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Holes Fore Hope

PGA Program

PGA Program Mission

The Holes Fore Hope PGA Professionals Scholarship Program is a pioneering initiative designed to provide financial support to aspiring golf enthusiasts pursuing a career in professional golf through the PGA of America's educational programs. This scholarship aims to alleviate the financial burden associated with education and training, enabling dedicated individuals to focus on honing their skills and knowledge in the sport. Open to passionate and talented individuals with a keen interest in becoming PGA professionals, the program recognizes the importance of fostering the next generation of golf leaders. The scholarship covers various educational expenses, including tuition fees, materials, and other related costs, ensuring that deserving candidates have the opportunity to receive top-notch education and mentorship. By investing in the education of future PGA professionals, this program contributes to the overall growth and excellence of the golf industry, fostering a community of skilled and knowledgeable individuals who will shape the future of the sport.

MN PGA Partnership

Holes Fore Hope and the Minnesota PGA have forged a partnership with a shared mission to propel the future of PGA professionals in Minnesota to new heights. United by a commitment to excellence and a passion for the sport of golf, this collaboration represents a groundbreaking initiative at advancing the careers of aspiring professionals. Holes Fore Hope and the MN PGA are actively working to provide support to those pursuing a career in the PGA. This visionary alliance will assist to the growth of golf but also emphasizes the power of community to shape the next generation of golf leaders in Minnesota.

MN PGA Scholarship Winners


Ricky Speltz

Lafayette Club

Ricky was introduced to the game of golf by his grandfather, who was the Head Golf Professional at Cedar Valley Golf Course in Winona. In his early teens Ricky realized he would like to follow in his grandfather's footsteps and become a PGA Professional. In the spring of 2024 Ricky will be starting his second season at the Lafayette Club as an Assistant Golf Professional. Summer of 2024, he will start Level II of the PGA Professional Golf Management (PGM) program where he will specialize in golf operations. Upon completion of the PGM program Ricky hopes to become a Head Golf Professional. 


Caleb Christensen

New Ulm Country Club

Caleb has been in the PGA PGM program since 2019. He has been the Assistant Golf Professional and Director of Instruction at New Ulm Country Club since 2018 and is currently working towards Class A PGA Membership. Caleb lives in New Ulm, MN with his husky, Jack.







Kordell Swanson

Northland Country Club


Kordell has been involved in the game of golf since he was young, with his Mom being the Manager of the small 9-hole course he grew up at. After Highschool Kordell knew golf was it, enrolling in PGCC in Hilton Head, SC and graduated with a Semester Championship under his belt. After graduating he joined the PGM program and landed a spot close to home as an Assistant Golf Professional at Northland Country Club and is going on his fourth season!







Dan Kilgore

Hazeltine National Golf Club

Dan developed a passion for the game of golf while caddying at Northland Country Club in Duluth, where he grew up. In 2017, he decided to turn that passion into a career by joining the team at Dellwood Country Club as an Assistant Golf Professional. He spent four years at Dellwood before returning to Northland Country Club as Lead Assistant Golf Professional in 2021. Recently, he began his new role of First Assistant Golf Professional at Hazeltine National Golf Club. Dan lives in the Twin Cities with his wife, Taylor, and his dog, Dante.







Matt Olson

Braemar Golf Course

Matt is in his 4th year as an Assistant Golf Professional at Braemar Golf Course. As a former Veteran and Flight Nurse he knows first hand what PGA Hope can do for Veterans. He is honored to be chosen to represent Holes Fore Hope and PGA Hope. 

Matt is currently in Level 2 of the PGA PGM program. He is working hard to complete the Teaching and Coaching Track and looks forward to becoming a Class A Member of the PGA.


Matt resides in Maple Grove with his wife Molly.





Tyler Holbrook

Cragun's Legacy Courses


Tyler has been involved in the golf industry since the age of 15, gaining experience in all aspects of the field. He values the relationships and friendships that the game of golf fosters across all age groups. Currently working toward his Class A PGA membership, Tyler aspires to one day become a head golf professional. He expresses immense gratitude to his girlfriend, Alexus, for her support and understanding of the demanding schedule of a golf professional. Tyler is passionate about continuing to grow the game and introducing it to players of all ages.





Greg Curtis

Pheasant Acres Golf Course

Greg began his journey in the PGA program in 2021, building on a passion for teaching golf that started in 2009 when he volunteered at the Eagle Lake Youth Center. During that time, he met George Shortridge at an indoor golf dome. George quickly became both a mentor and a close friend, teaching Greg much of what he knows about the game. Having spent most of his adult life coaching sports, Greg realized his love for teaching others how to play golf.

He earned USGTF certification soon after and spent 14 years as a teaching professional with Three Rivers Park District, including time at the Eagle Lake Youth Center. Committed to deepening his knowledge and skills, Greg decided to pursue PGA certification to further his education and expertise in the game.



Matt Olson

Braemar Golf Course

Matt is in his 4th year as an Assistant Golf Professional at Braemar Golf Course. As a former Veteran and Flight Nurse he knows first hand what PGA Hope can do for Veterans. He is honored to be chosen to represent Holes Fore Hope and PGA Hope. 

Matt is currently in Level 2 of the PGA PGM program. He is working hard to complete the Teaching and Coaching Track and looks forward to becoming a Class A Member of the PGA


Matt resides in Maple Grove with his wife Molly.



Greg Curtis

Peasant Archers


TBD

MN PGA Partners