Did you know more than 80 percent of First Tee chapters offer programming specifically for girls?
“Growing up playing golf, I never imagined being in the golf industry,” said Rebecca Caimano, assistant executive director at First Tee — Greater Philadelphia, who joined the chapter in 2011 to help grow its girls programming. “It was tough being the only female who played golf.”
Now, Rebecca is among thousands of leaders/coaches who are involved in First Tee.
First Tee views golf as a metaphor for life. It’s not the score that counts, but what you learn along the way. The game is a perfect practice ground for learning skills that extend far beyond the course. Let’s face it, digging deep when things get tough is a natural part of our sport – and life – experiences.
As we celebrate our 25th anniversary (& Women’s Golf Day), First Tee is proud of the role we’re playing in helping more young girls embrace the sport and what they can learn through it. Thanks to many female coaches and leaders throughout our network – like Rebecca – we are a safe place where girls can come, be themselves and learn from coaches and role models on the course and in the business world.
Also, thanks to organizations like USGA (a Founding Partner), LPGA-USGA Girls Golf and John Deere, sponsor of the Drive Your Future Academy, a national leadership development opportunity for female First Tee teens, we continue to intentionally offer opportunities for girls’ personal growth and development in many ways.
Empowering girls for a brighter future
While many First Tee alumnae have gone on to work in golf, others have excelled in different areas, including medicine, journalism and public affairs. And we think that’s great for them, and for the world around us.
Studies have shown that women leaders are engaging and collaborative, yet it hasn’t always been easy for women to break into many top leadership roles. Golf can help.
Ninety percent of Fortune 500 CEOs play golf, according to the PGA of America, and more than half of all businesspeople believe golf is a valuable networking tool. Women executives believe that a background in sport was helpful to career advancement because it prepared them to work better in teams, and behaviors and techniques can be applied to the corporate setting (Women’s Sports Foundation).
First Tee teaches valuable life skills that can help girls as they become leaders. Through our personal growth and junior golf programs, we encourage girls to build self-confidence that they’ll carry with them into their future.
“I originally stuck with it [golf] because I wanted to beat my brother,” Rebecca continued. “And now, here I am, using a sport that changed my life to change others.”
Now, that’s girl power.
Approximately 25% of First Tee’s coaches are women, and we’d love to increase that number! If you are interested or know of a passionate female leader in your life, please point her here to get involved: https://firsttee.org/get-involved/coach-volunteer/
Sixteen-year-old First Tee – Lake County (Hammond, Ind.) participant, Steven Outlaw, was notified during the 2001 First Tee Network Summit, the annual gathering of those within the First Tee network, that he was going to have to make his speech earlier than originally scheduled. The events to follow happened in a way that only fate decides.
Steven describes it as “being in the right place at the right time.” Using one of the first skills instilled into First Tee participants, as well as taught within his own household, on how to properly introduce yourself to others, Steven walked right up to one of the other speakers of the evening, former president of Georgetown College, Dr. William Crouch, and shook his hand. Steven’s demeanor stood out to Dr. Crouch and gave him quite the idea.
Following Steven’s speech, Dr. Crouch scrapped his own prepared comments and surprised Steven with a full scholarship to Georgetown College and news that he planned to provide a full scholarship to First Tee participants every year following. This full-ride scholarship would alleviate the financial burden of furthering Steven’s education.
Bob Krause, former vice president of institutional advancement at Kansas State University, followed suit with Dr. Crouch’s pledge. The First Tee Scholars Program was born and set to begin by 2003 with the inaugural class of Scholars, many of whom Steven is still in touch with today.
L to R: Christopher Hawkins, First Tee – Metro Atlanta alumnus and First Tee Scholar Class of 2003; Adam Ruegg, Troon Golf; Steven Outlaw, First Tee – Lake County alumnus and inaugural First Tee Scholar; Rod Jackson, First Tee – Metro Atlanta alumnus; Brandon White, current Program Director First Tee – Lake County.
