"Golf Helps Kids Instill Drive to Succeed," by Erin Allday
June 24 2009 in the SF Chronicle
http://articles.sfgate.com/2009-06-24/bay-area/17208204_1_golf-facility-first-tee-new-golf
I really love this story. The World Golf Association (in partnership with the PGA, LPGA and other groups) created First Tee in 1997 to use the game of golf to positively impact the lives of school children. In particular, disadvantaged youth who would otherwise have no access to this sport are being given the opportunity to play golf and learn life lessons while doing so. The mission of First Tee is as follows:
To impact the lives of young people by providing learning facilities and educational programs that promote character-development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Our goal is to provide the golf learning facilities and the experience that will enable kids from every walk of life to partake of a game that teaches values for life and which can be played for a lifetime.
This story is about the program at Visitacion Valley Middle School in San Francisco (located in one of the poorest neighborhoods in the city). The Program is building a driving range, chipping and putting greens at the school-- a first in the country. Four years ago students were introduced to the program at a local golf course and now the golf course is coming to them. The school has said that participation has been overwhelming, not just from this school but from other schools in neighboring areas who have participated as well.
The chairman of the SF First Tee chapter said,""We're using golf as a vehicle, so we can instill in them core values. It's one thing to play golf, but it's quite another to be a constructive human being." I think this kind of community involvement in the schools is awesome. I want to do a follow up story on this because my sense is the impact on this school is going to be really positive. This story is relevant to all of us as educators and community members, who are trying to help kids succeed in life. The cost to the state of California = $0. The $300,000 price tag is being picked up entirely through private donations.
I have heard of First Tee, and would love to see it employed at more golf courses in the area. There are plenty of rural school districts here locally that could tie directly to that program ex: Banks, Forest Grove, Vernonia, as well as urban schools.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if it is golf the sport or just being associated with golf helps the students. Positive role models or just an alternative world view is so important. For example, is just being around the golf course and the (relatively) affluent environment enough for a middle school student to see there is a different world outside of their small environment?
I'm not sure if golf, per se, helps kids more than any other sport. I do think golf is unique in that it costs alot of money and most kids don't have access to it. It's also such an individual sport, it really takes time, dedication, concentration, etc. I guess it really comes down to adult coaching and postitive experiences for kids, whatever the sport. I suppose tennis, b-ball, soccer all work in this regard. Maybe poor kids who are given access to equipment and facilities they normally can't afford start to believe the whole American dream thing more. You can achieve anything given the opportunity. I don't know. I think golf is just plain fun and a good activity for kids who might otherwise spend time doing bad stuff.
ReplyDelete