HARLINGEN — The slice, the hook and the shank in the game of golf can provide the foundation for a colorful vocabulary.
For young people, a nonprofit organization called The First Tee is trying to prove golf can do just as well when it comes to passing along the right life values.
The First Tee is a youth development organization which aims to use golf as a vehicle to provide young people with educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices.
Although there are 1,200 The First Tee chapters nationwide, the closest in Texas are in San Antonio. The Rio Grande Valley is about to welcome The First Tee at the city’s Tony Butler Golf Course.
“Harlingen CISD this year introduced, as part of a program through The First Tee, golf to second-graders,” said Eddie Medlin, director of golf at the Tony Butler course. “We’ve expanded on that through the Parks and Recreation Department.”
The program kicked off for second-graders at Lee H. Means, Bonham and Austin elementary schools.
“And then we were accepted into the First Tee Link Program, which will allow us to teach the first two curriculum guides of The First Tee program,” Medlin added.
Medlin said The First Tee is less about golf and more about youth development.
“The First Tee program is more of a life skills course through the game of golf,” he said. “Their motto is Good Golfers, Better People.’
“They focus on nine core values — honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy and judgment,” Medlin said.
“The mechanism is golf but we’re teaching kids how to be good people,” he added.
The age range for entering The First Tee program is anywhere between 7 and 18.
The four categories to be mastered are called PLAYer, par, birdie and eagle.
At the Butler course, they’ll be certified to teach the first two stages, PLAYer and par.
“I’ve really kind of fallen in love with the system,” Medlin said.
“I went to The First Tee program of San Antonio during the Valero Open, and I was supposed to go to the Valero and never made it,” Medlin said. “I had such a good time working with the people there at The First Tee in San Antonio, that I spent my two-and-a-half days working there instead.”
At the San Antonio The First Tee chapter, Medlin said he met volunteer adult mentors working with kids who “weren’t that great golfers, but just were quality people.”
At present, The First Tee program at Tony Butler GC is looking for five volunteers who can impart those values to young people via the game of golf.
“You can get somebody to teach golf mechanics, but sometimes it’s a lot harder to find good people to teach values,” Medlin said.
What is The First Tee?
The First Tee is a nonprofit youth development organization which aims to provide young people with educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.
Who can play?
The First Tee offers group lessons to all youth ages 7-18, regardless of background or previous experience.
Where are their chapters?
The First Tee has about 1,200 chapters nationwide, with several dozen in Texas. The closest are in San Antonio.
Golf clubs and gear?
The First Tee provides equipment. No special attire is needed.
What if my child has never golfed?
Coaches are trained in positive youth development. That means they are experts in making young people feel comfortable and assure they have a positive, non-intimidating experience.
How do youth build character through golf?
Each lesson is designed to foster golf skills as well as help youth understand and ultimately develop The First Tee Nine Core Values.
How do young people progress through the program?
Participants move through levels over time (PLAYer, Par, Birdie, Eagle, Ace) that introduce new and more advanced concepts of golf and life skills.
Is there competition and physical activity?
Young people can burn up to 800 calories walking nine holes of golf and coaches make lessons competitive while having fun. As participants get older, they have the chance to compete at national events.
How can I afford it?
Chapters offer full scholarships or reduced fee programming for those with financial need.
Source: The First Tee
