Matt Boldy And Ryan Hartman Have A Very Different Offseason Challenge

NHL stars Matt Boldy and Ryan Hartman are set to trade skates for clubs as they join a diverse lineup at the CRMC Championship, underscoring the tournament's unique blend of athletic talent.

Minnesota Wild forwards Matt Boldy and Ryan Hartman are about to swap out the NHL grind for a very different kind of pressure test.

Both players have landed sponsor exemptions into the CRMC Championship, a PGA TOUR Americas event set for Aug. 24-30 at Cragun's Legacy Courses in Brainerd, Minn. They’ll be part of a 156-player field that also includes former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen and Minnesota native and PGA professional Andrew Israelson.

For Boldy and Hartman, the invite gives two well-known hockey players a chance to see how their games stack up against golfers chasing status on the Korn Ferry Tour. Both are described as avid golfers, and the timing works as a late-summer competitive detour before the NHL season takes center stage again.

Boldy arrives with a fresh spotlight on him after helping Team USA win Olympic gold earlier this year. He scored the United States' opening goal in the gold-medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Hartman will be right there with him, adding another local name to an event that’s built around blending sports and community in Brainerd.

"We are thrilled to welcome Adam, Matt, Ryan, and Andrew to this year's field," CRMC Championship Tournament Director Jack Wawro said in a release. "Their presence brings incredible energy for our local sports fans and highlights the unique, community-focused spirit of this event."

The tournament opens with rounds on Thursday and Friday, followed by a cut to the top 60 players and ties after 36 holes. Those who survive will play the weekend rounds on Saturday and Sunday.

The CRMC Championship also benefits the Cuyuna Regional Medical Center Foundation, with net proceeds going toward healthcare initiatives, patient care and community wellness programs across the Brainerd Lakes Area.

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