rss
mobile
Feeds
Earlier this month, however, those same practice areas and tee boxes were reserved for a different set of golfers -- those without the same pedigree but with the same passion for learning the game and the desire to play it.
As part of a new partnership between the Hank Haney IJGA and The First Tee program, 40 First Tee participants from across the nation descended upon Pinecrest Golf Club and the Hank Haney academy to participate in a four-day golf camp that took the young golfers through a similar instructional program that some of the top juniors in the world experience every day at the Bluffton-based school.
If only for four days, fortunate First Tee students from as far as Oregon and as close by as Savannah received instruction from the same man that coached Tiger Woods for years. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity might be overstating things a bit, but the experience is one these young golfers likely never expected and more than likely will never experience again.
The program included instruction in every element of the game and included actual course play, mental training and a glimpse into the physical fitness regimen that the game's most promising young players take on every day.
"It was a very unique opportunity for these impressive junior golfers," said Glenn Gray, marketing and sponsorship coordinator for the IJGA. "There were some very talented players here who also had the opportunity to grow as individuals. It was a great experience."
It was an experience afforded to some very fortunate First Tee members from the organization's 700-plus North American chapters. To earn an opportunity to travel to Bluffton, golfers from each First Tee chapter submitted essays as to why they should have the opportunity to participate in the program. From there, the two best essays from each chapter were submitted for review and the 40 players were selected to participate in the program, which took place June 1-4.
From the program's opening, which included a 9-hole tournament and a welcome dinner, each player enjoyed direct interaction with Haney himself. The former coach of the world's top-ranked player worked with each junior on the full swing, short game and course management throughout the week -- an experience that is likely to stick with each player regardless of their future in the game.
"Hank Haney improved my swing and I feel more confident with my irons than ever before," said participant Emily Mathews of Fort Wayne, Texas.
The four-day event, however, was not just about instruction. Each day, the juniors played nine holes of golf at Pinecrest, where course management was stressed just as much as ball striking and short-game technique. Additionally, the First Tee emphasizes "Life Skills" training, which was incorporated in the program to a large extent.
A key component to The First Tee experience, the Life Skills lessons that are taught focus on the importance of maintaining a positive attitude, how to make important decisions by understanding their consequences and setting daily goals on the golf course and in life.
So impressed is Haney and the IJGA by these lessons that the school is incorporating much of The First Tee's Life Skills teachings into its program moving forward. It's proof that the IJGA isn't simply in the business of crafting world-class golfers, but grooming responsible and caring young men and women as well.
"We have an opportunity to help our students not only grow as players but as individuals," Gray said. "These kids are so mature for their age and a lot of that has to do with the Life Skills they are being taught through The First Tee."
Based in St. Augustine, Fla., the First Tee operates in all 50 states and is funded by the World Golf Foundation. The program's mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing learning facilities and educational programs that promote character development through the game of golf. More than 3 million junior golfers have participated in the program during the past five years and have benefited from programs such as the one staged at Pinecrest Golf Club earlier this month.
"What struck me the most is how poised each student was during this experience," Gray said. "It was really a wonderful experience for all of us to be around these young golfers and see what a positive affect the week had on them."
Due to its success and the ongoing partnership between the IJGA and The First Tee, it's an experience that will likely continue into the future. While no firm plans have been set to make this an annual program, Gray certainly would not rule out a return engagement for another 40 junior golfers next year.
Count Mathews among those that would like to see just that take place.
"It was an awesome experience and I hope one day others will be able to get this type of opportunity," Mathews said.
Given the two organizations involved and their combined commitment to crafting better golfers and even better people, it simply makes too much sense for that special week in June not to be repeated time and again.
