Quick 9: Showing up for Others
Emma Laker, First Tee — Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky
Category: Character Education
Commonly Asked Questions about First Tee
First Tee builds experiences that build character. As a youth development organization, we believe experiences are our greatest teacher and that they should be both fun and meaningful, where kids feel excited to grow, safe to fail and better equipped for whatever comes their way.
Whether you are looking to join our program or still considering your options, here are commonly asked questions to get you started.
How do you build character through golf?
We see golf as a metaphor for life. It’s not the score that counts, but what you learn along the way. Like in life, golf requires goal setting, working with others and digging deep when things get tough (perseverance). Golf is a perfect practice ground for learning skills that go far beyond the fairways.What if my child has never picked up a golf club before?
We know it can feel intimidating to start something new. Everyone was a beginner once and our coaches are trained in creating a supportive environment to make kids feel comfortable and assure they have fun while learning about themselves and golf.Do I need to provide golf equipment for kids?
Chapters provide access to all the equipment you will need. No need for special golf attire.Will my child be participating in a safe environment?
First Tee and its chapters are committed to having a safe and welcoming environment for everyone involved in the organization. As part of our commitment, all employees, coaches and volunteers must complete a background check before working with our youth. Plus, all employees, coaches, volunteers, and board members are required to complete the U.S. Center for SafeSport training program.Is there competition and physical activity?
Absolutely! First Tee is an activity-based program, so our lessons include movement that can range from games to walking/playing the course. As participants get older, they have the chance to compete at national events held across the country.Is there a chapter near me?
We’re closer than you think. First Tee offers programs in all 50 states through First Tee chapters, School Programs, and after-school Community Programs. We also offer programs in a number of international locations.What if I have financial concerns?
No worries—chapters offer full scholarships or reduced fee programming for those who need it.Parents’ Guide
Flip through our parents’ guide to learn more about our wide ranging opportunities for kids and teens.Get Involved
First Tee provides active learning experiences for youth that help build their inner strength, self-confidence and resilience. Find a chapter today!Quick 9 – Bretton M.
Personal Growth Through Golf
Bretton M. from First Tee – Central Florida
1. How does golf relate to life?
Golf relates to life because life isn’t always easy and neither is golf. So it teaches you to always persevere even when times are tough.2. How does golf challenge you to be a better person?
Golf challenges me to be a better person because I want to be well respected and to be known as a good person so I always want to be the best I can be.3. What is your favorite part about playing golf?
My favorite part about playing golf is all of the wonderful opportunities in life you can have from the game.4. What golf skills helps you the most off the course?
Golf has really helped my confidence level and that is something that is important in life so I am very happy to have gained that skill.5. How can golf make you a more rounded individual?
Golf can help you be a more rounded individual because you have to show respect to the course, your peers and yourself so that right there makes you a better person to have those skills.6. How are you inspired through golf?
I have really been inspired by Arnold Palmer and his positive impacts on the community and his amazing golf success.7. How have you grown up over the past year?
I have grown this year in many ways. I have been able to drastically improve my golf game physically and mentally. I have also become stronger and tougher and much better at controlling my emotions which has helped on the course and in life.8. What or who motivates you?
My Grampa is the person who motivates me because he is the strongest person I know and he makes me want to push harder every day!9. What is your personal growth goal?
A personal growth goal for me would be to have a consistent workout routine.Mentzel Proves Heart, Golf Are All You Need to Impact Others
By Sara Wright, PGA TOUR
Henry Mentzel was just seven years old when he was first introduced to First Tee. His parents had been searching for some basic golf lessons for their son and stumbled across First Tee — Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Little did they know, this program would end up providing so much more. First Tee would be one of the most influential programs in young Henry’s life and would prove a catalyst for his personal growth throughout the years.
“I have been active in multiple sports throughout my childhood,” Henry explained. “I played soccer, basketball, baseball, just trying to figure out which I enjoyed the most. First Tee introduced golf in a way that allowed me to learn how to play the game, but also taught me life skills that I was able to apply across many areas of my young life. In the end, golf is the sport I enjoy the most.”
