By Leah Herzog 

MAPLE GROVE, Minn. – The 17th annual Ian Leonard’s Bad Pants Open hosted at Rush Creek Golf Club raised over $100,000 for Special Olympics Minnesota and PGA Reach Minnesota. Two pro-ams were hosted throughout the day on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, which included SOMN Athletes, PGA Professionals and many sponsor groups.

PGA Professionals and staff members from Title Partner, Treasure Island Resort & Casino had fun on the golf course playing in the morning event with 30 Special Olympic Athletes, many who were playing golf for the first time. 

The afternoon kicked off with speeches from SOMN Athlete, Kellen Kassa; Johnny Johnson, Tribal Council President, Prairie Island Indian Community; and event host Ian Leonard. 

Special Olympics Minnesota athletes sent off the afternoon golfers with high-fives and big smiles as they headed onto the golf course for an 18-hole scramble event. During the scramble, players participated in several on-course activities hosted by sponsors and donors across the course. 

The day finished with a BBQ in the clubhouse where prizes were awarded for “bad pants” and team spirit. As always, this was a fun filled event that is all about raising money for SOMN and PGA REACH Minnesota.

Thank you to everyone who supported this event and we hope to see you next year!

SOMN athletes giving high-fives to the golfers.

The Lumberjack games on hole 5.