MINNEAPOLIS—November 14, 2021 – As the popularity of golf continues to surge, First Tee — Minnesota, with the support of First Tee Headquarters, has taken important steps to give greater access to the character development programs offered to youth around the state. The organization announced today it will merge with First Tee – Three Rivers Park District, bringing total enrollment in First Tee – Minnesota to more than 5,000 participants at 25 locations across the state.
“Our collaboration with First Tee – Three Rivers Park District has always been positive and the combined organization will help us better manage the growing demand for our programs,” says First Tee – Minnesota CEO Jim Triggs, who joined as the organization’s first CEO earlier this year. “We look forward to opening the door to many more youth, empowering them to pursue their goals both on and off the golf course.”
Three Rivers Park District golf courses and learning centers include Baker National Golf Course in Medina, Eagle Lake Youth Golf Center and Parkers Lake Driving Range in Plymouth, Hyland Greens Golf Course in Bloomington, Cleary Lake Golf Course in Prior Lake, and Glen Lake Golf & Practice Center in Minnetonka. Adding these program sites to existing programs in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Woodbury, Rochester and St. Croix Valley brings the total locations of First Tee – Minnesota to 25.
“We are excited to continue our work growing the game and working with the kids in our communities. Our 20 year run with the First Tee has been a very important to us and we are glad it is going to continue,” said Jeff May of Three Rivers Park District.
“Our work with Three Rivers is just the start,” adds Triggs. “We want to build game changers throughout the state of Minnesota, giving kids the opportunity to participate in our programs and access the many leadership and college scholarship programs offered by the First Tee Headquarters and other foundations that support our chapter.”
“When there are opportunities to combine forces for good – like in this case – there is little doubt that young people and the community benefit,” said Jennifer Weiler, Senior Vice President of Network Relations at First Tee Headquarters. “We are focused on the future and how we can continue to thoughtfully create opportunities to enrich our impact and reach more youth, especially from underserved and underrepresented communities, throughout Minnesota.”
First Tee enables kids and teens to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges, by seamlessly integrating the game of golf with life skills for kids who might not otherwise have exposure to golf and the life lessons learned through the game. First Tee provides active learning experiences that develop inner strength, self-confidence and resilience that kids can carry into everything they set out to accomplish. For more, visit firstteeminnesota.org.
###