Four Local Programs Receive Grants Through MN Golf License Plate Sales

MGA

COON RAPIDS, Minn. (Feb. 6, 2018) -- The Minnesota PGA and Minnesota Golf Association today announced that four local player development programs have been awarded grants funded through the sales of the Minnesota Golf License Plate. The recipients include: the First Tee of the Twin Cities, of Minneapolis; the Independent School District 318, of Grand Rapids, Minn.; the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board; and the United Heroes League, of Hastings, Minn. 

"The Minnesota Golf License Plate Committee is thrilled to be able to support these fantastic player development programs that help contribute to the growth of the game of golf in the state of Minnesota," said Jeffrey Hintz, Minnesota PGA chief executive officer.

"We want to thank all of the Minnesota drivers who proudly support the game of golf with their Minnesota Golf License Plates. Each driver is impacting lives through golf,” he said.

The First Tee of the Twin Cities will support its First Tee National Schools Program, and use the grant to fund golf equipment, online training and in-person training.

Independent School District 318 will use its grant to continue its legacy Golf in Schools program, which helps introduce students to the game of golf and develop future players. Golf in Schools teaches children the fundamentals of the game along with valuable life skills and lessons.

“On behalf of Independent School District 318, we are excited to receive a Minnesota Golf License Plate grant for this year,” said Jennifer Dulong, a district physical education teacher. 

"These funds will help us implement the Golf in Schools program throughout our school district. The goal of this program is to help students develop their golf skills and encourage them to participate in the lifelong sport of golf,” she said.

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board will use its grant to subsidize golf for American Veterans played at Fort Snelling Golf Course. The Vets will pay just $5 for a 9-hole round golf, with the remaining green and cart fees covered by the grant. 

United Heroes League, an organization that provides opportunities in sports for children of military members, will use its grant for equipment expenses, golf clinics and instruction, and golf access.

“This is a fantastic gift and a tremendous benefit to our military families,” said Benjamin Mattson, UHL chief marketing officer.

“I cannot wait to introduce this fantastic game to these deserving kids and their service member parents,” he said.

In 2018, the Minnesota Golf License Plate Committee will award $75,000 in grants.

To learn more about the Minnesota Golf License Plate, please visit www.mngolfplate.com.