As the inaugural First Tee Scholar, Steven graduated from Georgetown College with a degree in political science. After college, he enrolled in the PGA, PGM Accelerated Program. After completing two levels of the program, he secured an internship with Troon Golf, a leading golf management company. He has since worked with Troon Golf for nearly 15 years, starting in Arizona and traveling overseas to work in the Middle East, and in Malaysia managing The Els Club Teluk Datai (rated #83 in the world by Golf Digest in 2016).
More recently, Steven serves as the PGA Director of Golf at Wickenburg Ranch Golf & Social Club, managed by Troon Golf. Steven has been a PGA Class A Professional for more than 10 years and currently serves on the Southwest Section PGA Board of Directors and is very active with Troon’s D&I Council. Going forward, Steven aspires to ascend the ranks in the PGA of America, with a passion specifically around diversity, equity and inclusion and positive change within the game of golf.
Though Steven had numerous amazing opportunities during his time as a First Tee participant, he now prides himself in exploring what he can do for First Tee as an adult. He works closely with First Tee – Lake County, often supplying the chapter with donations.
“These opportunities would not have been possible without First Tee and the core values instilled in me such as perseverance and confidence. Much of what I learned during my time with First Tee I use now to strengthen and empower my team. I am forever grateful and honored to be part of such a great organization. I look forward to the future of First Tee and the path they will pave for the next generation.”
Eleven years after Steven’s speech, the First Tee Scholars Program continues to thrive. It has since received a face-lift following Greg McLaughlin being named First Tee CEO in 2019.
Relaunching officially in 2020, President George W. Bush, honorary First Tee chair, congratulated the first class of the revamped program. First Tee College Scholarship Program now extends its impact to alumni beyond financial support, providing personal and professional development throughout their post-graduate careers.
Each of the Scholars is paired with a dedicated, trained adult mentor who helps encourage and guide them throughout the college experience, including virtual and in-person meetups. The program also provides professional development workshops held in-person throughout the year, and up to $5,000 per year toward tuition.
“First Tee aims to inspire and empower every young person in the program to set goals and begin pursuing them,” said McLaughlin. “The First Tee College Scholarship Program is intended to motivate young people to stay in the program and support alumni as they matriculate through the college.”
In recognition of First Tee’s 25th anniversary, the Class of 2022 includes 25 First Tee Scholars. This time, Steven Outlaw has turned the tables, joining as a mentor to one of the Scholars.
“I was extremely fortunate to be surrounded by great professionals as I progressed through my time with the First Tee. These individuals helped me grow not only in golf, but personally and professionally. I consider myself lucky to be able to return the favor to the next generation!”
We believe in helping youth succeed – on the golf course and in life. Learn more about our programs and how you can get involved.
Experiences are our greatest teachers. They shape how we treat others, how we see the world around us, and how we view ourselves. How we view ourselves is also known as our self identity and is defined as the qualities and potential you possess. It can influence the choices you make, the attitude you have day-to-day, and ultimately, it becomes your inner voice. For youth especially, a positive self identity can have a massive impact on who they become as adults. There are many ways parents can help their kids develop a positive self identity, and at First Tee we pride ourselves in nurturing a positive self identity for youth. Here are three ways you can help your kids develop a positive self identity inspired by our core values.
Live Your Values
Kids watch and learn from the adults in their lives every day. Studying their actions and responses, they develop their identity based on their guardians and the other mentors in their life. If you live according to the values you want your kids to have, then they are more likely to absorb that into their own independent lives. That being said, having a mentor is a great way to ensure this happens. At First Tee,youth learn from their coaches by:
Treating others with respect and honesty
Experiencing the value of teamwork, not just by being told to act as a team but by witnessing their coach lead with teamwork.
Watching their coaches exercise positive self talk and kindness to others around them brings out the best in themselves and their self identity.
