The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board offers affordable and accessible programs at all of our golf courses with a strong emphasis on serving area youth of all races and economic backgrounds who may not have access or exposure to the game of golf. Programs are offered at:

Program offerings vary by location. Equipment is provided, and Minneapolis residents and non-residents are welcome to participate.

first tee logoMinneapolis Junior Golf Academies offer extensive golf skill instruction and a low teacher-to-student ratio. All Minneapolis junior golf academies are provided by PGA Professionals through the First Tee of the Twin Cities. The First Tee is a national program that serves area youth by teaching nine core values inherent in the game of golf, and incorporating those values into the instructional program:

  1. Honesty
  2. Integrity
  3. Sportsmanship
  4. Respect
  5. Confidence
  6. Responsibility
  7. Perseverance
  8. Courtesy
  9. Judgement

The First Tee Certification process is designed to move juniors through progressive programs of golf and life development skills. Each Certification Level has minimum requirements of golf instruction, playing time, and oral and written practical tests that will increase their knowledge of golf and life development skills.

Minneapolis First Tee Junior Golf Academies

First Tee of the Twin Cities Program Handbook [PDF]

Little Chippers

Ages 4-6

A wonderful class for young juniors to learn about the very basics of golf such as grip, stance & aim. We will be spending time on the putting green, chipping green and driving range. Most importantly we will be having lots of fun and learning some introductory life skills such as respect for the game of golf. Prizes are given for good behavior and for participating in contests. For 4-year-old students, one parent/guardian attendance is mandatory the first lesson. Clubs available if needed.

PLAYer Level

Ages 7-8

Introductory golf classes that emphasize fun! In these progressive classes, golf training focuses on the basics of grip, stance, posture, aim, putting, chipping, pitching, full swing (woods and irons) and basic rules/etiquette. Life Skills focus on honesty, respect and sportsmanship. We will play fun games and drills to learn and enhance a desired golf motion, & an emphasis on fundamentals and fun. Range balls, prizes & clubs included.

Par Level

Ages 9+

Golf training covers putting, chipping, pitching, grip, stance, ball position, posture, pivot, weight shift, woods & irons full swing and basic rules/etiquette. Par Core Values taught are honesty, respect and sportsmanship. Life Skills include how to introduce oneself, the importance of rules and respect in life, staying cool on and off the golf course and how to maximize fun while learning something new. Students receive golf prizes, bag tag, golf balls, range balls, tees, and golf clubs provided if needed.

Birdie Level

Ages 11+

Classes address more advanced golf techniques. For ages 11-18, the golf training in these classes focuses on a solid foundation of fundamentals and builds on the long game, short game, swing plane, effective practice techniques, course management, swing aids, rules of golf and on-course playing. Life Skills focus on applying goal setting, honesty, respect and sportsmanship on and off the golf course. Eligible participants will be coached on mentoring and volunteering. Select classes will participate in a 30-minute Financial Literacy Program sponsored by Price Waterhouse Cooper!

LPGA*USGA Girls Academy

Ages 8+

A nationally recognized, wonderful program for girls interested in golf. The lessons include LPGA instruction, green fees, snacks, special events, prizes and range balls. Each player also receives a hat, bag tag & LPGA tees & golf balls. Girls must fill out the LPGA Application, which will be linked in the online registration. Golf clubs provided if needed.

Studies show that when girls learn in a “girl friendly” environment, they experience higher levels of engagement and participation, are more comfortable learning and developing skills, have heightened confidence in their abilities for self-expression and communication & are more likely to engage in group activities. Golf training covers putting, chipping, pitching, grip, stance, ball position, posture, pivot, weight shift, woods & irons full swing and basic rules/etiquette.

First Tee Instructional League

Ages 8+

The class includes instruction and golf course access. Golf balls can be provided for use on the golf course. Coaches will help juniors with their golf game on the range as well as on the golf course. Classes include 30 minutes of instruction on the driving range or practice green, then play on the golf course. Golf training covers putting, chipping, pitching, grip, stance, ball position, posture, pivot, weight shift, woods & iron full swing and basic rules/etiquette. Juniors will be grouped based on age and playing ability.

Little Chippers League

Age 6+

Class includes golf instruction and play on the Theo Wirth Par 3 course. A great way to introduce youth golfers to playing on the course in a fun, non-competitive atmosphere on a golf course designed for kids. The Classes will include instruction and play on the golf course. Instruction will include grip, stance, posture, ball position, and putting and chipping basics. Clubs provided if needed.

Minneapolis Junior League

Ages 7-17

Does your young golfer ever ask, “When can we go on a real course?” No worries, we’ve got you covered!

But our league is different. We play tons of game. We give away tons of prizes. We don’t always keep score. And best of all, it’s really really fun.

Every Monday you have a tee time at Hiawatha where you can play as many holes as you’d like. We have lots of Coaches who will help teach you everything you need to know to be comfortable on the course. Did I mention we play games? Lots and lots of games.

If you have friends, sign up with them and we’ll put you in the same group each week. If not, we’ll find a group of friends that fits your style. Fair warning: this is really fun!

In Person

Register and pay in full at any of our golf courses.

Online

Register Online

First Tee Scholarships

Full or partial junior academy scholarships are offered to those who cannot afford the registration fee. Contact your neighborhood Recreation Center for details.

All participants graduating through the initial Certification Level (Par) will receive discounted rates at each of our Golf Facilities and Learning Centers. Please call the golf facility directly for reservations, and rules and time restrictions.

Students that successfully complete the First Tee Program receive:

  • Discounted junior golf rates
  • Free golf club rentals
  • Discounted golf balls at our three learning centers
  • Discounted green fees at other area golf courses for students that receive their First Tee Card

Players Cards

The Players Card is a Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board card that is valid at all our 18 hole golf facilities and gives the card holder savings on 18 and 9 hole rounds. It also includes discounts on golf merchandise in our pro shops. It also gives the card holder an extra 2 days in advance to make tee time reservations. Learn More

Adult Golf Leagues

We offer golf leagues for men, women, and seniors. Read more about our Adult Leagues.