First Tee of Northern Michigan – How It Really Works
By Pete Kelbel
How does The First Tee really work – let’s take a look at the Northern Michigan chapter.
First Tee is a very big deal. It’s supported by all of the game’s major organizations and has touched the lives of more than 9 million children and youth since 1997. First Tee is a very affordable organization; and while all First Tee programs are exactly the same, they are all quality programs.
First Tee of Northern Michigan, just one of the chapters active in all 50 states, Canada, and Japan, was established just over 10 years ago, in 2006. In their 11th year, they have grown to engage nearly 400 kids last year through certifying golf course programs. They now have 8 golf course partners participating in their programs, compare to just one in 2006. The total impact through the schools last year was 4,500 kids! The kids ages range from mainly 6 through 17.
The First Tee of Northern Michigan is located at the famous Boyne Highlands Resort in Harbor Springs. They have a lot to offer for a $40 annual membership fee and a small class fee should kids choose to take extra classes.
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It is a super organized program that has a great staff: Seth Jones, a Class A PGA Professional is the Program Director and Melissa Hoglund is the Executive Director. They work under Shauna Bezilla, the Director of Region Affairs.
Shauna was the first Program Director who initially really got the ball rolling and has risen up through the ranks, also serving as the Executive Director before her promotion to her present position. Her husband, Shaun Bezilla, is the head golf pro at Harbor Point GC and is a Certified First Tee Instructor himself and he donates a lot of time instructing the kids.
There are also many golf affiliated volunteers that are vital to its success as well. These volunteers are knowledgeable on golf, love the sport, are great mentors, and are great at teaching etiquette, rules and the basics of the swing.
The First Tee of Northern Michigan’s annual $40 membership fee is quite a deal. The kids attend camps and classes year round that are run by a PGA Professional. A simulator and net are always available indoors for swinging during the winter months. A par 3 nine hole course and driving range are available at no extra cost during the golf season.
The First Tee has networked with area courses including an indoor simulator facility (@ShotMakers_Golf) where they hold many clinics on golf that include etiquette and rules as well as the golf swing. Many different types of clubs are used from oversized plastic clubs for small children to real full size clubs and balls for the high school youth. The kids progress from a beginner level to more advanced level certifications the longer they participate through the years.
During the winter months the area PGA professionals donate time during P.E. classes (kindergarten through middle school) assisting in the local schools where the First Tee Program Director has planned games that make the introduction to golf a very fun experience. Children laughing while they learn is a common and rewarding sight.
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The First Tee 9 Core Values are taught at these clinics: Honesty, Integrity, Sportsmanship, Respect, Confidence, Responsibility, Perseverance, Courtesy and Judgment. It is a key relationship to have the area P.G.A. golf professionals volunteer during these clinics. Children get a lot of expert advice and attention.
Cost is never an issue. Even the $40 membership fee is covered through scholarships if there are any family financial hardships. The First Tee works with donors and raises money very successfully. All children can acquire a free set of clubs if needed, donated by members of area country clubs. Local golf pros were made aware of the need to suggest that their members donate their old clubs to The First Tee and this has helped them acquire many sets of quality clubs!
As the boys and girls head golf coach at Harbor Springs High School, I can personally confirm that several of our boys and girls obtained their free set of clubs from The First Tee. The program serves as a feeder program for our junior varsity and varsity golf teams.
The First Tee has a summer Travel League of 9 hole matches at really nice area golf courses that require minimal travel and minimal cost for the kids to participate. Golf Scholarships are available through The First Tee to apply toward college expenses, or to attend golf coaching summits in the Region.
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If you haven’t done so already, sign your child up today at a local First Tee program near your home. It is a “no brainer” bargain!