Create a Culture of Acceptance
When there is no room for failure there is no room for growth. Fostering an environment that is not only safe for kids to fail but encourages them to try again, helps kids develop a strong sense of self. Acceptance also transcends just failure; it also means that every person, regardless of their background, is welcome. We work together to actively create a space of belonging for every kid— no matter what walk of life. Through example we encourage youth to accept their team members for who they are, treat each other with kindness, and create that culture of acceptance everywhere, so that when they reflect on themselves and their own identity they treat themselves with the same level of respect and positivity that they give others.
Empowerment Through Experiences
For kids, experiences shape their inner voice that gives them confidence and character. Not all experiences in life are easy, and when we empower youth to persevere and stay true to themselves, we bring out the best that’s inside of them. First Tee exists to enable kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges. As time goes on, that empowerment creates a strong sense of self, and encourages a positive self identity even in difficult situations.
Though a positive self identity may seem like something only some people are born with, it is really something that can be cultivated through leading by example, an open culture of acceptance, and consistent empowerment through all experiences. What do you want your child’s inner voice to sound like when they grow up? Nurturing their self identity can make all the difference in that. We guide kids and teens to strengthen what’s inside and put it into action. If you are interested in getting your child involved with First Tee, you can learn more and sign up today!
First Tee – Massachusetts New Quarterly Newsletter
Welcome to the launch of our new First Tee – Massachusetts newsletter! The purpose of this quarterly newsletter is to highlight the exciting things happening at First Tee – Massachusetts, showcase our participants and share the experiences that First Tee creates across the state.
As this newsletter develops, we welcome feedback, including feature ideas, impact stories or other information you would like to see. Please reach out to Program Manager Allyson Mollung at [email protected] with any ideas or feedback!
As First Tee approaches its 25th anniversary, the organization continues to make significant investments to evolve and to meet the changing needs of today’s kids and families. Perhaps the most critical to our future success is the evolution, enhancement, and modernization of First Tee’s curriculum across the entire network. This includes not only modernizing what we deliver but how we deliver it.
“We are very excited about these curriculum enhancements and think they will benefit our participants immensely,” said Kyle Harris, Director of Operations for First Tee of Massachusetts. “We want to make sure everyone understands that our core philosophy of developing life skills and character values through golf has not changed. We believe these changes will result in an even more impactful participant experience and help us meet our kids where they’re at on an emotional and developmental level.”
At First Tee – Massachusetts, we will begin to roll out these enhancements at select program locations in Summer of 2022, including Harwich, Springfield, and Southwick. The rest of our chapter will roll out age-based programs in 2023.
As part of the curriculum modernization, we will be transitioning away from the previous level-based system of PLAYer, Par, Birdie, Eagle and Ace, and replacing it with an age-based structure. Participants will now register for classes for 7-9, 10-11, 12-13, or 14 & up age groups.
The intention of this shift in philosophy is to help with recruitment and retention of older youth, while also addressing the social hurdles that can exist when kids from a wide age range are grouped together. We can now have more age-appropriate conversations with our youth and meet them where they are. We hope this results in an even more engaging program that is developmentally and emotionally fulfilling, and challenges them to grow as golfers and as people.
The familiar First Tee Nine Core Values – Respect, Courtesy, Responsibility, Honesty, Sportsmanship, Confidence, Judgement, Perseverance, and Integrity – will remain a constant with the new curriculum. However they will be infused into the content and the curriculum in relation to the character lessons and intended outcomes of the program, rather than lumped together at the PLAYer level. You’ll see these values highlighted in lessons and their positive attributes will be referred to throughout. Good character is good character, and we do not plan to lose the valuable content that is applicable and supportive to positive youth development.
One other exciting enhancement is the development of a Digital Yardage Book in conjunction with a First Tee app, which the network hopes to pilot in 2022. We hope the app and yardage book will be available network-wide in 2023.
Please stay tuned for more information as we prepare to fully make the transition to age-based programming next year!
Exciting events are coming to First Tee Massachusetts over the next several months! Below you will find information on how you can get involved.