Henry is currently at the Eagle level, but it was during his time in the PAR level that he learned a valuable lesson on perseverance and how to succeed in golf by continuing through bad breaks and his own mistakes. This lesson also helped him in other aspects of his life.
“I applied the perseverance lesson in school, specifically, in Latin,” he said. “I struggled to understand the different parts of Latin grammar and the new vocabulary. My school required Latin, so I had to figure out how to persevere through three years of an unspoken language that did not make sense to me. I made a lot of vocabulary lists, agreed to get a tutor, and started staying after school for help nights. After applying myself, despite some not so great grades on assignments, I started making progress and now, in my third year, I have an A in the class.”
Not only do these lessons shape Henry’s life, but they have had a big part in shaping others’ lives, as well. Coached from early on by Tom and Melissa Briner, they not only helped him discover his love for the game of golf, but also gave Henry the opportunity to coach other young golfers at First Tee.
“Being able to introduce my friend Will Abel to the game of golf was very meaningful to me,” Henry reflected. “First Tee has given Will the opportunity to begin to learn the game of golf and me the opportunity to teach and play with him. I enjoy that we now both have another common interest that we enjoy doing together.”
This friendship between Will and Henry was one of the reasons he was recently awarded with the 2020 Heart of First Tee Award. This award given by First Tee — Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky recognizes individuals who embody the “Heart” of the First Tee through giving of time, talent or treasure; by demonstrating and living one of First Tee values; or by going above and beyond to promote or further their missions.
“We are all living in extraordinary and trying times that have tested all of us in ways we couldn’t even imagine nine months ago,” Rosie Abel wrote in her nomination of Henry. “Despite these challenges, Henry – acting upon the values of the First Tee – found a way to make a difference in our son’s life. My son, Will, who has Down Syndrome, is not unlike most sixteen-year-olds — very outgoing, social, and full of energy. But the pandemic has proven to be particularly frustrating for him especially when Ohio shut down in March. His sense of isolation grew as the effects of the pandemic spread.”
“When First Tee classes resumed in the summer, Henry continued to be that go-to person for Will,” Rosie continued. “He supports Will at the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati’s Buddy Walk and even invited Will to play a round of golf with him, knowing that Will was not as experienced as himself. Will is not the only recipient of Henry’s friendship. Many coaches and staff have witnessed his kindness and refreshing take on life, feeling joy in other’s successes. We suspect there are many other people who have been touched by Henry and consider him to be on their “go-to team.”
Henry currently caddies, is a member of HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) and Books For Kids (a club where students write and illustrate a book imagined patients at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital) he also regularly volunteers with his family at a soup kitchen. During the summer, Henry volunteers in First Tee classes where he is a positive role model for the younger kids in the program.
“The core values the First Tee teaches are very important for kids and teens today,” Henry continued. “I really believe these core values build kids to be better, stronger, and smarter on and off the golf course each day. First Tee also teaches kids social and mental skills on how to interact and bring out the best in themselves and their teammates. First Tee teaches how to set specific goals and, more importantly, what it takes to achieve them. These essential skills help prepare kids for their future and provide tools for success.”
As Henry prepares for his future, one of his immediate goals is to place in the top 10 in one of the golf tournaments he plans to compete in this summer. He is also striving to achieve the A honor role during his freshman year at Walnut Hills High School. His long terms goals are to play college golf and get into medical school.
“First Tee has taught me that to achieve these goals I will need to be confident, honest, and persevere through challenges,” Henry added. “Through this program and the coaches who mentor me, I always feel that I can do whatever I set my mind to do. It has helped me understand that a bad day on the course (or in school or in life, in general) is just that – one bad day. Tomorrow is a fresh start.” Empowering Youth Through Golf
Golf is a metaphor for life – full of unexpected challenges, and how we choose to respond defines who we are. As the kids and teens in our programs know, success is not defined by how well we play the game. It’s not about the score at the end of a round, or whether they won the tournament. It’s about the journey. What we learn along the way. And what we do with that learning makes all the difference.
