“I think it gives kids another option,” said ex-Minnesota Vikings star John Randle, who is in the HOF. “If you think about it in the sense of football, from college football to the NFL that’s a one percent group – people that go play in the National Football League, one percent. So for that 99 percent, golf is another option for our youth.”
There was also a ribbon cutting with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (DFL) and ex-Arizona Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald to promote “The Lab,” a facility in Fan Village that gives people a chance to play simulated golf.
“I just want to congratulate you young people for coming out here and trying something new,” Fitzgerald said.
Golf tips
‘The future golfers flocked to the celebrities who showed up and got some tips on how to play a game that focuses on ethics and values.
“I’ve always said this about golf, it teaches character,” Walz said. “That thing about character is when you do the right thing when nobody’s watching. That’s that ball in the rough – make sure it stays exactly where it was and you learn to play it.”
“I also think it reveals character as well, because it’s going to test you,” Fitzgerald said. “It also teaches you a lot of things you can apply with everything you do in your life. Honesty is something that you need. Competitive spirit is something that you need. Camaraderie and teamwork that you develop.”
“I think this event does a lot for the community, especially today, you see there’s lots of people around here,” Randle said. “It brings the community together.”
The Lab attracted plenty of young golfers, and even grown ups such as ex Vikings OG Randall McDaniel, who is also in the HOF. McDaniel even proved he could get out of the sand by hitting a ball out of the bunker.
Tiger tale
For the celebs it was a chance to share some of their very own personal golf stories.
“Back in 1997 at Hiawatha Golf Course in south Minneapolis is the first time I ever touched a golf club,” Fitzgerald said. “Tiger Woods, put the golf club in my hand.”
“I got the opportunity to play out here once with former Governor Ventura,” Walz said. That is an adventure in itself, which was wonderful.”
Bottom line is, on this comfortable July afternoon everyone had fun – including a prominent politician.
“It’s a beautiful day today,” Walz said. “I get blamed for everything else so I’m taking credit for the weather.”
The youngsters who showed up were part of the Solomon Hughes Sr. Golf Academy, First Tee Minnesota and the Tony Sanneh Foundation in the Twin Cities.
