Minnesota PGA hires 2016 Ryder Cup Director Jeff Hintz to lead organization, foundation

The Minnesota Section of The Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) today announced that Jeff Hintz, Director of the 41st Ryder Cup hosted by Hazeltine National Golf Club, has been hired as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Section and its Foundation.

Recently named “Sportsman of the Year” by the Star Tribune newspaper, Hintz, 38, brings extensive experience in golf management, administration and event operations to his new dual role.

The Indianapolis native’s impressive golf resume began in Minnesota long before he moved to the state two years ago to lead the 2016 Ryder Cup, the biennial match between the United States and Europe, heralded as the most compelling event in golf.

“I am deeply honored, and grateful for the opportunity to serve as the CEO for the Minnesota Section of The PGA of America,” said Hintz. “I look forward to leading our staff in serving the most critical growth ingredient in the game of golf, PGA Professionals.  I also look forward to expanding our charitable foundation’s activity and programming which is vital to the future of our game. A profound commitment to excellence will be at the core of everything we do.” 

The Minnesota Section PGA Foundation was founded in 1995 as a 501(C) 3 charitable organization. It focuses on Youth, Military and Diversity & Inclusion initiatives. Since inception, the Foundation has awarded more than $300,000 to students and has conducted impactful PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) programs with local VA hospitals that serve men and women military personnel by using golf as an activity to assist veterans in their progress in rehab. The Section also has a long-standing relationship with Special Olympics Minnesota.

“We’re very excited and fortunate to hire a proven leader like Mr. Hintz,” said Minnesota PGA President Joel Burger. “Our Board of Directors recognized a unique opportunity to keep someone in Minnesota who arguably delivered the greatest event in the history of golf. His hiring accelerates our ability to improve service to our Section members and grow the game of golf in our state.”

Hintz started his golf career as an intern at the Coldwell Banker Burnet Senior Classic in 1999. He began working on PGA of America Championships in 2001 and held various leadership positions with within the Championship Department including serving as Championship Director for the Senior PGA Championship in 2012 and 2014. For the last two years, he served as Ryder Cup Director.

The Minnesota PGA also named Jon Tollette as the Chief Operating Officer in the restructuring of the Section office.

For more information on the Minnesota PGA Section and the Foundation, visit minnesotapga.com. 

About the Minnesota PGA

The Minnesota PGA is comprised of 600 PGA Members and apprentices in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Western Wisconsin who are the recognized experts in teaching and growing the game of golf. In addition to administering professional events and education programs, the Minnesota Section PGA Foundation serves the community through its focus on three core pillars: Youth, Military and Diversity/Inclusion.