The Spirit of the Game Award
The Holes Fore Hope Spirit of the Game Award is a tribute to individuals who have gone beyond the scorecard—those who have used golf as a platform to impact lives, build character, and create lasting community. This award is given in honor of the late Brian Seiwert, Head Golf Professional at Burl Oaks Golf Club. Brian was deeply passionate about the game, the people who played it, and the many ways golf could bring out the best in others. His love for the sport and its community made a lasting impression, and this award carries forward his spirit, values, and joy for the game.
Golf is more than a game—it’s a bond that connects generations and shapes lives. The Spirit of the Game Award recognizes individuals whose influence reaches far beyond the fairways. These are the people who teach, lead, and lift others through golf, often quietly and without fanfare. We are lucky to honor those whose contributions—like Brian’s—have strengthened the game and the people who love it. Their legacy lives on in the stories told, the lives touched, and the community they helped build.
2025 Spirit of the Game Award
Katie Zinni Mankato Golf Club
Katie's career started after graduating from college, she took an unexpected turn and found her way into the golf and hospitality world. Her journey began at the Tapemark Charity Pro-Am at Southview Country Club, where she met her future husband, Mike Zinni. Mike went on to serve as Head Golf Professional and later General Manager of Mankato Golf Club. Before his passing in 2014, he was inducted into the Minnesota Golf Hall of Fame and served on the National Board of the PGA of America.
Katie spent 37 years at Mankato Golf Club in a variety of roles, including merchandiser, staff trainer, and a little mix of everything else. The relationships she built with members, guests, and staff were the most rewarding part of her time there. What brought her the greatest joy—and left the most lasting impact—was working with the bag staff and assistant golf professionals. Katie’s goal was to help them grow not only as employees, but as individuals. She found purpose in mentoring and guiding the many young people who came through the doors of MGC. Over time, many of them came to feel like part of her extended family. At the end of our days, Katie believes what matters most is knowing we made a difference.
2024 Spirit of the Game Award
Jane Mackenzie Minnesota Women's Golf Association
Jane became a trailblazer in Minnesota golf when she joined Hazeltine National Golf Club as a single woman member, likely the first in the club’s history. Unaware at the time that women typically did not join private golf clubs, she simply paid the $500 membership fee and was welcomed in.
In the 1980s, Jane attended her first USGA Rules School and soon began officiating at Minnesota amateur tournaments. Her involvement grew through the Minnesota Women’s Golf Association (MWGA), where she served in various leadership roles before being elected President. During her tenure, her husband Reed simultaneously served as President of the Minnesota Golf Association (MGA). Together, they championed legislation to secure equal access for women at private golf clubs, making Minnesota one of the first states to guarantee equality in tee times and membership opportunities.
Jane’s leadership extended beyond Minnesota. She joined the board of the Women’s TransNational Association, helping run national women’s tournaments. She also played a key role in the inaugural Senior PGA Tour event in the Twin Cities, the Burnet Senior Classic, where she focused on expanding junior golf opportunities in urban Minneapolis and St. Paul. This effort led to the founding of the Fairway Foundation, which she directed for nearly two decades.
When Reed was elected President of the USGA, Jane stepped back from her own golf commitments to travel alongside him for his official duties. Even so, she remained involved, notably assisting with rules at the PGA Tour’s President’s Cup in South Africa—a highlight in her storied golf journey.
