The First Tee: Teaching Values Through The Game Of Golf
Teaching your child values is one of the most important jobs we have as parents, so how great would it be to find a fun, extra-curricular activity that not only helped to hold up values in your child, but taught them to use it in everyday life?
The First Tee is an amazing after school and in school program that helps shape the lives of young people from all walks of life by reinforcing values through the game of golf. And it’s making a difference. Their research-proven programs are having a positive impact on participants, their families and their communities.
The First Tee has established Nine Core Values that represent some of the many inherently positive values connected with the game of golf. These Nine Core Values have been incorporated into The First Tee Experience and have been used to name golf holes at several of The First Tee facilities.
Honesty
the quality or state of being truthful; not deceptive
Golf is unique from other sports in that players regularly call penalties on themselves and report their own score.
Integrity
strict adherence to a standard of value or conduct; personal honesty and independence
Golf is a game of etiquette and composure. Players are responsible for their actions and personal conduct on the golf course even at times when others may not be looking.
Sportsmanship
observing the rules of play and winning or losing with grace
Players must know and abide by the rules of golf and be able to conduct themselves in a kind and respectful manner towards others even in a competitive game.
Respect
to feel or show deferential regard for; esteem
In golf it is important to show respect for oneself, playing partners, fellow competitors, the golf course, and for the honor and traditions of the game.
Confidence
reliance or trust. A feeling of self-assurance
Confidence plays a key role in the level of play that one achieves. Players can increase confidence in their abilities by being positive and focusing on something they are doing well regardless of the outcome.
Responsibility
accounting for one’s actions; dependable
Players are responsible for their actions on the golf course. It is up to them to keep score, repair divots, rake bunkers, repair ball marks on the green, and keep up with the pace of play.
Perseverance
to persist in an idea, purpose or task despite obstacles
To succeed in golf, players must continue through bad breaks and their own mistakes, while learning from past experiences.
Courtesy
considerate behavior towards others; a polite remark or gesture
A round of golf should begin and end with a handshake between fellow competitors. Players also should be still and quiet while others are preparing and performing a shot.
Judgment
the ability to make a decision or form an opinion; a decision reached after consideration
Using good judgment is very important in golf. It comes into play when deciding on strategy, club selection, when to play safe and when to take a chance, the type of shot players consider executing, as well as making healthy choices on and off the golf course.
The First Tee is not just a great way to teach values, they also teach how to live a life with healthy habits, and they have a code of conduct that teaches children to respect themselves, others and their surroundings.
The First Tee’s goal is to provide character education and life skills programs to help young people be successful in school and in life, and from independent research, they have found it to be greatly helping! Kids are proving to be much more confident in academics as well as with their social skills, and kids are crediting The First Tee for their appreciation for diversity!
Serving families with children ages 5 and up (and some cities even serving children as young as three!), The First Tee programs can be found all over the US, and even internationally. Find your local location HERE
