Golf that matters.

That has been the rallying cry for the 3M Open ever since its inception in 2019.  At the heart of every PGA TOUR tournament is philanthropy.  Over the years, the PGA TOUR and their non-profit events like the 3M have donated over $3.6 billion to charities all over the country.

Each event raises funds for charities based in the communities where the tournament is held.  The 2023 3M Open continues that legacy through the 3M Open Fund.

The tournament website describes the fund this way: “The 3M Open Fund, based in Minnesota, is a non-profit 501(c)3 foundation created when the tournament was founded by 3M and the PGA TOUR in 2019. The 3M Open serves as the principal fundraiser for the organization’s efforts to support local and regional charitable organizations. The foundation’s mission aligns with 3M’s commitment to improve lives in communities where we live, work and learn.”

“3M Open officials announced its 2022 charitable giving efforts will be directed largely toward local nonprofit organizations which are focused on supporting individuals, groups and companies impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.  Additionally, the 3M Open Fund is proud to support those organizations that are committed to bolster racial equity.”

Since the inaugural 3M Open in 2019, the 3M Open Fund has donated over $6 million.  This year, organizers hope to raise north of $1.5 million.

Many local charities have benefitted from the 3M over the years.  This year, the benefactors include Greater Twin Cities – United Way, First Tee – Minnesota, M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital, YWCA of St. Paul, YWCA of Minneapolis, and the Science Museum of Minnesota.

Greater Twin Cities – United Way

Founded in 1915 as the United Way of Minneapolis, the vision is “a community where all people thrive regardless of income, race or place.”  Their mission is to “unite changemakers, advocate for social good, and develop solutions to address the challenges no one can solve alone.”

First Tee – Minnesota

“First Tee is a youth development organization that enables kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, we create active learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do. We’re Building Game Changers through our junior golf programs.”

Through their youth programs, the First Tee believes that “Experiences are our greatest teacher. First Tee believes in developing the ones that are just as fun as they are meaningful, where kids feel excited to grow, safe to fail, and better equipped for whatever comes their way next. Through our golf-based personal growth programs, we see kids build life and leadership skills that empower them in all areas of  life, including school, friendships and eventually careers.”

M Health Fairwiew Masonic Children’s Hospital

“M Health Fairview is a partnership between University of Minnesota, University of Minnesota Physicians, and Fairview Health Services that combines the University’s deep history of clinical innovation and training with Fairview’s extensive roots in community medicine. This means you’ll always have access to the latest techniques and advances in medicine – when and where you need them.”

YWCA of St. Paul and Minneapolis

“With a mission to eliminate racism and empower women, our new podcast Herstory with YWCA St. Paul examines the nuances of intersectionality. Join us monthly as we sit down with women in our community who share the experiences and stories that have shaped them into the leaders they are today.”

Science Museum of Minnesota

“Through education, in-person experiences, online learning, and everything in between, the Science Museum of Minnesota is dedicated to collaborating with our community to create a world where everyone has the power to use science to make lives better.”

So, while you are watching the back nine drama at the TPC Twin Cities Sunday afternoon, remember the lives that will be changed for the better outside the ropes.

For more information about the 3M Open Fund or any of the partner charities, please visit https://3mopen.com/3m-open-fund