Text: April 15, 2002University of MinnesotaBoard of Regents200 Oak Street S.E.Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455Dear Regents,We, the undersigned members of the Minnesota House of Representatives, respectfully request that youdelay your decision to eliminate Women's and Men's Varsity Golf at the University of Minnesota. Werequest this delay to allow supporters of the program adequate time to privately raise funds to helppreserve this valued opportunity for student athletes.In 1998, the Minnesota Legislature funded the National Youth Golf Center at the National Sports Centerin Blaine, Minnesota, a major initiative of the PGA Tour First Tee Program and the Minnesota AmateurSports Commission (MASC). The Center is designed to help address the need for more training facilitiesto help meet the demand for youth golf interest in Minnesota, particularly for underprivileged children.According to the MASC, youth golf is among the fastest growing sports in the state. The intercollegiategolf program at the University of Minnesota produces the only Division I teams in the state and the onlyopportunity for Minnesota student athletes to compete nationally. Although it is a non-revenue producingsport, it is unique and important to the citizens of the state.Please consider delaying your decision and any other options for reducing costs and increasing revenuewithin the program.Sincerely,Tim PawlentyGovernorTom PughHouse Minority Leader