2022 Fall Schedules and Registration Dates
Franklin Park – Boston, MA – Registration Coming Soon
Sundays September 11 – October 23
PLAYer 11AM-12:30PM
Par Session I 1:30PM-3PM
Par Session II / Birdie 3:30PM-5PM
Hyannis Golf Club – Hyannis, MA – Registration Opens Wednesday 7/27 at NOON (12pm)
Mondays Sept. 5 – Oct. 31
Tuesdays Sept. 6 – Nov. 1
Wednesdays Sept. 7 – Nov. 2
Thursdays Sept. 8 – Nov. 3
Fridays Sept. 9 – Nov. 4
PLAYer Session I 4pm-6pm
Par 4PM-6PM
PLAYer/Par 4PM-6PM
Par/Birdie 4PM-6PM
Birdie 4PM-6PM
The Links at Mass Golf – Norton, MA – Registration Opens Wednesday 7/27 at NOON (12pm)
Tuesdays September 13 – October 18
Thursdays September 15 – October 20
PLAYer Session I 7-11 y/o 4PM – 5:30PM
PLAYer Session II 12+ y/o 4PM – 5:30PM
Par/Birdie TBD
D.W. Field – Brockton – Coming Soon
Fenway Golf – Springfield, MA – Coming Soon
KOHR Golf – Natick – Coming Soon
The Ranch – Southwick, MA – Coming Soon
Youth Golf Day at The Links at Mass Golf – August 23rd
For more than 10 years, Youth Golf Day has taken place at The Links at Mass Golf. The day is dedicated to giving kids of all ages and golf skill a taste of the game of golf. In past years, participants have spent about 15-20 minutes at four different stations, putting, driving, chipping and full swing. Each station is lead by several First Tee coaches and Mass Golf employees. We encourage everyone to join us for this year’s Youth Golf Day on August 23rd. A schedule of activities for the day will be available in the coming months.
Check out the highlights from our 2021 Youth Golf Day:
U.S. Senior Amateur at Kittansett – August 27th – September 1st
The USGA will be hosting two major championships in Massachusetts this year, with the 67th U.S. Senior Amateur coming to The Kittansett Club. Admission to the event is free. First Tee – Massachusetts participants will also have an opportunity to volunteer at this event in many different capacities. For more information about the event, please visit the USGA website. For First Tee participants interested in volunteering, please email [email protected].
The full schedule is as follows: Saturday, Aug. 27 (Stroke Play, Round 1, 18 holes) Sunday, Aug. 28 (Stroke Play, Round 2, 18 holes) Monday, Aug. 29 (Round of 64, match play) Tuesday, Aug. 30 (Round of 32/Round of 16, match play) Wednesday, Aug. 31 (Quarterfinals/Semifinals, match play) Thursday, Sept. 1 (Championship Match, 18 holes)
16th Annual Charity Golf Tournament
First Tee is a youth development organization that introduces the game of golf and its inherent values to young people. Through our Life Skills Experience delivered at our seven green grass facilities, as well as 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, perseverance and sportsmanship, through the game of golf.
Through this event and the generosity of our players and sponsors, First Tee of Massachusetts can provide the necessary resources and programs to help grow the game of golf, while providing access and opportunity to boys and girls who otherwise may not be able to enjoy the many benefits of our great game. Your support will allow us to continue to grow and reach even more youth across our state in 2022 and beyond.
We are currently seeking additional sponsors for this years event which will be held on Monday, October 31st at TPC Boston. For information on sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to Director of Operations Kyle Harris at [email protected].
Every conversation can be an opportunity to learn something new, build trust with someone, and deepen connections. This happens when we build the skill of active listening and learn to treat listening as an active process – not a passive one.
What is Active Listening?
Active listening is a way of listening and responding to another person that improves mutual understanding. It’s about being present, listening to understand (not respond), and showing active interest and engagement in the dialogue.
Why does it matter?
