Twin Cities Youth Get Hands-On Golf Experiance at TPC Twin Cities
Young aspiring golfers in teh Twin Cities had a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of the game on Tuesday at TPC Twin Cities. As part of the 3M Open festivities, over 500 local children participated in interactive simulations designed to hone specific golf skills.
Inside the Fan Village, a dedicated area within the tournament grounds, children were able to test their precision with chip shot challenges. These simulations aimed to replicate the nuances of playing on a real course, including the impact of uneven terrain on ball roll.One young participant commented on the realism,noting how the setup mimicked the experience of hitting a ball on a slope that could cause it to roll back if not executed correctly.
Beyond chipping, the children also engaged in a simulation of the 18th hole, allowing them to experience the thrill of driving the ball as far as possible, mirroring the actions of professional golfers.
Ten-year-old Hope Mwangi, who recently began her golf journey thru First Tee Minnesota, expressed her enthusiasm for the event. “I just feel like not a lot of people get the opportunity to like do this kind of stuff,” she shared. “It’s kind of calming and you get like outdoors and you get to be with nature.”
the event also provided a chance for the young golfers to interact with notable figures from the local sports scene. Attendees included Timberwolves star guard Mike Conley, former Wolves player wally Szczerbiak, and Vikings legend John Randle.
Torie Clarke, 3M’s chief public affairs officer, highlighted the dual purpose of the activities: fostering enjoyment and education.”Golfers get up every morning going, ‘OK, how can I hit the ball further? How can I hit it more accurately?’ That’s what the science of technology does, it plays a huge role,” Clarke stated, emphasizing the role of innovation in the sport.
Beyond the interactive experiences, the 3M Open also serves a significant philanthropic mission.Ticket purchases contribute to community initiatives, with Clarke noting that “$8.5 million [has been] given back to Minnesota charities” since 2019.
A key attraction for visitors is that all activities within the Fan Village are free of charge once inside the tournament grounds.This allows individuals of all ages to enjoy the simulations, observe the 18th green, and engage in recreational fun.