OUR STORY · EST. 2019
MORE OPPORTUNITIES.
MORE GOLF. MORE FUN.
Elevate Golf started with a simple problem. Ryan Champeau’s son, Charlie, wanted to compete in junior golf—but finding regular tournaments meant driving nearly two hours every Monday.
Ryan believed families in Northeast Wisconsin deserved opportunities closer to home. So he started creating them.
What began in 2019 as a way for Charlie and other local kids to play more tournament golf has grown into junior tours, leagues, player development and year-round opportunities. The goal is still simple: help kids play, improve, compete, make friends and have fun.
From Little Birdies and Elevate 36 to Middle School Golf, school teams, Emerging and Elite Junior Tours, private lessons, adult leagues and simulator golf, there’s room to grow with the game.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND ELEVATE
Parents. Coaches. Mentors.
Today, Elevate is led by parents and a former junior-tour player who grew up through the program, alongside a growing team of coaches and assistants.
Ryan Champeau
Ryan started Elevate because he wanted more opportunities for his son, Charlie, and other local junior golfers. At the time, competing regularly meant driving nearly two hours every Monday just to play in tournaments.
That experience still shapes what Ryan wants Elevate to be: a place where kids of different ages and ability levels have opportunities to play, compete, make friends and have fun.
Ryan and his wife, Erin, have two children, Charlie and Reese. Being a parent continues to shape his approach to Elevate—create the kinds of experiences and opportunities you'd want your own kids to have.
Kelsey Verbeten Frey
Director of Player Development
Before coaching the next generation of golfers, Kelsey was a four-year starter for the University of Wisconsin women's golf team. Kelsey helps young golfers discover how much fun getting better can be. Through player-development programs, camps, clinics, lessons and Girls Golf, she helps players build skills, confidence and a love for the game.
Her work goes beyond swings and putting strokes. She builds relationships, celebrates progress and gives kids room to challenge themselves without being afraid to make mistakes.
She is especially passionate about helping girls feel comfortable in golf and grow alongside other young players.
Kelsey and her husband, Mike, have three children, Eliana, Griffin and Augie. As a parent and coach, she understands that every young golfer is someone’s kid—and their experience matters.
FROM JUNIOR PLAYER TO TOUR DIRECTOR
Trevor Metzler
Tour Director
Before he led the tour, he was one of the kids.
Trevor played on the junior tour as a middle schooler during its early years. His sportsmanship, character and the way he treated others reflected the values Elevate wants young golfers to develop.
Today, he leads Elevate’s junior tours and mentors players of all ages. Having experienced the tour as a player, he understands first-tee nerves, the excitement of competing and how much a positive interaction can mean to a young golfer.
His journey is a reminder that success goes beyond scores. Watching a former player become someone who guides the next generation matters, too.
Trevor is the son of Mike and Shannon and brother to Randi.
BEYOND THE SCORECARD
What we want kids to take with them.
We want kids to become better golfers—and leave more confident than when they arrived. To learn how to compete, handle disappointment, celebrate someone else’s success, treat people well and keep showing up when something is difficult.
Most importantly, we want them to enjoy the game. Scores may fade. The experiences, friendships and lessons can stay with them.
Why Elevate
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From a golfer’s first swing through Elevate 36, school teams, advanced coaching, and competitive tours, every program has a next step.
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Emerging and Elite junior tours, school leagues, and events give golfers meaningful competition in an environment built for growth.
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Indoor simulators, a dedicated short-game area, private coaching, leagues, and outdoor programs keep players improving in every season.