The Mooresville-based First Tee of Lake Norman Region youth golf program is bursting at the fairway’s seams.
"I don’t remember when it’s been so big,” smiled Mike Abate, the organization’s executive director and a hands-on participant as an instructor. “We’ve had a great summer. It’s all for the kids.”
The core values of the First Tee, housed at the Mooresville Municipal Golf Course at limited cost to the host other than allowing the use of its facilities, are being stressed to more youth than in any other year, according to Abate, who has been actively involved in the proceedings practically throughout its local existence.
This week is no exception to the rule.
Another of the regularly-scheduled weekly sessions is being held throughout this week, it catering to the wants and needs of those between the ages of 7-12. A driving range and putting green full of prospective golfers, girls and boys alike, comprised the field.
"We try to keep each of our sessions small enough to give each of them a little added attention,” offered Abate, who primarily oversaw the efforts taking place on the driving range. “We don’t want to deny any of the youth, though, a chance to learn a little something they can take with them about the game of golf.”
In attempts to beat the summer’s unseasonable heat, the gatherings took place in the early morning and lasted just over an hour.
Throughout, players took time practicing their driving and iron play out on the range while also working on their putting touch when navigating through several drills on the practice green.
The First Tee continues to plant emphasis on its core values of promoting honesty, courtesy, integrity, respect, sportsmanship, perseverance, judgment, responsibility, and confidence through the game of golf.
Organizers, such as Abate, are hopeful that many of the characteristics stressed during the program will carry over with the youth into events that also take place off the golf course as well.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement