The First Tee, a “national school program that introduces the game of golf and the First Tee Nine Core Values and Nine Healthy Habits to elementary students during physical education classes,” is coming to the Dillon Public Schools.
According to Todd Hayes of the City of Dillon Municipal Golf Course, the program started in 1997 with the help of the PGA of America, PGA Tour, USGA, Masters Tournament, and LPGA, who came together to lead the initiative called First Tee. One of the goals of the program is to introduce golf to young people who may not otherwise be exposed to the game of golf and its positive values. Hayes said since 1997 over three million students have participated in the program along with over 6,000 schools.
The program will be conducted at Gordon Elementary School. Teachers, Marcia Rogers and Steven Reaves, will be trained by someone at First Tee and will take online classes.
Fifth graders will get to visit the golf course to see and experience the welcoming environment, Hayes said.
The students will use SNAG (Starting New At Golf) equipment. This equipment can be used by anyone new at golf because it is adaptable. SNAG equipment consist of “oversized clubs, tennis-style balls, and a variety of targets.”
The First Tee program objective are to:
— “Provide a complete golf program appropriate for today’s elementary school physical education students and teachers.”
— “Enable physical educators to introduce golf consistent with the national standards developed by NASPE (National Association of Sport and P.E.)”
— “Develop student appreciation for the positive personal and social values associated with the game with each lesson.”
— “Engage students in daily lesson activities that lead to motor skills development.’
“Students also learn about the The First Tee Nine Core Values and Nine Healthy Habits” which are:
— “Core Values: honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy, and judgment.”
— “Healthy Habits: play, energy, safety, mind, family, vision, friends, school, community.’
One of the hopes is to instill a lifelong love of the game of golf. Those who excel may have opportunities for scholarships as they reach the college level.
The program requires a one-time $3,250 investment; however, since there are no programs in nearby rural areas the price has been reduced to $2,750, and the SCJGA has agreed to pay half of that fee. The City of Dillon is also making an investment.
For more information about the program, please visit www.thefirsttee.org.