What makes First Tee different from other youth development organizations is how we do our work: through golf. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, we create active learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do
While participating in First Tee, 82% of the youth in our programs felt more confident with their social skills and 73% reported feeling more confident in their academic ability.
“I am grateful for the First Tee program and the impact it has had on my life. I have learned that golf is much more than a game, much more than just swinging a club, and carries with it life lessons that I will draw from for the rest of my life. The program has provided me with opportunities to play matches and tournaments that not only improved my game but provided lasting friendships with the golf families and coaches over the years. The program has provided me with a safe place to be a lifetime student of the game. There will always be something to learn, something to change, something to improve, (whether it’s a part of my golf game or a non-golf, real life situation) and First Tee ties them all together in a pretty bow, and helps me understand the connection.” – Emily Knox, First Tee — Tri Valley
Experiences are our greatest teacher. We believe in developing the ones that are just as fun as they are meaningful, where kids feel excited to grow, safe to fail, and better equipped for whatever comes their way next. Our trained coaches create safe, supportive and empowering environments to help our participants prepare for life ahead, including friendships, school, college and even their careers.
Whether a child’s goal is to be a lawyer, a teacher, an astrophysicist, a musician, or a professional golfer, kids become a better version of themselves when they have the space to be who they are, surrounded by passionate people who guide them to see what they are capable of.
If anyone you know thinks that golf isn’t for them, invite them to try it the First Tee way.
Quick 9 for Personal Growth through Golf
By: Andrew Olivo, Age 16, First Tee – Central Florida
1. How does golf relate to life?
Golf relates to life as it teaches many important qualities such as respect, responsibility, and judgment. These characteristics help me to make the right decisions in life and place me on a path for success.2. How does golf challenge you to be a better person?
Golf challenges me to be a better person by placing me in situations to embrace the life lessons that I learn. For example, on the course, I have to always be honest with myself, even when nobody’s watching.3. What is your favorite part about playing golf?
My favorite part about playing golf is spending time on the golf course with my dad. He is usually very busy with work so it’s nice to have some bonding time with him on the course to talk and play.
4. What golf skill helps you the most off the course?
Perseverance helps me the most off the course as it pushes me to do my best despite challenges or difficulties I may face in achieving my goals.5. How can golf make you a more well-rounded individual?
Golf makes me a more well-rounded individual by teaching me a variety of skills and characteristics that I use in my day to day life. For example, golf helps to build my self confidence and practice respect towards adults and peers in my life.6. How are you inspired through golf?
I am inspired through golf to continue to improve as I play competitively in tournaments and on my high school team. In addition, as a junior assistant coach, it has inspired me to give back to my community and teach younger golfers the game of golf and important life lessons.7. How have you grown up over the past year?
Over the past year, I have learned to take on more responsibilities and leadership roles. For example, I am dedicating more time to junior coaching classes in First Tee. In school, I have become more active in clubs and organizations that I am a member of.
8. What or who motivates you?
My parents motivate me to work hard and try my best in golf and school. They teach me to always be a good person and lead by example.9. What is your personal growth goal?
My personal growth goal is to keep working hard in school to be accepted in a highly rated university. In addition to developing my academics, I also want to continue focusing on maintaining my health and fitness through physical activity.Kelvin Williams – Lessons in Leadership
At First Tee, we guide kids to strengthen what’s inside and put it into action because strong character, inner strength and resilience is needed now more than ever. This month we are talking to leaders within our Network about their experiences and key lessons learned over the course of their careers.
Yes. It started with my parents. People really respected them because of their strong work ethic and the manner in which they carried themselves. They would often get asked to lead various activities at church, work or in the community, and I knew one day I wanted follow in their footsteps. As I began my career, I held on to those qualities and observed others in leadership roles. I learned what to do and what not to do, and from there I developed my own leadership style, which helped me to advance up the ladder and into the role I currently serve in.
