The First Tee Organization is a youth golf program that focuses of the physical fundamentals of the game, while helping to develop a set of core values that can be used each day of your life. The First Tee’s mission is to educate young players and provide a vital structural assistance to the certified instructors to create, establish, build, and/or grow and sustain a worthwhile program that will give young golfers a solid head start in the game. The First Tee’s mission is as follows:
“To impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.” (Thefirsttee.org, 2012, p. 4).
Along with the five major physical skills that make up the game (Full swing, pitching, chipping, putting, and sand shots), the first tee organization founders also created a set of core values and a separate set of nine healthy habits (Thefirsttee.org, 2012). These elements, while essential to the game of golf, could be applied to every aspect of other sports or daily life.
Nine Core Values
Here are the nine core values and the First Tee’s stance on each one:
1) Honesty – “Tell the truth” (Thefirsttee.org, 2012).
2) Integrity – “Do what is right even when no one is watching” (The firsttee.org, 2012).
3) Sportsmanship – “Treat others kindly and abide by the rules” (The firsttee.org, 2012).
4) Respect – “Listen and follow directions, follow the rules and wear proper attire” (The firsttee.org, 2012).
5) Confidence – “Focus of what you do well and maintain a positive attitude” (Thefirsttee.org, 2012).
6) Responsibility – “Take care of equipment, playing areas and others” (The firsttee.org, 2012).
7) Perseverance – “Do your best despite obstacles” (The firsttee.org, 2012).
8) Courtesy – “Take turns, be friendly and remain still and quiet during shots” (The firsttee.org, 2012).
9) Judgment – “Make thoughtful decisions and reserve judgment for yourself and not others” (Thefirsttee.org, 2012).
Nine Healthy Habits
Here are the nine healthy habits and the First Tee’s stance on each one:
1) Play – “Play for fun while working muscles, breathing deeply and smiling all the way!” (Thefirsttee.org, 2012).
2) Energy – “Power for my body eating fruits and vegetables, hydrate by drinking plenty of water and plan healthy snacks to sustain well-being” (Thefirsttee.org, 2012).
3) Safety – “Playing by the rules keeps people safe and happy while enjoying the game” (Thefirsttee.org, 2012)
4) Family – “Plan as many family activities as possible including sharing the game of golf” (Thefirsttee.org, 2012).
5) Friends – “Enjoy quality time and work out challenges in the friendship to care for them” (Thefirsttee.org, 2012)
6) Vision – “Creating your own future by setting goals in the long, mid and short-term” (Thefirsttee.com, 2012).
7) Community – “Discovering opportunities surrounding the game of golf and all of it’s great qualities” (Thefirsttee.org, 2012).
8) School – “Success in school while building relationships with teachers” (The firsttee.com, 2012)
9) Mind – “Believe in yourself, think positively, keeping your focus on being the best” (The firsttee, 2012).
As you can see above, golf is much more than just a game. The game lays the groundwork for success, not only in the game, but in life too! Get on the range, start swinging, make a tee time and have the time of your life “following the little white ball.” My golf journey started back when I was 15-years old at a local golf course named Western Turnpike Golf Course in Guilderland, NY. I was hired to take care of the golf carts and the range. Having exposure to the range, I learned how to strike a golf ball and then play the game. The carts taught me how to drive and all those hours helped me earn my driver’s license quite easily. By the end of my time there, I was truly hooked on the game. I was playing 27 holes a day and before long, I was scoring like a professional! Have fun!
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