Last week, I explained why I became affiliated with the First Tee of the Palm Beaches. This week, I received some pretty awesome feedback from a Mom which confirmed my decision. If you watch professional golf, you may have noticed that the players regularly refer to a book that they keep in their back pocket. This is called the yardage book and it is where the golfer's keep their notes on each hole. As a participant in First Tee, each golfer receives a yardage book that they are asked to carry with them to class and throughout the week. This book contains information about the 9 core values and other golf related information that they will eventually be quizzed on to move on to the next level. Since I have a mixed group, I did not set any specific due date for completion of the book. I actually prefer that each golfer determine the pace of their development. I did not have the books when the class started but was able to distribute them last week with the hope that they would review the first section prior to today's class. This morning I was informed that two golfers (siblings) took their yardage book very seriously. They took it upon themselves to read, practice and quiz each other for several days. No parental motivation was needed. Their preparation paid off as it earned them the first prizes of the day. Looking forward to hearing more stories in the future! How to Use THE Yardage BOok At HomeThe first step is for the golfer and the parent to review the First Tee Code of Conduct on page 5. When the golfer is clear about the expectations the golfer will sign in agreement. Each week, at least one of the core values will be discussed during class. It is recommended that golfers review the core lesson in the yardage book that matches what was discussed during class. Parents are encouraged to discuss this core value with their golfer and document when their golfer exhibits this core value in everyday life. Note: This activity is meant to be self-directed. A student may need to attend 2 or 3 different sessions before they are ready to take the written assessments. The yardage book along with a pencil remains in the golfer's bag during the class. This will allow for it to be accessible should the need arise to reference it.
Updated: 4/21/23
Almost three years ago, I shared that I had decided to officially affilate with First Tee. Since then the organization made some branding changes and are currently adjusting their curriculum. I, however, remain committed to making the 9 Core Values foundational in the way we teach at Beaver Golf. After hearing feedback about how some of the players respond when playing in tournaments I firmly believe it is important to teach junior golfers that they can respond with integrity and rise above whatever they are seeing from other junior golfers.
Additionally, I remain committed to developing junior golfers to the level that they aspire to even if that means simply coming to class each week. Not every junior golfer is going to pursue the competitions but if they are thinking about it, please be sure to come speak to us about the next steps. One of the coolest opportunities that First Tee helps facilitate is the Caddy Program for the Evans Scholarship. I like it because golfers beginning in their freshman year have an opportunity to work part-time as a caddy at a prestigious golf course in the area. Not only does it give them a chance to help golfers play a round of golf by offering advice but it also provides an opportunity to network and meet new people. The end goal is to apply for the Evans Scholarship which pays for 4 years of college and it does not require your golfer to play golf. This year Jayda Dookie was awarded an Evans Scholarship and two other golfers just started their journey. We are excited about what lies ahead.
Original post 7/1/20
The First Tee 9 Core Values have been apart of my junior golf programming for years. When I taught Level 1 Golf, I opened every session with a short discussion about each one and I have made them the foundation for my homeschool group golf series. For me, it was a simple and concise way to teach some basic concepts that are not only important in golf but also in life.
During the Covid-19 "stay-at-home" order, I decided to explore the First Tee program in greater detail. After a couple of meetings, I decided to become a certified First Tee Coach and I encouraged my team to become certified Assistant Coaches.
Here's why I did it:
All in all, my affiliation with the First Tee provides additional resources for my junior golfers. Resources that will allow me to further partner with parents in developing their golfers into people of character.
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