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.

Award Video

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.

Award Video

Kordell Swanson

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!

Northland Country Club

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.

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.

Award Video

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!