Golf, games and fun help kids learn the life lessons that come from The First Tee program.

When parents and adults think of The First Tee they think of the important work the organization does in building character,  and promoting life enhancing values and healthy choices.

When kids think of The First Tee they think of having fun playing golf.

The strength of The First Tee is that it accomplished both as the program’s nine core values are woven into the golf and the games that make it fun.

“We are excited to start our second year of programming at The First Tee of the Upstate,” said Michael Pius, the Executive Director of the Upstate Chapter.

A year ago the First Tee of Spartanburg and Cherokee County merged with The First Tee of Greenville to form one unit with more resources and a wider reach to offer the program to young golfers all over the Upstate.

“In 2017 we impacted over 50,000 young people in our National School Program at elementary schools in the Upstate and well over 400 young golfers at our program sites,” he said.

This year The First Tee of the Upstate is showing the merger of two good organizations is reaching even more kids.

“We have added three new program locations for 2018 and in just the first week of registration we are seeing an upsurge in interest,” said Pius.

The  new locations make it just a short distance from most of the Upstate to get to a course and take part in the fun.

“We are growing and ready to impact more lives than ever before,” noted Pius.

Upstate First Tee golfers have fun while developing life and golf skills.

The First Tee Life Skills Experience classes will be offered at all nine First Tee locations.

The classes are open to youngsters aged 5 to 18, Monday through Thursday and on Saturdays (depending on the location).

There is an $80 fee for the program and that includes 8 sessions.

The First Tee is a  non-profit organization and will not turn a young person away due to financial constraints. Families can apply for financial aid if needed.

“The Successful Kids Financial Aid Program is essential to the chapter’s success. Our generous donors help us get a golf club in the hands of young people who might never have the opportunity without this support,” said Pius.

The sessions include instruction in golf and the necessary skills to be successful on the golf course and more importantly the life skills that will help them be better people off the course.

While financial donations are appreciated, Upstate golfers can also help by purchasing the 2018 Golf Passport offered by The First Tee. (See ad on Page 4)

Contact Michael Pius at The First Tee http://www.thefirstteeupstate.org or 864-268-3309 for additional information.