First Tee of Coastal Carolina teaches life skills through the game of golf
"Golf has life skills like honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, curiosity, confidence, respect, and responsibility."
LELAND, NC (WWAY) -The golf course is where some people say business deals are made but an organization teaching the sport says it’s not just a game for adults.
Sometimes, we take shots at life that may not be perfect, but when we work on them long enough, the best moments come when we least expect them. Youngsters from seven to teenagers met on the green Monday at Magnolia Greens Golf Club, learning the game of golf at a young age.
“This golf program is good,” says second grader Parker Corbin.
Keelin: “What’s your favorite part about First tee?”
Parker: “I would say putting and driving range.”
It’s through a program called First Tee. It’s an eight-week youth program that enables kids to build strength of character through the game of golf, which empowers them through a lifetime.
“Golf has life skills like honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, curiosity, confidence, respect, and responsibility,” says the program manager, Terry Mauney. “Through golf, you can learn how to collaborate with others and make friends. You can learn to set goals.”
Parents are all for it.
“It is a great program to develop those skills. Get some exercise outdoors and develop interpersonal skills with students and other golfers,” says Vince Matthews.
Matthews has a son named Zachary in the program and says has been in it for a few years. Kids aren’t the only ones learning but parents are too.
“I learned something from the program,” Matthews says.
So, when these children are given the opportunity to play, they may be able to take the skills with them forever.
“We provide free clubs for them. We provide scholarship opportunities and the money we raise through the charity, from folks around the country is how we survive,” says Mauney.
