the first tee this morning!”

For a young golfer already passionate about the sport, the experience quickly became something bigger.

“Jonny has always been obsessed with golf and now he has a great role model and mentor… What a great experience for him, all thanks to your generosity. You’re doing good things. Thanks Mike and Justina!”

For the Higgins family, stories like Jonathan’s capture exactly why the event was created.

“You never know what one conversation or one connection can mean to a young person,” said Justina Higgins. “Watching these kids interact with the professionals, ask questions and become more comfortable as the round went on was incredibly rewarding. We hope they walked away excited about golf, but even more importantly, believing in what they can accomplish.”

Growing the Game Through Connection

The Notch 8 Pro-Junior adds a new youth-focused component to CRMC Championship week, creating an opportunity for local junior golfers to experience professional golf not from outside the ropes, but as participants.

For Notch 8 Restaurant & Catering and the Higgins family, supporting the event reflects a larger commitment to investing in experiences that strengthen the Brainerd Lakes Area and its next generation.

The CRMC Championship described the inaugural event as an example of “what growing the game looks like,” pointing not only to the golf played that day but to the opportunity for juniors to learn from professionals, ask questions and build relationships.

With the success of its first year—and connections already extending beyond the event itself—the Notch 8 Pro-Junior has the potential to become a meaningful tradition during CRMC Championship week.

“We wanted to create something the kids would remember,” Mike Higgins said. “Seeing what happened in just the first year makes us excited about what this event can become. This feels like the beginning of something special.”

About Notch 8 Restaurant & Catering

Located within the historic Northern Pacific Center in Brainerd, Minnesota, Notch 8 Restaurant & Catering offers a distinctive dining experience alongside full-service catering for weddings, corporate gatherings, celebrations and special events throughout the Brainerd Lakes Area. Through its connection to Northern Pacific Center and involvement in community events such as the CRMC Championship, Notch 8 is proud to support experiences that bring people together and strengthen the community.