Absolutely. 17 years ago, as a new manager, I was struggling trying to find ways to motivate one of my team members, and it really drove me crazy because I could not get this guy to perform at a higher level . Later that year, I went to a manager/leadership seminar and it was very enlightening. My biggest take way from the seminar was the effective listening session, and I was inspired and determined to take what I learned back to my office and try it on the team member I was struggling to motivate. And it worked! By listening, I was able to get to know him and build a relationship, which fostered trust. And in return, he trusted me and shared his goals and dreams with me. And because of that I was finally able to help him be successful because I listened to him and learned how to get his engine going.
Kelvin Williams, Senior Vice President, Business Operations at First Tee Headquarters
What is your current role at First Tee and what is the most rewarding part of your job?
Senior Vice President, Business Operations. Definitely helping others be successful. And knowing that what we do is making a difference in the lives of young people.This month we’re celebrating Black History Month and lifting up voices of Black participants, coaches and leaders exploring what it means to be a leader. What does leadership mean to you?
It means being a good example, practicing what I preach, and doing what I say I am going to do. It also means being consistent and maintaining a great attitude no matter what… Attitude reflects leadership.Did you always know you wanted to be in a leadership role? Can you share a little bit about your journey and how you’ve developed into your current role?
Yes. It started with my parents. People really respected them because of their strong work ethic and the manner in which they carried themselves. They would often get asked to lead various activities at church, work or in the community, and I knew one day I wanted follow in their footsteps. As I began my career, I held on to those qualities and observed others in leadership roles. I learned what to do and what not to do, and from there I developed my own leadership style, which helped me to advance up the ladder and into the role I currently serve in.
Who were some of the strong voices or mentors in your life that inspired you?
My Wife, Parents and Pastors.
Can you give an example of a challenge you have faced in your career and how have you worked to overcome it?
Absolutely. 17 years ago, as a new manager, I was struggling trying to find ways to motivate one of my team members, and it really drove me crazy because I could not get this guy to perform at a higher level . Later that year, I went to a manager/leadership seminar and it was very enlightening. My biggest take way from the seminar was the effective listening session, and I was inspired and determined to take what I learned back to my office and try it on the team member I was struggling to motivate. And it worked! By listening, I was able to get to know him and build a relationship, which fostered trust. And in return, he trusted me and shared his goals and dreams with me. And because of that I was finally able to help him be successful because I listened to him and learned how to get his engine going.
How does or can First Tee play a role in bringing more diversity to our game?
By continuing to provide all young people, regardless of race, gender or social economic background, the opportunity to participate. And being intentional about hiring and recruiting leadership that looks like the community we want to serve.What advice do you have for young people entering the job market determined to make a career for themselves?
- Do what you say you’re going to do.
- Don’t let anyone out work you.
- Pay your dues.
- Have fun!
Coach Dustin Marsh – Lessons in Leadership
At First Tee, we guide kids to strengthen what’s inside and put it into action because strong character, inner strength and resilience is needed now more than ever. This month we are talking to leaders within our Network about their experiences and key lessons learned over the course of their careers.
Currently, I am a recognized First Tee Coach. I have been coaching with The First Tee since 2009.
A challenge that I have faced in my career is leading teams of people and how to get the best results possible. What I’ve learned is that you have to know what motivates them and what their strengths and weaknesses are. This takes time and building relationships. Once you know these details, you can put people where they are going to be the most effective and the whole team benefits. I’ve done the same thing in the First Tee classes I coach. I try to learn as quickly as I can why a kid is there and what they are looking to get out of the experience. Once I know this, I can adapt my coaching to best match their needs. Like we are trained in the First Tee Coach Program, match the activity to the child and not the child to the activity.
Coach Dustin Marsh, First Tee – Central Carolina
What is your current role at First Tee, how long have you been in that role and what is the most rewarding part of your job?