Active listening is an important skill for all of us to cultivate. Not only is it an important leadership skill, it has been shown to promote mindful thinking, can reduce anxiety and depression, helps build relationships and can promote empathy.
How do we practice it?
At First Tee, we use a process called A-L-R to help build connection through active listening. This helps us to deepen conversations, keep them going, and get the most out of them. Here’s how A-L-R works:
Asking questions: Asking thoughtful questions is not only a way you can keep the conversation going, but it gives you a deeper understanding of the person or topic you are engaging with.
Helpful Tip:Be curious. Try asking questions that dig a bit deeper: How did they feel in that moment? What was going on in their minds during that experience? What would they do differently the next time? These make the conversation richer, rather than closed-ended questions that are typically answered with a simple Yes or No.
Listening to understand: When you ask a question, it is important to listen carefully to what the person is saying. We can sometimes be fixated on what we are going to say next, or when it’s our turn to jump back into the conversation, but try not to think about what you are going to say next.. Your focus is on them and their perspective rather than your own.
Helpful Tip:Make an effort to try to clear your mind first of any distracting thoughts. It can help to jot down a mental or physical note of things on your mind in order to give your full attention.
Reflect & respond to the reply: Keep the conversation going by responding in a way that connects with what they just said. You can try to restate in your own words what the person said, share what you think or feel about it, or ask another open-ended question that connects with what the person just said.
Helpful Tip: Show engagement and interest in what they are saying: look them in the eye when they are talking, use body language like nodding your head.
Active listening requires work, but you’ll be surprised at how much reward there is when you approach conversations and communication with this skill. Active listening is just one of the skills we are supporting kids and teens to build at First Tee. Click here to find out more about our programs.
Interested in keeping your childs golf game sharp this winter? Cold weather got you down? If so, then our First Tee Winter Clinics at the PGA Superstores are for YOU! This winter, all three PGA Superstores are hosting First Tee Clinics. Those stores are located in Peabody, Braintree and Natick. Each location will host a beginner session and an advanced session. The cost for each four-week session is $30, however, financial aid is always available!
The beginner-level class will focus on basic golf fundamentals, including grip, stance, posture, basic golf shots, equipment, and rules of golf. Participants will also be exposed to The First Tee’s Nine Core Values of Respect, Courtesy, Responsibility, Honesty, Sportsmanship, Confidence, Perseverance, Judgment, and Integrity. All necessary equipment will be provided for any participants who do not have their own.
The advanced level class will keep your game sharp through the winter season, focusing on form, rhythm, and tempo among other aspects of the game. The advanced level is like that of a PLAYer/Par level class.
Below are the schedules for each location:
PGA TOUR Superstore, Braintree (450 Grossman Dr., Braintree)
BOSTON, Massachusetts – A total of 20 First Tee Massachusetts participants were invited to Fenway Park on November 3rd to hit golf balls with Top Golf. The night out for the kids was made possible by the PGA Tour and Make Golf Your Thing.
“This was such an incredible and unique experience that I know the kids will remember for the rest of their life, I know I will.” said Kyle Harris, Director of Operations for First Tee Massachusetts.
Participants of all skill levels from ages 7 to 14 were able to enjoy this experience, including some of our coaches and volunteers.
Boston’s Franklin Park Par level participant, Finnbar Starosky, stated “I thought it was really cool, I hadn’t been to Fenway Park that often so that was really cool with the bright lights and just such an awesome experience.”
The Make Golf Your Thing initiative is made possible by the PGA Tour. The PGA Tour has been so incredibly supportive of First Tee both at the national level and local level and we are truly thankful. They believe in our life skills curriculum program and creating opportunities that our kids wouldn’t normally have. Being here at Fenway Park, creating experiences, and building character with our kids is wonderful and we can’t thank the PGA Tour enough.
Angelina Camacho, a First Tee parent and long-time supporter of First Tee Massachusetts, said “Experiences like this give our young people access in a way they may not feel they have otherwise. To be here at the iconic Fenway Park with Top Golf, it really expands opportunities for our young people and allows them to see where golf can really take them.”
