GIRLS GOLF PROGRAMS TAKE OFF AT THE FIRST TEE

Did you watch the singles matches on Sunday of the Solheim Cup? As a competitive female golfer in my past life and a hopeful avid golfer in my future, that Sunday morning in front of the big screen was as inspiring as it gets. As Gerina Piller was standing over her par putt on the 18th green my nerves were shot, an overwhelming amount of emotions were running through my bloodstream of the two scenarios that would occur based on the outcome of this single ten foot putt. If she misses, the Solheim Cup is over and Europe retains the cup BUT if she makes, we have a shot, a long shot, but we have a shot. Then, in what felt like ten minutes later, she struck her putt and the ball found the bottom of the cup. As I watched the happenings unfold on TV, I found myself in my living room jumping up and down with excitement while crying tears of joy. As the morning continued and the USA earned point after point, I just knew that little girls across the country were grinning ear to ear as they watched the likes of Morgan Pressel, Michelle Wie and Paula Creamer win match after match while carrying the pride and weight of our country on their shoulders. Though the United States of America won the cup back on that Sunday; women’s golf was truly the champion. The game of golf, its competition, its travels, its network of coaches and leaders has had a huge positive impact on my life. I constantly feel honored to be able to aid in its growth here in our footprint of the world, here in the Sandhills. My hope is that many little girls, here in the Sandhills, will be able to experience what I have through the game and one day have the same emotions as they watch another Cup on the line, or better yet, compete in one! Here at The First Tee of the Sandhills, Girls Golf has taken off. Not only have we doubled the size of our Just for Girls programs, this year alone, but our overall number of girls in programs has increased so much that it’s not unusual to see as many young girls as boys in all of our other programs. It helps when you have great junior role models like Elizabeth Nguyen, Caroline Rea, Sophia Hirtle and Courtney Jingle actively mentoring and encouraging younger girls on a weekly basis. And worldwide events like the Solheim Cup helping to encourage young girls to try something new. Though, these girls may never find themselves competing for a trophy on Sunday, they are sure to learn valuable life lessons during the process. Lessons that will prepare them for their next adventure, hurdle or life decision. As one of our volunteers recently expressed, the programs at The First Tee, for girls and boys, provide a unique outlet for youth to learn so much more than how to swing a club. They are becoming confident, caring and responsible individuals who are a delight to spend time with weekly.