A Look Inside PLAYer Programs at The First Tee

It’s always exciting when we get to welcome new families to The First Tee of the Sandhills. In fact, new families are great because they keep us on our toes and help ensure we have crossed our t’s and dotted our i’s. Once a parent has registered their child for one of our Life Skills Curriculum programs their first question typically is, “what should my son or daughter expect to do the first few weeks at The First Tee?” The First Tee module is a new concept to many, it’s not a golf academy, it’s not a team sport or an after school club; it’s a junior golf program with a mission. So, their question is valid and encouraged. We believe that sports, especially the game of golf, provide a platform to encourage core values and healthy choices. Therefore our mission is to shape the lives of young people from all walks of life by reinforcing values like integrity, respect and perseverance while learning the game of golf. Our most widely available curriculum program is called PLAYer. PLAYer is the first program level of The First Tee and is a required starting point for any child age 7 and up. During the PLAYer curriculum a child is introduced to playing the game of golf while emphasis is made to learning The First Tee Code of Conduct, appreciating the rules and etiquette of the game and developing a game plan for golf and life. A child will spend between one and three years participating in The First Tee at the PLAYer level. Variations occur based on the child’s age, frequency in attendance and readiness to advance to the next level through our certification process. Every class at the PLAYer level includes a warm-up, focus of the day (golf skill, life skill and behavior), and a wrap-up. So, Parker, has signed up for his first PLAYer program at CC of Whispering Pines and wants to know what it’s going to be like. Well, it’s absolutely going to be fun. Our coaches and volunteers love what they do and especially love seeing new faces at programs! Upon arrival, Parker will be encouraged to check himself in to the participant notebook, find his name tag and then join the group. At the start of class all the participants will join Coach Curtis as he introduces the plans for the day and learns a little more about the new group. The first few week’s lessons are focused around showing respect and courtesy toward others. So, a warm up activity that Parker may have the first week would be practicing shaking hands when greeting others while learning how to introduce himself. This is a difficult task for many, young and old! And, later, Coach Curtis may ask Parker if he remembers what color Daniels eyes were. Why? Because, you haven’t properly shaken hands if you’re not looking each other in the eyes! Once everyone is physically and mentally warm, participants will break into small groups to tackle their activities of the day. Activities may vary coach to coach but it’s safe to say that the first few weeks will include exploration of the golf course facility, what it means to be target-orientated when playing golf and incorporating fun games that can teach and test Parker’s ability to play towards a target. During the last five to ten minutes of class Parker, his fellow participants, Coach Curtis and all the volunteers will come back together for a group wrap-up. Wrap-Up gives the coaches an opportunity to ask questions, find out about everyone’s experiences and leave Parker and his new friends with a final bridge to golf and life component. Potentially even a ‘task’ to think about until he sees Coach Curtis next Saturday. The 75 or so minutes that Parker spends with Coach Curtis may seem quick but our lesson plans are laid out to provide just enough time to learn, have fun and want to come back next week. So, if you are new to The First Tee of the Sandhills this spring, I would encourage you to call or stop by the office and ask questions. Your first-time, parent of a participant, questions not only help your family but all the other new parents. We want to make sure you are armed with the proper knowledge and preparedness for 2016 and beyond!