First Tee of Massachusetts continues to grow and teach children across the state with plans to open two to three more locations in 2022. The work done by First Tee would not be made possible without experiences like this one, our coaches and volunteers.
To learn more about giving back to First Tee Massachusetts, visit: FirstTeeMass.org and don’t forget to follow us on social media, @FirstTeeMass for Facebook and Instagram.
FIRST TEE TOURNAMENT SUPPORTS FUTURE ENDEAVORS FOR FIRST TEE YOUTH, STATEWIDE PROGRAMMING
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: OCTOBER 26, 2021
NORTON, Massachusetts – Golfers may have been dressed in several layers for the 15th annual First Tee of Massachusetts Charity Golf Tournament, but the rain and cold didn’t deter their spirits and efforts to support youth golf.
A total of 128 golfers took part in the shotgun start event at TPC Boston, with the proceeds supporting First Tee Massachusetts, which helped raise important funds for the mission to provide golf instruction and life skills to the next generation of golfers. According to Kyle Harris, Director of Operations for First Tee Massachusetts, the tournament has continued to grow each year, and saw a 63% increase in net proceeds from the year prior.
“We had a tremendous response from the golf community,” Harris said. “The word gets out that it’s a good tournament and obviously the venue is incredible. They want to support us, they want to support the kids so much that they’re willing to throw on layers and just go out and play.”
The group from Birdies 4 A Change was one of the many sponsored groups playing in the First Tee Massachusetts Charity Golf Tournament at TPC Boston. The group donated $5K to First Tee earlier this year during the 100 Hole Hike for Youth on Course. (Mass Golf)
Sarah Forbes, who serves on the Board of Directors for Mass Golf and First Tee Massachusetts, said the proceeds will help expand the program’s reach in more areas so more young people experience the game and learn its inherent values.
“As we move forward, we hope to see us open up a couple more locations, expand the program, reach more kids, continue to spread the word about the program and find more kids out there that could use it and learn about golf as more than just a game, but the life skills and core values,” Forbes said.
Among the participants in the field were standout amateur golfers Shannon Johnson and Herbie Aikens, as well as former New England Patriots linebacker Andre Tippett, and First Tee Lead Coaches Paul Coutomous (Brockton), Dan Moran (Natick), and Joe Eadie (Springfield).
Jenn Downey played with her team from Titleist/FootJoy during Monday’s tournament. (Mass Golf)
The tournament also got a tremendous boost from its Title Sponsor: LPM Charitable Foundation, one of the largest charitable organizations in Massachusetts. Robert J. Watson, President, and CEO of LPM Holding Co. Inc., founded the organization in 1991 to help support and give back to the communities in which his company conducted business. In addition to health-related organizations, LPM has also supported Massachusetts youth summer camps, including Camp Wing in Duxbury.
The Acronym “LPM” stands for Laurie, Patrick, & Mike; Watson’s wife and two sons.
Patrick Watson represented the organization on Monday and played alongside JP Chouinard, Jack Tannar, and Earl Daniels. Watson said LPM’s support of First Tee is two-fold. One, many of his relatives have worked in public service, including his parents who met each other as juvenile corrections officers. The second is golf as LPM has hosted a charity tournament each of the past 30 years to help raise money.
“We just thought it was a perfect fit,” Watson said. “Helping the youth of Massachusetts has always been kind of their mantra.”
Added Harris: “To be able to partner up with LPM Charitable Foundation is phenomenal. Our missions align closely. They’ve been a great partner in year one, so we’re incredibly appreciative of their efforts and their support of us.”
LPM & Associates has specialized in contract foodservice management and catering for business & industry, schools, healthcare, and cultural / entertainment venues.
Team LPM: From left, JP Chouinard, Jack Tannar, Patrick Watson, and Earl Daniels. (Mass Golf)
In addition to this year’s tournament, there are many ways you can support the mission of First Tee and help us introduce the game of golf and its inherent values like honesty, respect, and confidence, to kids and teens. Options include: equipment donations, volunteerism, and monetary contributions.
