Teaching Kids Values that Last a Lifetime.
Programming The First Tee of Greater Austin is not just a golf program. It is a youth development program that positively impacts the lives of young people by offering a research-based curriculum centered on life skills, core values and healthy choices taught through the game of golf. Our programs build character and teach skills that help participants face challenges at home, school and play in a constructive manner. This award-winning curriculum is offered through multiple venues, including the Harvey Penick Golf Campus and area schools and civic groups. After School & Saturday Programs The First Tee of Greater Austin After School Program is divided into five levels, starting with PLAYer and Par, advancing to Birdie, Eagle and Ace. All classes offer 12 weeks of programming focused on golf and life skills lessons and are offered at the Harvey Penick Golf Campus in central Austin. The National School Program Launched in 2004, The First Tee National School Program (FTNSP) trains educators to introduce children to the game of golf and The First Tee Nine Core Values during regular physical education classes. The FTNSP program provides each participating school with training, a comprehensive curriculum manual with step-by-step progressive lesson plans and SNAG (Starting New At Golf) golf equipment. Our pilot program with Manor ISD, integrated over 4,000 kids in grades K-5 and was met with great success. Other area Partner schools include; - Andrews Elementary, AISD - Blanton Elementary, AISD - Govalle Elementary, AISD - Pecan Springs Elementary, AISD - Williams Elementary, AISD Affiliate & Satellite Programs Through alliances with local civic groups, we deliver “outsourced� golf and life skills instruction to share excerpts of our PAR curriculum in the hopes of planting seeds for future collaboration. Current sites include: - YMCA - Town & Country Optimists - Big Brothers Big Sisters
A DAY IN THE LIFE …. Applying the First Tee Curriculum The First Tee curriculum is a key factor in setting The First Tee of Greater Austin apart from many other youth programs. Focused on five important life skills and nine core values, the curriculum is research-based and is delivered by PGA/LPGA teaching professionals and trained mentors. The lessons are designed to help youth learn and master each life skill and core value, always in the context of fun and friendship, in a safe, structured environment. Below is a sample activity from the First Tee curriculum lesson plan, illustrating how we put the plan into action: Player Lesson: #1 – Welcome and Showing Respect Participant/Coach Ratio: 4:1 Group Description: Youth ages 7 – 14 Objectives for Life Skills: To make all feel welcome, to learn the First Tee Code of Conduct: Respect for self, others, and our surroundings. Objective(s) for Golf Skills: To explore the 4 golf skills of putting, short game, hitting fairways, and greens. Exploring Putting; Intro: Mentor –“Hi, my name is _________.” The first person we respect is our self. We can respect our self by taking a bath, eating right and exercising.” • Read the putt as a team. Instructor/Mentor will putt (model). Use the ABC routine. Check All sides to make sure no one or nothing is obstructing your stance or swing. Broadcast that you are going to play the shot, so that others know it is time to be quiet and be in the respect zone. Check your grip, and aim to the target. Now play the stroke. • Next, each player putts to the hole including the mentor, one at a time. Have players putt, walk to retrieve ball, then get back in line. Putt for three rounds trying to get closer each time. • Teammates need to be quiet and in the respect zone, when not putting. Penalty is loss of turn. Fellow competitors need to be quiet and in the respect zone, when not putting. Penalty is loss of turn. 5-15-11