First Tee Eastern Michigan

First Tee Eastern Michigan currently offers its unique Life Skills and Junior Golf Programs to children ages 5 -18 at SIX area locations for summer programming at Currie Golf Course (Midland), Maple Leaf Golf Course (Linwood), IMA Brookwood Golf Club (Burton), Seifert Golf Center (Grand Blanc), Lake Nepessing Golfland (Lapeer), Castle Creek Golf Club (Attica) Summer programming typically begins in June and runs through August.

First Tee’s mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. At First Tee chapters, curriculum called the Life Skills Experience is used to teach young people skills including how to set goals, manage their emotions, make decisions and work well with others. It also teaches participants meeting and greeting skills and to appreciate diversity.

First Tee coaches go through extensive training, helping to increase the on and off course success of all participants. Coaches go through a phased, educational training program that takes approximately two years to complete. As a result, First Tee coaches are equipped to create positive relationships that inspire young people to look to their future, set goals and discover their individual potential. First Tee coaches and volunteers are background checked and go through Safe Sport Sexual Abuse Training to ensure participants are in the safest environment possible.

“The best thing about First Tee is that the kids think they are just learning golf skills when in reality they are actually learning so much more. They develop life skills such as self-management, goal setting and resilience which help them become their own ‘best coach’ in golf and in life” said Joe Simpson, Program Director for First Tee Eastern Michigan.

For additional details about First Tee Eastern Michigan contact Diane Wojciechowski, Executive Director at (810) 249-7060 or email dwojo@firstteeem.org.