To learn more about giving back to First Tee Massachusetts, visit: FirstTeeMass.org
Chris Towle, a four-year participant in the First Tee program at William J. Devine Golf Course in Boston, packed his bags and headed west this past summer for the first-ever First Tee Leadership Summit out at Arthur Blank’s West Creek Ranch in Montana. First Tee Massachusetts was one of 29 nationwide chapters to host a Leadership Series for its students, and over the course of five weeks, Towle was chosen to represent the local chapter.
Four volunteer leaders at Mass Golf played alongside four female First Tee participants in Mass Golf’s Mother-Daughter/Member Junior back in July to help bridge the generational gap in the game and over mentorship opportunities for these young women.
Beginning in May 2021, First Tee Massachusetts participants who have reached Birdie level or above and register for a First Tee class at that level became automatically be enrolled into a Youth on Course membership for the remainder of 2021 at no additional charge. Youth On Course (YOC) allows youth 6-18 to play at any of the 29 participating locations in the state for just $5 per round. YOC benefits also include a Mass Golf Membership, as well as access to paid summer internship programs, leadership council, caddie programs, and several more opportunities that will set individuals up for future success.
Back in February, First Tee Massachusetts expanded by adding Allyson Mollung to the staff as the organization’s Program Manager. Mollung, a former volunteer with the First Tee of Delaware, has overseen programming at the seven on-course locations and has deepened the connection with First Tee participants, parents, and coaching teams. She has also expanded First Tee’s outreach on its various social media channels.
In 2003, Mass Golf was selected by The First Tee to join its national network with the goal of bringing an affordable junior golf program to youth and communities that did not have them.
Since that time, Mass Golf has introduced seven program locations: D.W. Field Golf Course (Brockton), William J. Devine GCat Franklin Park (Boston), Hyannis Golf Course (Cape Cod), Cranberry Valley Golf Course (Harwich), Fenway Golf Center (Springfield), KOHR Golf (Natick) and The Links at Mass Golf (Norton).
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, honor, and proper, grip, stance, and posture.
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.
We all deal with highs and lows in life. Even as kids, we experience a variety of emotions that have a direct impact on our choices, and the way we think about ourselves. A bad experience can result in negative thinking which can be detrimental to a young person’s self confidence and outlook on life. That’s why positive thinking is so powerful— not just for adults but kids as well. Maintaining a positive attitude can be challenging at times, but through practice and encouragement it becomes a skill that can shape and transform young lives.
Just as you exercise your swing before hitting the ball, it’s important to practice things that can promote positive thinking. Our minds are valuable tools, and maintaining a healthy and positive headspace can improve confidence and drive in all aspects of life.
Here are four ways that you can encourage positive thinking in your kids:
Always Give Your Best Effort – Parents and mentors should encourage kids to give their best effort as often as possible. At First Tee, we believe that it is important to help kids show up to the challenge, and develop the resilience and inner strength needed to give their best effort on and off the golf course. If kids can give their best effort in all of their endeavors, they will be able to realize what they are truly capable of. This can directly improve their confidence, and help them develop a positive attitude about the world around them.
Give Back To Your Community – Giving back to your community, or causes that you care about is another great way to maintain a positive mindset. Volunteering can help your family connect with others who hold similar values and beliefs. Even activities as simple as tutoring someone on the weekend, or pulling a neighbor’s weeds can have a tremendous effect on the community you live in. When kids can see that their actions can make a positive difference in the world, they will be more likely to feel positively about themselves, and their community.
Practice Positive Self-Talk – Parents and mentors should show kids the importance of being gentle with themselves and others. A great way to help kids develop this skill is to tell them to talk to themselves as if they are talking to their best friend. If they wouldn’t say something mean to their friend or loved one, they shouldn’t say it to themselves. The way we think directly impacts our behavior and feelings about the world. If kids can think positively about themselves, they will likely feel the same way about the world around them.
