PGA of America REACH Foundation Minnesota is the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the Minnesota Section PGA. The mission of PGA of America REACH Foundation Minnesota is to enable access to the game of golf utilizing PGA Professionals to positively impact the lives of youth, military, and diverse populations with an emphasis on inclusion.
One of the PGA of America REACH Foundation Minnesota pillars is Youth. We offer several of our own programs and operate national programs in conjunction with PGA of America and others.
The ‘Sota Series is comprised of four unique “tours,” based on age and skill level. Whether your child is just getting started with their golf journey or wants to play more competitive golf to prepare for the high school or collegiate level, we have a tour for you.
At its core, PGA Jr. League is a group of local golf teams who play a series of games against each other, utilizing a nurturing and social scramble format. PGA and LPGA Professionals exclusively serve as Captains and are responsible for creating a welcoming environment for all that encourages skill and character development.
A joint initiative founded in 2013 by the Masters Tournament, United States Golf Association and The PGA of America, Drive, Chip and Putt is a free nationwide junior golf development competition aimed at growing the game by focusing on the three fundamental skills employed in golf for boys and girls ages 7-15.
Our second PGA of America REACH Foundation Minnesota pillar is Military. We believe it is an honor to give back to our local heroes by providing opportunities through golf.
PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is the flagship military program of PGA REACH, the charitable foundation of the PGA of America. PGA HOPE introduces golf to Veterans with disabilities to enhance their physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being. These 6-8 week programs are taught by trained PGA Professionals and are offered free of charge to veterans. If you are a veteran and would like to participate in a HOPE Chapter, please contact Catherine.
The mission of 100 Holes for HOPE is to involve PGA Professionals, military veterans and all golf enthusiasts in a marathon round of 100 holes on one of the longest days of the year! Proceeds from 100 Holes for HOPE will benefit PGA REACH Minnesota; specifically, the PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) program.
Our final pillar is Inclusion. We want to make the game accessible and fun for everyone who wants to play, and we believe everyone should have the opportunity to take up this great game.
The Ian Leonard Bad Pants Open’s motto is “Bad Pants for a Great Cause” with every golfer encouraged to wear their best “bad” pants, knickers, shorts, kilt or skirt. This event is put on in partnership with Special Olympics Minnesota and benefits both organizations. Special Olympic athletes compete in a pro-am with PGA Professionals in the morning, followed by a fivesome scramble event in the afternoon.
The Minnesota PGA Foundation Pro-Am, (formally known as the Tapemark Minnesota PGA Pro-Am) founded in 1972 by Bob Klas Sr. and Pat Cody Sr., raises critical funds for non-profit agencies serving Minnesota children and adults living with developmental disabilities and their families. It is considered a Major Championship for the Minnesota Section and raises funds for community inclusion programs and services.