MORE THAN A SPORTS PROGRAM FOR KIDS & TEENS
At The First Tee, kids and teens are learning to play golf along with life lessons and leadership skills. And it’s making a difference. Our seven program locations serve a positive impact on participants, their families and their communities. First Tee of Massachusetts was established in 2003 in hopes of bringing the game of golf and its inherent values to the Bay State’s underprivileged and at-risk youth. The home site of First Tee of Massachusetts is The Links at Mass Golf, an 18-hole, par 3 facility located in Norton, Massachusetts. More than 400 youth from 25 different communities annually participate in a seven-week golf and life skills development program at The Links at Mass Golf.
As part of the curriculum, the children progress through a series of golf lessons where they are introduced to the different aspects of a golf course including the green, tee, fairway, rough, bunkers and water hazards. The participants are also introduced to the basic elements of the game of golf and the swing including distance and accuracy control, course management, how to score, pace of play, the honor and proper, grip, stance, and posture. Differing amounts of on-course play take place from week two through week seven. In addition to golf, the participants are introduced to the nine core values inherent to the game including honesty, integrity, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, sportsmanship, judgment, respect and courtesy. The life skills experience was the platform used in getting the participants to become comfortable with introducing themselves to others, meeting new people, learning something new, setting goals, and dealing with conflict. The life skills learned are useful for the participants both on and off the golf course.