Currently, I am a recognized First Tee Coach. I have been coaching with The First Tee since 2009.
This month we’re celebrating Black History Month and lifting up voices of Black participants, coaches and leaders exploring what it means to be a leader. As a coach, you’re both a mentor and leader to the participants in the program. What does that mean to you?
It means a great deal to me! Many people get to middle age and find themselves in a job or career that they did not foresee. They get caught up in making a living. They may or may not like what they do. I like what I do but, before I started with The First Tee I was not participating in my community as I thought I needed to. I was searching for something to fill a void in my being. When I was young, I was an education major but, life happened and I took an opportunity to work in computer technology. Now that I am coaching with The First Tee, I feel like I’m exercising the same passion I had when I was on a path to be an educator.How important is it for participants to see diverse leaders like yourself and others coaching at the chapter?
It’s extremely important that our participants experience the program from a diverse range of leaders and with diverse peers. I think specifically about some of the kids I have coached over the years who have gone on to college and professional careers, and I know having diverse coaches was instrumental in not only attracting them to the program, but also keeping them engaged for the long run. At the end of the day, it’s about making kids feel welcome and comfortable, and when a kid can see themselves in me or another black or brown coach, that increases the likelihood they will want to come back.Who were some of the strong voices or mentors in your life that inspired you?
Many of my coaches made strong impressions on me for various reasons. Some of my teachers inspired me as well. However, I think the strongest voices in my life were those that exemplified and instilled the importance of decency toward others.What accomplishment are you most proud of in your life or career?
One thing I’m most proud of is my track record of community service, specifically through First Tee – Central Carolina. I’ve been doing this for over 11 years. It isn’t always convenient or easy in my schedule, but it has been worth it. I’m proud that kids have called me a mentor even when I didn’t think I was, and that I’ve been able to help them figure out all how to deal with the hard things life has thrown at them.
Can you give an example of a challenge you have faced in your career and how have you worked to overcome it?
A challenge that I have faced in my career is leading teams of people and how to get the best results possible. What I’ve learned is that you have to know what motivates them and what their strengths and weaknesses are. This takes time and building relationships. Once you know these details, you can put people where they are going to be the most effective and the whole team benefits. I’ve done the same thing in the First Tee classes I coach. I try to learn as quickly as I can why a kid is there and what they are looking to get out of the experience. Once I know this, I can adapt my coaching to best match their needs. Like we are trained in the First Tee Coach Program, match the activity to the child and not the child to the activity.
How does or can First Tee play a role in bringing more diversity to our game?
I think we must continue to find ways to make golf inviting to a diverse group of people. There isn’t one way to bring more diversity to golf. We have to try every approach we can come up with. It’s not something that can be accomplished overnight. Golf used to be a sport that was available to only those with financial means and making it more inclusive is going to take time and perseverance. There is a lot of untapped talent that golf has yet to tap into. It ultimately comes down to building relationships in your community that are genuine and time tested. The opportunities to be more diverse can be hard to initially see, but if your focus is on building relationships, the opportunities to engage with black and brown communities will become more apparent. When it comes to this type of work, don’t worry about being the first one there, focus on being the last one standing.What leadership advice or concept do you think is most important for your participants to know?
Focus on the process, not the outcome.Angela “Coach Angel” Whorton, First Tee — Greater Akron
Coach Angel has been an educator for 15 years. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Elementary Education from Hampton University, where she attended on a full NCAA Division I scholarship helping lead her team in March Madness.
After graduation, Coach Angel traveled extensively and was invited to speak on diversity and educational practices. She began her teaching career in Turkey, teaching English as a Second Language before going back home, to Akron, Ohio where she is currently an educator at the Lebron James IPromise school.
Coach Angel was introduced to First Tee 8 years ago when her son, John Ramon, joined the program. She joined in not long after and has been coaching at First Tee — Greater Akron for 7 years.
