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Military

PGA HOPE Minnesota

PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is the flagship military program of PGA REACH Minnesota. PGA HOPE is a 6-8 week program that provides military veterans with free golf experiences taught by PGA Professionals. Upon completing the program, Veterans are considered “graduates” and will remain engaged every year through other PGA HOPE activities and events provided by PGA REACH Minnesota.

Learning and playing the game of golf is a proven activity that has positively impacted thousands of veterans nationwide. PGA HOPE is a program that is truly making a difference, as golf has become a therapeutic part of the rehabilitation process for many veterans with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities.

*Programming is open to all Veterans and Active Duty Military and is offered at no cost.

PGA HOPE Section Ambassador

Get to know Jared Fears, United State Marine Corps Veteran and PGA HOPE Section Ambassador for the Minnesota PGA Section.

Upcoming Events

PGA HOPE at Topgolf – Registration Full!

March 30 from 5:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.

Our goal is to reach more Veterans and Active Duty Military Personnel who have not previously participated in a PGA HOPE program. Come and enjoy a short presentation on the offerings of PGA HOPE, hangout with some of our PGA HOPE Certified Instructors (maybe they can give you a tip or two on your swing), and meet up with other Military friends from your community! Event is open to Veterans, Active Duty Military and their friends and families. Military personnel attend free of charge. $25 entry fee for non-military.

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Register for a PGA HOPE Program

Read more about each PGA HOPE Program below. Offerings may differ at each location. All veterans are welcome to participate. The Lead Instructor at your chosen location will reach out with further details on the program.

PROGRAMS

JOIN WAITLIST

 

2023 PGA HOPE Chapters

PGA HOPE Chaska is led by PGA Professional, John Kellin. John is the Head Golf Professional at Chaska Town Course and PGA Member for nearly 20 years.

2023 Session Information
Location: Chaska Town Course
3000 Town Course Dr.
Chaska, MN 55318
Session Dates: May 24-July 11, 2023
Time: TBD
Lead Instructor: John Kellin, PGA
jkellin@chaskamn.com
(952) 443-3748
Class Size: 15 veterans

Sessions take place weekly on Wednesday’s from 11:30am-1:30pm.

PGA HOPE Minneapolis is led by PGA Professional, Paul Kelley. Paul is the Head Golf Professional at Woodhill CC and PGA Member for over 25 years. He was the Minnesota PGA Patriot Award Winner in 2018. He currently sits on the PGA HOPE National Committee.

2023 Session Information
Location: Lost Spur Golf Club
2750 Sibley Memorial Highway
Eagan, MN 55121
Session 1 Dates: February 8 – March 8, 2023
Session 2 Dates: June 12 – August 21, 2023
Time: TBD
Lead Instructor: Paul Kelley, PGA
pk@woodhillcc.com

 

PGA HOPE Minnetonka is led by PGA Professional, Benny Menton. Benny is the Head Golf Professional at PGA TOUR Superstore – Minnetonka and PGA Member for over 23 years. He was the Minnesota PGA Patriot Award winner in 2019 & 2022.

2023 Session Information
Location: PGA TOUR Superstore – Minnetonka
12380 Wayzata Blvd.
Minnetonka, MN 55305
Session 1 Dates: March 3, 2023 – April 14, 2023
Session 2 Dates: October 6 – November 17, 2023
Time: Fridays – 8:30am-10:30am
Lead Instructor: Benny Menton, PGA
bennymenton@hotmail.com
(763) 489-5410
Class Size: Max of 25 Veterans
Adaptive Equipment: Available upon request

Sessions will take place weekly on Friday mornings in the store.

PGA HOPE Lafayette is led by PGA Professional, Jay Meyerhoff. Jay is the Head Golf Professional at Lafayette Club and PGA Member for over 15 years. He is very passionate about teaching and helping veterans and was the driving force behind the creation of 100 Holes for HOPE, the charity event that raises funds for PGA HOPE Chapters.

