PGA HOPE Minnesota
PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is the flagship military program of PGA REACH Minnesota. PGA HOPE introduces golf to Veterans with disabilities to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being.
The program introduces the game of golf through a developmental 6-8 week curriculum, taught by PGA Professionals trained in adaptive golf and military cultural competency. All programs are funded by PGA REACH and supplemented by PGA Section Foundations, so the cost of programming is free to all Veterans.
PGA HOPE Section Ambassador
Get to know Jared Fears, United State Marine Corps Veteran and PGA HOPE Section Ambassador for the Minnesota PGA Section.
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 have reached capacity. Please check back soon for sessions that may be added.
2022 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.
| 2022 | Session Information |
| Location: | Chaska Town Course 3000 Town Course Dr. Chaska, MN 55318 |
| Session Dates: | May 25-July 13 |
| Time: | 11:30am-1:30pm |
| Lead Instructor: | John Kellin, PGA jkellin@chaskamn.com (952) 443-3748 |
| Class Size: | 12 veterans |
Sessions take place weekly on Wednesday’s from 11:30am-1:30pm.
PGA HOPE Fargo is led by PGA Professional, Lisa Schwinden. Lisa is the Head Golf Professional at Osgood Golf Course and PGA Member for just over 15 years. She was the Minnesota PGA Patriot Award winner in 2020, an award bestowed to Members who personify patriotism through the game of golf and demonstrates unwavering commitment and dedication to the men and women who have valiantly served and protected the United States of America.
It’s a relaxed and great way to learn golf. Let us thank you for your service!
| 2022 | Session Information |
| Location: | Osgood Golf Course 4400 Clubhouse Dr S Fargo, ND 58104 |
| Session Dates: | TBD |
| Time: | TBD |
| Lead Instructor: | Lisa Schwinden, PGA lisas@pga.com (701) 356-3070 |
| Class Size: | 6 |
| Waitlist Available: | Yes |
Sessions take place weekly.
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.
| 2022 | Session Information |
| Location: | Lafayette Club 2800 Northview Rd. Minnetonka Beach, MN 55361 |
| Session 1 Dates: | June 6 – July 18 |
| Session 2 Dates: | July 25 – August 29 |
| Session 3 Dates: | September 12 – October 10 (FULL) |
| Time: | 2:30pm – 4:00pm |
| Lead Instructor: | Jay Meyerhoff, PGA meyerhoj@msn.com (952) 903-5750 |
| Class Size: | 6 |
| 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 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.
| 2022 | Session Information |
| Location: | Lost Spur Golf Club 2750 Sibley Memorial Highway Eagan, MN 55121 |
| Session Dates: | June 13 – August 22 |
| Time: | 10:00am – 12:00pm |
| 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 22 years. He was the Minnesota PGA Patriot Award winner in 2019.
| 2022 | Session Information |
| Location: | PGA TOUR Superstore – Minnetonka 12380 Wayzata Blvd. Minnetonka, MN 55305 |
| Session 2 Dates: | September 23 – November 4 |
| 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 Minnewaska is led by PGA Professional, Josh Lang. Josh is a Teaching Professional at multiple facilities serving the Alexandria, MN area.
| 2022 | Session Information |
| Location: | Minnewaska Golf Course 23518 Dero Dr. Glenwood, MN 56334 |
| Session Dates: | May 17-June 21 |
| Time: | 9:00am-11:00am |
| 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.
| 2022 | Session Information |
| Location: | Oak Marsh Golf Course 526 Inwood Ave N Oakdale, MN |
| Session Dates: | June 1-July 20 |
| 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.
| 2022 | Session Information |
| Location: | Oak Harbor Golf Course 2805 24th St. NW Baudette, MN 56623 |
| Session 1 Dates: | May 16 – June 20 |
| Time: | 12:00pm-2:00pm |
| Lead Instructor: | Ross Leary, PGA rpleary91@gmail.com (309) 212-8824 |
| Class Size: | 6 |
Sessions take place weekly on Monday’s.
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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.
| 2022 | Session Information |
| Location: | Nemadji Golf Course 5 N. 58th St. Superior, WI 54880 |
| Session 1 Dates: | July 11 – August 15 |
| Time: | 3:00pm – 4:30pm |
| 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: | May 19 – June 23 |
| Session 2 Date: | August 4 – September 8 |
| Time: | 6:00pm – 8:00pm |
| Lead Instructor: | Adam Tilsner tilsn012@umn.edu (612) 627-4000 |
| Class Size: | 20 |
Classes will take place weekly on Thursday’s throughout the dates listed above.
Want to Support a Local Veteran?
All veterans 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!