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.
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 |
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?
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!