Play Golf Minnesota Week Starts April 27

2012 Minnesota Golf Season Tees Off April 27 with Play Golf Minnesota Week

6^th annual official golf opener runs 10 days with free lessons, fundraisers and clinics for kids

It’s springtime and golfers could not be more excited with the early warm temperatures and exceptional playing conditions as they work on their games at their favorite course. Golf facilities and resorts around the state and in the Dakotas will welcome golfers with special offers during the sixth annual Play Golf Minnesota Week, Friday, April 27, to Sunday, May 6. Hosted by the Minnesota Section Professional Golf Association and the Minnesota Golf Association, area golf courses participating in Play Golf Minnesota Week are offering golfers of all ages and skill levels incentives to get out and play.

“One of our primary objectives, as an organization, is to grow the game of golf,” said Minnesota Section PGA executive director, Jon Tollette. “Anyone interested in learning the game or getting back into golf can find plenty of information, instruction and great deals during Play Golf Minnesota Week. This is a great time to get out and play.”

Golfers have two full weekends this year to take advantage of special offers during Play Golf Minnesota Week. This year’s highlights include the start of free lessons throughout the month of May, as well as several special events. Those events include:

• April 28: All-Area Junior Girls Clinic
• April 29: Free lessons before the Minnesota Twins game
• April 30: 100 Hole Golf Marathon
• May 5: Junior Golf Summit

This is the second year for the 100 Hole Golf Marathon. This year’s event at TPC Twin Cities benefits First Tee Minnesota and Minnesota Section PGA Foundation. At least eight PGA Professionals will play 100 holes of golf on April 30, raising money through pledges and donations. The first 100 Hole Golf Marathon raised more than $12,000 for Special Olympics Minnesota and the Minnesota Section PGA Foundation.

The All-Area Junior Girls Clinic at Rush Creek Golf Club in Maple Grove and the Junior Golf Summit at Chaska Town Course in Chaska are great events for young golfers looking to improve their games. The events are a wonderful way to introduce young players to the game of golf!

Baseball fans will also have a chance to work on their game – with free 10-minute lessons outside Target Plaza before the Minnesota Twins game on April 29. These free lessons can help golfers improve their swing, work on their short game or just figure out how to hold a club if they’ve never golfed before!

“With the great weather we’ve had this spring, we encourage golfers of all ages to get out and enjoy the social, healthful and quality of life benefits that golfers love about the game,” said Tom Ryan, executive director of the Minnesota Golf Association. “The Play Golf Minnesota website showcases all the fun events and opportunities to get and play with your friends and family.”

Facilities participating in this 6^th annual event will feature special promotions or events each day. Golfers are encouraged to visit the PlayGolfMinnesota website to make sure their favorite courses are participating and to find information on themes, events, specials and/or giveaways.

The PGA of America, through its more than 28,000 men and women professionals, has dedicated itself to the growth of the game. The PGA of America conducts more than 30 tournaments for its members and apprentices.  Through a network of 41 Section offices, the Association maintains a total commitment to the PGA Professional, helping the membership meet the demands of today’s marketplace and addressing vital issues, such as pace of play, environmental concerns and accessibility.

Founded in 1901 with only seven golf clubs, the Minnesota Golf Association's membership has grown to more than 400 clubs and 82,000 individual members throughout the state. Our mission is to uphold and promote the game of golf and its values for all golfers in Minnesota.