We weren't allowed to be on the course until we were 9 years old and had to be with a parent until we were 12 years old. Once we were 12 we could play without a parent, but still were limited on time of day and day of the week we could play.
Fortunately, today there are many youth programs for the young golfers. I see them starting as early as 5 years old. In fact, I have a student that started with me at 5 and he is now 10. He has worked with the First Tee Program, entered Pepsi Junior Tournament series and enjoyed the camaraderie with other young people along with learning values he can use the rest of his life. These are just two of the many programs out there for the youth today.
Today I am going to talk about the First Tee Program.
What a wonderful program. The First Tee network is made up of 200 chapters that offer programs at more than 700 golf locations. Most chapters offer programs at multiple locations. When you search, chapter(s) near you will come up first, followed by locations.
The First Tee has established Nine Core Values:
- Honesty
- Integrity
- Sportsmanship
- Respect
- Confidence
- Responsibility
- Perseverance
- Courtesy
- Judgment
With one in four students dropping out of public high schools today, the need for quality youth programs is critical. The First Tee golf program can be part of the solution to challenges facing today’s youth. The First Tee reaches young people ages 5-18 through golf instruction and life skills lessons administered at chapters, military installations, and to students in elementary schools.
So if you know any youth that enjoy golf or are looking for an area of life that they can incorporate not only fun but great core values, then please take or lead them to the first tee program in your area.
Until next time, It is up to us adults to help the youth find a good path in today's society......
No comments:
Post a Comment