“I feel it is important to stay involved in the First Tee to offer the kids in my urban community the opportunity to play a sport that they may have not felt was in their realm of abilities. When we begin working with these athletes we open a whole new world for them while developing their character through the Core Values to instill a solid foundation for success. I also feel it is essential to have representation in the world of golf and being able to interact and develop friendships and perspectives with people in the golf community that may have otherwise never built a relationship with someone in the Black community such as myself.”
Coach Angel is just one of the many inspirational coaches across our network and we invite you to learn more about her journey and thoughts on leadership in the video below.
First Tee Alumni Compete on the APGA Tour
We believe that golf provides a powerful vehicle to help kids build inner strength and life enhancing skills they can take to everything they do.
Joseph Dent, Marcellus Dillard and Joey Stills are First Tee alumni using these life lessons as they compete on the APGA Tour, a launching pad for African Americans and minority golfers to compete and make their way to the PGA TOUR. The three alumni shared their experiences through First Tee and how it’s empowered them to develop their character as they pursue their goals.
First Tee Launches Inaugural Leadership Series in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore
Teens across the country kick off a five-week leadership series
ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. and ATLANTA, Ga. (February 8, 2021) − First Tee, a youth development organization that helps kids and teens build their strength of character through golf, has launched a first-of-its-kind leadership series this week with support from PGA TOUR Superstore. The First Tee Leadership Series in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore is an interactive five-week series designed to provide teens the opportunity to discover their personal values and emerging leadership strengths. Through the series, teens also begin to explore potential career fields based on those findings and frame out multi-year goals to guide them as they navigate future career opportunities. “It is powerful for teens to have the opportunity and guidance to start uncovering insights about who they are and how they can translate their interests, values and strengths into career choices,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “We are thankful for PGA TOUR Superstore for supporting this Leadership Series that will empower teens to pursue their goals and passions and be leaders in their career and fields of choice.” Throughout the series, the teens will also meet and hear from PGA TOUR Superstore associates and First Tee alumni who will share personal accounts of their career paths and experiences. The Leadership Series – which was co-created between First Tee and PGA TOUR Superstore – is being hosted in 27 communities across the country where there is a store and a First Tee chapter. PGA TOUR Superstore general managers will facilitate the interactive sessions between Feb. 8 and March 15 either virtually or in stores and chapters, with safe and socially distant protocols in place. Once the participants complete the series, they will be eligible to apply for the First Tee Leadership Summit in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore. The Summit will be held this August at PGA TOUR Superstore Chairman Arthur M. Blank’s West Creek Ranch in Montana. Forty teens will be selected for the Summit where they’ll take part in interactive workshops and outdoor leadership trainings. The Summit will include First Tee’s core competencies of building character, self-confidence and resilience as a part of the experience, combined with a robust curriculum of leadership and professional development. “At PGA TOUR Superstore, we are committed to giving back and being a positive influence in our communities,” said Dick Sullivan, President & CEO, PGA TOUR Superstore. “We truly believe in the purposeful impact sports can have in developing and supporting youth. PGA TOUR Superstore is proud to have supported First Tee for more than a decade, working together to open the door to more kids, especially inviting those who are in underserved communities.” In September, PGA TOUR Superstore announced a new grant that will help First Tee reach more children across the U.S. and strengthen its curriculum for teenage participants, including the development of this new Leadership Series and Summit. The Leadership Series and Summit is one of several national opportunities provided by First Tee headquarters to inspire and equip teens on a deeper level as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities. These events often become life-changing experiences for participants to expand their horizons, meet new people, learn more about themselves and prepare for their futures. For more information on First Tee, visit www.firsttee.org.Quick 9 on Leadership
By: Ana Herndon, First Tee — Metro Atlanta
At First Tee, we encourage kids and teens to learn from one another and their mentors, empowering them to make a difference in their communities. By fostering these environments, golf becomes more than a game, it becomes a springboard for building up leaders. Ana Herndon, participant from First Tee – Metro Atlanta, took some time to share with us how First Tee helped her build these skills and why being a leader is important.