2023 Session Information
Location: Lafayette Club
2800 Northview Rd.
Minnetonka Beach, MN 55361
Session 1 Dates: June 5 – July 10
Session 2 Dates: July 17 – August 21
Session 3 Dates: September 11 – October 10
Time: TBD
Lead Instructor: Jay Meyerhoff, PGA
meyerhoj@msn.com
(952) 903-5750
Class Size: 10
Waitlist Available: Yes

Register

Sessions take place weekly on Monday’s. Sessions falling on a holiday will not take place that week (i.e. July 4th).

PGA HOPE Minnewaska is led by PGA Professional, Josh Lang. Josh is a Teaching Professional at multiple facilities serving the Alexandria, MN area.

2023 Session Information
Location: Minnewaska Golf Course
23518 Dero Dr.
Glenwood, MN 56334
Session Dates: May 9 – June 27, 2023
Time: TBD
Lead Instructor: Josh Lang, PGA
joshlang@pga.com
(320) 634-3680

Sessions take place weekly on Tuesday’s.

PGA HOPE Oakdale is led by PGA Professional, Steve Whillock. Steve is the Director of Golf at Oak Marsh Golf Course and PGA Member for just over 34 years. PGA HOPE Oakdale is heading into their 2nd season of programming.

2023 Session Information
Location: Oak Marsh Golf Course
526 Inwood Ave N
Oakdale, MN
Session Dates: June 7 – July 26, 2023
Time: 5:00pm-7:00pm
Lead Instructor: Steve Whillock, PGA
steve@oakmarshgolf.com
(651) 730-8886
Class Size: 12

Sessions take place weekly.

Group instruction from PGA Professionals covering the fundamentals of golf tailored to each Veteran’s need. Classes will be held each week on Wednesday evenings. At the end of the 8 week series there will be on course play with the main goal to have fun!

PGA HOPE Roseau is led by PGA Member, Ross Leary. Ross is a Teaching Professional at Northern Eagles Golf Academy in Roseau, MN and is the 2021 Minnesota PGA Patriot Award winner.

2023 Session Information
Location: Warroad Estates Golf Course
37293 Elm Dr.
Warroad, MN 56763
Session 1 Dates: May 9, 2023
Time: TBD
Lead Instructor: Ross Leary, PGA
rpleary91@gmail.com
(309) 212-8824
Class Size: 6

Sessions take place weekly.

PGA HOPE Twin Ports is NEW in 2022! Led by USMC Veteran and PGA Member, Tom Beaudry. Tom is the General Manager at Nemadji Golf Course in Superior, WI and has been a Member of the PGA of America for over 20 years.

2023 Session Information
Location: Nemadji Golf Course
5 N. 58th St.
Superior, WI 54880
Session 1 Dates: July 10 – August 14, 2023
Time: TBD
Lead Instructor: Tom Beaudry, PGA
tbeaudry@kempersports.com
(715) 394-0266
Class Size: 6-12

Sessions take place weekly on Monday’s.

PGA HOPE University of Minnesota is led by Golf Professional, Adam Tilsner. Adam is the Assistant Golf Professional at the University of Minnesota – Les Bolstad Golf Course. This will be the first year hosting PGA HOPE at Les Bolstad GC!

University of Minnesota Les Bolstad Golf Course is proud to be part of PGA HOPE. Our six week program will feature instruction from our PGA Professionals, as well as golf mobility/fitness through a certified physical therapist who specializes in golf training. All interested veterans are welcome!

2022 Session Information
Location: UofM – Les Bolstad GC
2275 Larpenteur Ave. West
Falcon Heights, MN 55113
Session 1 Date: June 4 – July 9, 2023
Time: TBD
Lead Instructor: Adam Tilsner
tilsn012@umn.edu
(612) 627-4000
Class Size: 20

Classes will take place weekly on Sunday’s throughout the dates listed above. 

Want to Support a Local Veteran?

100 Holes for HOPE, Logo

All veterans and active duty military are eligible to participate in a PGA HOPE Chapter, but ANYONE is eligible to contribute to the cause. 100 Holes for HOPE is the main Charity event that supports PGA HOPE in Minnesota. Consider donating to the event to help support our local veterans!

Donate Now