Cobleigh, Paul - The First Tee Summer Camp

Property: Suntides GC

Location: Yakima, WA

Program Contact: Paul Cobleigh

Contact Phone/Email: 509-966-9065

Name of PD Program: The First Tee Summer Camp

Type of PD Program: Junior Golf

Details of Program

In an effort to reach children who would not otherwise have access to First Tee classes at Sun Tides Golf Course, we took the classes to them. Three separate, nine-day, classes were held at the Henry Beauchamp Community Center, which is located in an impoverished part of Yakima, during the summer. All equipment was provided, and the normal $75 per student, per class, fee was waived. Our volunteer coaches not only teach the game, but stress our program’s Nine Core Values and Healthy Habits as well. The instruction the children receive is identical to what participants get during our regular classes at Suntides. This allows them to transition directly into our regular classes if they choose to do so.

We track each student’s progress through individual assessments of each discipline of golf, as well as Life Skills and Healthy Habits, as they move through the program. In addition, our volunteer coaches are trained to maintain consistency throughout the program. Regardless of whom a student may have had as a coach, or what location their class was held at, they will be able to seamlessly continue to the next class they qualify for.

Results of Program

More than 80 children, who may never have experienced the game of golf, participated in the First Tee summer program at the Henry Beauchamp Community Center.

Business Impact: The First Tee program has a positive impact on our business because we are committed to not only growing the game, but building amazing young people who potentially will be playing golf for a life-time. Those who decide to continue the program will most likely utilize our facility. They will take lessons, eat lunch, hit range balls, make purchases in the pro shop, and rent carts with their parents when they play. They will beplaying long after we are gone, and, hopefully, they will introduce their children, and their children’s children to the game.

Recommendations

Having a junior golf program at your facility is nothing but positive – both for families, and members of your club. Using that program to reach children who may not have otherwise tried the sport of golf also ensures greater interest and participation in the game across a broader spectrum of the community. This interest and participation can be maintained by continuing to offer programs and specials which encourage participation by youth and their families. A few suggestions follow:

• Lunch or dinner specials on days when junior golf classes take place.
• Offer adult lessons during the same time as kid’s lessons. This gives parents a reason to stay, and something to do while they wait.
• Offer “Family Days”, “Play Days” or something similar, during historically slow days and times. These encourage family participation with minimal impact to the play of other golfers.