Photo by Ludwig Schreier on Unsplash
After a brief hiatus, The First Tee of Tennessee, an initiative of the World Golf Foundation that is dedicated to providing children from all backgrounds opportunities to develop through the game of golf and life lessons, reopens its chapter in Memphis this June under new management of the Tennessee Golf Foundation and associate executive director Mackenzie Mack, LPGA, PGA, and MBA.
"I am looking forward to joining the Tennessee Golf Foundation team and excited about working with them and the Memphis community to elevate Memphis junior golf to new heights,” says Mack. “My number-one goal is to grow the game of golf so that everyone can experience all it has given to me and all it has to offer.”
Members of the program will receive membership cards that will grant them access to all Memphis City Courses for free. Children will also receive access to National First Tee opportunities throughout the country and chances for college scholarships & tournament sponsorships.
The First Tee is open to children no matter their financial circumstances. Scholarships are offered and equipment will be provided if necessary.
Beginning June 8th, children in Memphis ages 5-18 will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of programs tailored to their skill levels.
Player Group Golf Lessons offer children ages 5-18 basic instruction, and children will work toward their “PLAYer Certifications” to become eligible for the Memphis Par Level 1 class.
In the Memphis Par Level 1 class, children will apply what they’ve learned on the course and work toward their Par Level 1 Certification to move on to Memphis Par Level 2 classes.
Golf Sqad offers high school junior golfers instruction and on-course play combined with guest speakers and college prep classes. Junior golfers will also get to participate in community service projects, fun social events with their peers, and play golf with board members and friends of The First Tee of Tennessee in Memphis.
LPGA-USGA Girls Golf will teach golf skills while incorporating fun activities like movie night, nail night, arts and crafts, and cooking.
Practice & Play offers students extra practice and play time once a week.
“The First Tee of Tennessee in Memphis is based on nine core values and nine healthy habits that are taught and integrated into every class,” says Mack.
The core values children will learn are respect, responsibility, courtesy, confidence, honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, judgment, and perseverance. The healthy habits are safety, vision, family, community, play, energy, mind, friends, and school. Children will also learn interview skills, resume building, conflict management, and more.
Deadline to register for the first session is June 7th. Classes start June 8th. For more information and to register, click here. Email Mackenzie Mack at mmack@tngolf.org or call at 901-354-4135 for more information.