In my previous article, I talked about the two community initiatives I’m involved with. One of them is the First Tee. This month I want to highlight what they do in more detail. 

About the First Tee

“First Tee is an international youth development organization introducing the game of golf and its inherent values to kids and teens. Through after-school and in-school programs, we help shape the lives of young people from all walks of life by reinforcing values like integrity, respect, and perseverance through the game of golf. And it’s making a difference.”

Development Focus

“We know that character is something you cultivate. We exist to enable kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges. We focus on helping kids develop their character, resilience, self-confidence, and inner strength. Throughout our program, we use golf to empower this growth while enabling kids to learn and play the game.”

Why Play Golf

“We see golf as a metaphor for life–a game with unexpected challenges and ups and downs that help build strengths beyond the technical skills to play the game. Through introspective questions, interactive games, and immersive golf exercises, we design each lesson to help kids build a better understanding of themselves and empower them to strengthen the parts of them that they take to everything they do. Research proves it works.”

Get Involved

If the First Tee sounds like something you’d like to get involved with, they operate programs in all 50 states. On their website, www.firsttee.org, the “Find a Location” link will show you if there is a First Tee program near you. As is often said, “You get back more than you give.” It’s so true. It’s a joy to see the smiles on the kids’ faces as they are introduced to the game of golf while learning what it takes to be an outstanding person.