News Summary

The Minot Junior Golf Association, led by Parker Bartels, is revitalizing youth golf in Minot, North Dakota. With increased participation and new initiatives, the MJGA is making the sport accessible and enjoyable for kids. Bartels emphasizes affordability and community engagement, paving the way for a bright future in high school golf and beyond.

Minot Golf Scene Thriving Under Youth Leadership

In the cozy town of Minot, North Dakota, there’s an exciting buzz in the air as the Minot Junior Golf Association (MJGA) is breathing new life into youth golf. Under the dynamic leadership of Parker Bartels, the MJGA is dedicated to making golf accessible and enjoyable for the young ones in the community.

Parker Bartels: A Passionate Advocate for Young Golfers

Originally from Oxbow, just outside Fargo, Bartels has a long-standing love for the game. Having played golf in high school and throughout college, he brings his extensive experience and enthusiasm to his role as the Director of Golf Programming at MJGA, a position he stepped into in March 2024 while juggling school responsibilities. Isn’t that a testament to how dedicated he is to the sport and the youth?

The MJGA isn’t just any organization—it’s been fostering a love for golf in Minot since 1989! One of its standout achievements was the opening of the Jack Hoeven Wee Links Golf Course in 2003, specifically designed for kids to learn the game and have fun. With its nine holes tailored for youth, the Wee Links has become a favorite spot for budding golfers.

Rapid Growth in Youth Participation

Bartels’ efforts are clearly paying off as he reports an impressive increase in youth participation. Just imagine—over the summer of 2024, an average of 150 kids took part in weekly golf lessons! This enthusiasm didn’t fade with the colder months either, as 110 kids joined indoor lessons at the Minot State bubble, and another 90 jumped into a second session. These numbers are a clear indication of the rising interest in youth golf within the community.

To foster skills and camaraderie, Bartels organizes monthly golf camps on the third Saturday, allowing 24 kids to learn and grow their game together. These camps are so popular that they fill up a month in advance, showing just how eager young people are to engage with golf!

A Surge in High School Golf

It’s not just the little ones who are grabbing golf clubs; high school golf participation has also seen a massive boost. In Minot, the local high schools—Minot North and Minot High—are fielding an incredible 80 boys golfers, while Our Redeemer’s has 34, Nedrose brings in 18, and South Prairie has around 20. For Bishop Ryan, there’s even more good news: they have managed to fill 2-3 junior varsity teams alongside their varsity squad for the very first time!

Bartels is particularly keen on enhancing girls’ golf participation as well. Recognizing that opportunities in golf could also mean college scholarships, he’s bringing in experienced female players to lead junior camps, sparking encouragement and interest in the sport among girls.

Breaking Down Barriers to Participation

Despite the increasing excitement about golf, there are still challenges to overcome. One significant barrier for many kids is the high cost associated with junior leagues, which can reach up to $385 per player. Bartels emphasizes that making golf affordable is critical. Through the MJGA’s non-profit initiatives, efforts are underway to ensure that every child has a chance to be part of this wonderful sport.

The MJGA serves an area within a 60-mile radius around Minot, and as the program continues to grow, Bartels has plans to potentially expand staffing levels to meet the increasing demand for golf programming.

A Bright Future and Community Engagement

Looking ahead, Bartels is excited about creating a junior league that encourages interaction and competition among kids from different schools. The sense of community is palpable, and he believes golf can play a central role in fostering bonds among young golfers.

This year, the Wee Links course has already seen over 1,500 more rounds played than the previous year, which speaks volumes about the rising interest in golf in the area. Bartels envisions making Minot a powerhouse in high school golf and aims for local kids to compete for state titles in the near future.

As summer approaches, excitement buzzes around MJGA events and leagues gearing up to kick off. With the community’s growing interest in golf, the future indeed looks bright for the youth of Minot, and the MJGA is at the heart of this transformation. Golf isn’t just a game; it’s a journey that children are eager to embark on, all thanks to the passionate individuals leading the way. And isn’t that a wonderful thing?

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