The First Tee: Registration Opens for Spring Programs

Many call it the Super Bowl of Golf. The annual PGA Show in Orlando, Florida has just wrapped for 2018, signaling a new year in golf and hopefully a quick slide into spring conditions at a course near you. As an avid golf enthusiast and spouse to a Class A PGA Professional, PGA Show week has always created a buzz to what’s newly released, revamped or going to be trending for the market. Personally, I tend to gravitate to the gadgets, apparel and shoes; while Cole to the latest golf club technology and special event gifts and prizes. Many would say that once you’ve returned from the PGA Show, you’ve wrapped your planning for the next calendar year – merchandise orders placed and special events booked. While we didn’t attend the show this year, the same still holds true locally in our offices. We’ve spent the last few months finalizing our schedules, ordering materials for 2018 and preparing for a great upcoming curriculum season on course with our local kiddos. In fact, this week marked the opening of registration for spring programs across the Sandhills with classes beginning mid-March. To follow in suite with the PGA Show we’ve hit all three categories for 2018: new releases, revamps and trends. One of our new releases for The First Tee of the Sandhills is a Hole in One Benefits Package. It’s an optional Annual Membership for active participants in The First Tee providing them apparel, range balls, a membership to this summer’s Tin Whistle First Tee Junior Tour, and much more! Another new release is an additional TARGET class – for five and six year olds – on Friday’s at 7 Lakes Golf Club in West End. This program is geared for those youngsters eager to try out golf while still being able to run around and express themselves away from the quieter confines of the golf course. It’s sure to be a fun mix of learning and structure along with challenges and games. A revamp at The First Tee this year is the timing of our programs. Based on parent feedback, we’ve adjusted some of our class times to begin at 5:00pm – allowing families more time between end of school and work days. If you’re looking for the later start time, we’ve got five available on the spring schedule. Trending for 2018 is our equipment loan program. Launched in the fall of 2017, this program allows youth to be able to utilize donated equipment, fit to their size, during and between our program sessions. In addition, they are able to exercise Responsibility and Respect by keeping their equipment clean, in good standing and bringing it with them to class! This program is provided free of charge to families thanks to our generous donors. So, whether you have a 5 yr old, teenager, or someone in between, we have 17 programs lined up this spring. Make sure to visit our website now, firstteesandhills.org, to find the right fit for your youngster while taking advantage of our new releases, revamps and trends!