BY FRITTS CAUSBY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALLISON POTTER
BRINGS CHARACTER TO THE FORE
First Tee
Nonprofit uses golf as a framework for teaching
FOR those who don’t know, golf seemingly is about silly
Cutline
pants, troublesome gophers, and complex rules that are
hard to understand. In reality, there is a lot more to the
game than meets the eye. In addition to providing a fun,
low-impact form of exercise, golf can introduce young
people to the simple joy of being outside.
The game’s honor system teaches integrity and responsibility.
The requirement to be quiet while others are trying to concentrate
teaches respect and courtesy. Lining up a shot or deciding what
type of club to use in a specific situation requires judgment and
problem-solving skills.
With these ideas in mind, First Tee was formed in 1997 to make
golf affordable and accessible for all children. Using golf as a frame-work,
the national organization created a curriculum supporting the
development of nine core values: honesty, integrity, sportsmanship,
respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy and
judgment.
“Having a chance to share my love for the game has made me
very happy to be a part of First Tee,” says Craig Sandstrum, director
of programming of the Wilmington chapter and a 25-year member
of the PGA. “Seeing their enthusiasm is really amazing, and it’s awe-some
to think I’m helping them develop a connection to the nine
core values.”
First Tee provides a variety of programs to help the next genera-tion's
golfers reach their potential, on and off the course, including
the National School Program, which works in conjunction with exist-ing
PE classes, after school and Saturday classes, summer camp,
LPGA-USGA Girls Golf, and various outreach programs.
Girls Golf is a monthly clinic for ages 5 to 17 that usually takes place
at Wilmington Municipal Golf Course. Led by First Tee-Wilmington
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WBM june 2021