Take Ownership & Responsibility For Your Actions – Helping kids realize they have control over the outcomes of the challenges they face can help build confidence and reduce overall anxiety. Reducing anxiety and practicing problem-solving skills at a young age can have a huge effect on how their mindset develops through the rest of their lives. Raising confident kids is one of the best ways to help encourage positive thinking.
First Tee guides kids and teens to strengthen what’s inside them and put it into action. It’s a priority for us to show young people the value of caring for their social and emotional wellness. So when they step up to the next shot, math test, or presentation they have the strength to move forward, aim further, and finish stronger than the last time.
If you are interested in getting your child involved with First Tee, you can learn more and sign up today.
Having someone that you can look up to and go to for support is one the most important things a kid can have. Mentors give youth (and even adults) the confidence they need to confront challenges and come up with their own solutions. They provide a safe place for kids and teens to be themselves and have fun, while also learning valuable life skills.
A great mentor has many traits— they can be a role model, cheerleader, policy enforcer, advocate, and friend to the students they work with. First Tee mentors have a sincere desire to be involved with their students, and treat them with respect. They practice active listening skills and empathy, while also seeking solutions and opportunities for those they work with.
We celebrate each of our coaches, and recognize them for the unique role they play in young lives. In fact, research shows that First Tee participants think of their coaches as more than just teachers and counselors, but real mentors who have made a positive difference in their lives.
Here are four ways a mentor impacts their mentees that were inspired and created by what our junior golfers have to say about their coaches:
1. Mentors show that you can never stop learning
They are always growing and showcasing that to their mentees who can feel inspired by how they adapt to life’s challenges.
“I constantly heard that sport emulates life, and life emulates sports. I didn’t understand this concept until I started the First Tee program. Through this sport, I learned accountability and responsibility for my actions and how to respond to adversity. These lessons have affected my thinking about the impact I have on those around me and how important it is for me to strive to be my best self.” – Quincy Crawford, participant, 2021 Scholar
2. Mentors help inspire students to be game-changers
Not just for themselves, but in their everyday lives and especially with their peers.
“Having an amazing mentor through the First Tee who I have developed a strong relationship with has inspired me to help others find mentors that can help them through their education and career.” – Remi Shendell, participant, First Tee Scholar
3. Mentors teach the importance of active listening
Not only do they offer support, but they show how valuable it can be to listen to someone in both good and bad times.
“Coach Mary Beth McGirr has been a major influence in my life, helping me with golf and with learning critical life skills that will aid me throughout my life. She took me under her wing and has been a shining example for me to follow. Additionally, as a woman, she has been an amazing mentor and example of a strong, confident female for me to look up to and admire. Coach Mary Beth has been one of my biggest fans and encourages me to do my best. She takes time to talk about my golf, life, family and personal struggles. She has been an excellent example of a strong leader and businesswoman who consistently gives back to the game and the community.” – Alyssa Caraballo, The First Tee of Roanoke Valley
4. Mentors guide students to lead by example
It’s easy to tell someone what to do, but more impactful to give students the tools and examples they need to come to their own solutions.
“Coach Donnie Caldwell, PGA has given me great advice with my golf but more importantly, in my life. He has told me ‘make choices today that you’ll be proud of tomorrow.’ I used to just make choices that seemed the easiest or most convenient. But now I take time to think about those big decisions and how my choices may also affect others. Without him and his advice, I don’t know where I would be with my life, and that’s scary. He has made me a better person and he has shown me how to make the most of my life.” – Braxton Caldwell, First Tee of Pine Mountain
As you can see, the impact of a great mentor is one of our strongest tools in life. Our mentors work to guarantee students that there is someone who cares about them and who will assure them they are not alone in dealing with challenges. Offered at more than 1,200 locations, our program was developed by experts in the field of positive youth development and is delivered by trained coaches, or as our participants say— mentors!
