Is The First Tee for Every Kid?

[InTheHole]

I'm just curious... I have the opportunity to enroll my son (he's 12) in a local First Tee program. But someone at work told me that he thought it was mostly for under-privliged kids who couldn't afford lessons or otherwise had no access to golf.

 

Problem is, we don't fall into that category and I don't want to take a spot for a kid who might need it (there are limited spots available).

 

Can anyone shed some light on this program? Their web site really doesn't give information in this regard and neither do the TV commercials.

[Bonneville85308]

At least in my area, it seems to be for underprivledged kids. The local "chapter" is based at a public housing project where they've set up a makeshift driving range, and use donated equipment. Once a year, members at my club "sponsor" about 25 kids who have gone far along in the program for a 9-hole round of golf and lunch. I've donated some used equipment myself, and feel it's a worthwhile cause.

I don't know if it's like this everywhere though.

[golow]

In CT there are 6 venues for two age groups for 7 group lessons for spring, summer, and fall sessions - TPC among others. Cash breakdown ends up being $4 per lesson. On the application they ask an optional question re: household income. Check boxes go well up into the 6 digits so I guess it's for any kid who wants to get involved. once kids "graduate" they can play in team events and a tournament or two in subsequent years.

I will definitely be donating some kids clubs and cash since the amount the charge is paltry.

golow(TM)

[Rohlio]

I am a coach for The First Tee.

We welcome all children who want to participate in the program. If a child needs assistance in terms of financial issues or needs appropriate equipment we are happy to provide that. If you are able to provide these things for your child that is wonderful. All in all having a healthy mix is a great thing imo since it allows children of various backgrounds to communicate and become tolerant and understanding of others.

It certainly is not a situation where your child participating is "Taking a spot" from another child. We do have several members who would otherwise in no way be able to afford to get started in the game, but we also have several members whose a parents drop them off in Porsches and Mercedes. My advice is to make sure you attend the first few sessions along with your child simply to make sure that it is the right atmosphere for your particular child.

If you have any questions feel free to ask.

[Rohlio]

[quote name='cherokee8215' date='29 March 2010 - 09:56 PM' timestamp='1269914199' post='2349033']
At least in my area, it seems to be for underprivledged kids. The local "chapter" is based at a public housing project where they've set up a makeshift driving range, and use donated equipment. Once a year, members at my club "sponsor" about 25 kids who have gone far along in the program for a 9-hole round of golf and lunch. I've donated some used equipment myself, and feel it's a worthwhile cause.

I don't know if it's like this everywhere though.
[/quote]


Every program is unique, but share common training resources. It is up to the chapter to grow themselves. Some have better funding than others for sure, depending on many factors including the ability of the particular program director to raise funds. The chapter I volunteer with for instance through grants (big thanks to Nike among others) has been able to build our own 3 hole practice facility along with a range and practice greens for our program. We have blocks of tee times on Thursday nights for our members as well at a rather nice course. We have had several graduates go on to college scholarships and I won't mention names but at least one play in a PGA event (and make the cut .

Although I am engaged in coaching the children who are attempting to play competitve junior golf/ work towards college scholarships. The program does have many community outreach programs that work primarily with underpriviledged children, in these environments we do use "golf-like" tools and games to play "golf" in gym's or on baseball diamonds and the like. These kind of outreaches are to expose children to the game at it's most basic Play level.

[Zooko23]

Dont lie Rohilo you hit the tiny tee clubs and balls on the range with the rest of us

[Rohlio]

lol...

some of the equipment is pretty fun. The big plastic wedges and putter you use to hit tennis balls are an absolute blast. Especially when combined with the velcro targets.

[ShortStack]

[quote name='Rohlio' date='30 March 2010 - 10:48 AM' timestamp='1269960499' post='2350019']
lol...

some of the equipment is pretty fun. The big plastic wedges and putter you use to hit tennis balls are an absolute blast. Especially when combined with the velcro targets.
[/quote]




Haha,we play baseball golf with those in the summer and it is a fun time....

I'm a Junior Advisor/Coach and our Chapter(Mooresville,NC) accepts every kid that comes thru and we have no limit.

[generaljhc]

First Tee is pretty big in our area, and in the next 12 months will move into a practice facility shared with the local university golf team.

If you think your son will have fun do it. You didn't indicate whether your son is a beginner or more experienced golfer.

My son did not participate in First Tee, he learned to play golf by attending a well ran and organized junior golf clinic (4 days 8-12) at a local course two summers in a row. He had a great time and he learned/developed a simple, solid golf swing. Clinic was around $100-120.