Golf Professionals

Minneapolis Golf offers group golf lessons for adults and junior golf programs for youth taught by accomplished golf professionals. Minneapolis Golf also offers private golf lessons with the pros. Email our golf pros directly to schedule private lessons.

Erik Toftner, PGA

PGA Director of Instruction – Lead Instructor for Grant Shafranski Golf Academy – The First Tee of the Twin Cities
Hiawatha Learning Center Email: etgolfpro@gmail.com Phone: 612-250-1309

Erik Toftner is entering his 29th year as a PGA Professional. His career as a Certified Teaching Instructor started at Hillcrest and Mendakota Country Clubs. In 2004, he joined the golf staff at the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board and is now the PGA Director of Instruction at Hiawatha GC & Learning Center.

Erik’s passion, enthusiasm and his extensive knowledge of the game, combined with his many years of playing competitively, enable him to guide and train golfers of all abilities to achieve their maximum level of performance. Erik works with players by supporting their existing skill-set, while helping them apply new techniques to better their game. He uses and shares video analysis in all of his lessons. Erik is a well known leader in the golf community, giving his personal attention to students, identifying what they need to work on to bring their game to the next level. Erik teaches year-round and accepts appointments for golfers of all levels, from beginners to advanced including group lessons.

When Erik is not on the lesson tee, he continues to play competitive golf in the MN PGA Section. He also enjoys learning new teaching styles and techniques.

2024 Rates and Packages

Individual Lessons

(1) 55-minute lesson – $110
(4) 55-minute lessons – $425
(7) 55-minute lessons – $680
(10) 55-minute lessons – $1000
(1) 9-hole playing lesson – $225

Private Group Lessons

(1) 55-minute lesson
2-3 students – $140
4-6 students – $180

(4) 55-minute lessons
2-3 students – $540
4-6 students – $680

Junior Lessons (Ages 7-17)

(1) 55-minute lesson – $90
(4) 55-minute lessons – $430

* Lessons must be redeemed by October 31, 2024
* No refunds

Aaron Shafranski

Teaching Professional – Grant Shafranski Golf Academy Lead Instructor – The First Tee of the Twin Cities
Columbia Learning Center Email: ashafranskigolf@gmail.com Phone: 608-234-7858

Aaron Shafranski is a Teaching Professional for the Grant Shafranski Golf Academy at Columbia Golf Course and the Director for The First Tee of the Twin Cities. Aaron played collegiate golf at Northern Michigan University. He started his career with The First Tee of Minneapolis as Assistant Coach in 2015 and has since been working with golfers of all ages and skill levels. Aaron is in the PGA Apprentice program working to become a Class-A PGA Member.

Aaron uses TrackMan technology to help break down the details of each individual swing by evaluating distance, speed, angles, and more. Aaron believes that the easiest way to improve is by simplifying the golf swing, strong fundamentals, and eliminating swing thoughts. He believes that increasing your enjoyment of the game is key to improving skills. Aaron believes in setting realistic goals and using them as building blocks to develop a better golf game.

In his free time, Aaron enjoys working on his own golf game and experiencing different courses around the country. Off the course, Aaron loves to travel and to spend time with his friends, family, and his new puppy. He also enjoys rooting for any and all Wisconsin sports teams—don’t hold it against him!

2022 Rates and Packages

Adult (18+)

(1) 60-min Lesson – $90
(4) 60-min Lessons – $280
(8) 60-min Lessons – $480
9-Hole Playing Lesson (2 hour limit) – $140  OR  $100 w/ purchase of package

Adult Groups

2-6 Players – $120/hr
Four 60-min Lessons AND one 9-hole Playing Lesson (2-4 players) – $600total

Youth (18 and under)

60-min Lesson – $65
3- 60min Lessons – $165
5- 60min Lessons- $250

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