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Dataw Island to Host The First Tee
Dataw Island is proud to start hosting The First Tee beginning this March. The First Tee is a youth development organization introducing the game of golf and its inherent values to kids and teens.
“It is not just about golf,” says James Stanofski, Dataw’s Assistant Golf Professional. “It’s a training program for the kids to learn confidence, public speaking, responsibility, and self-control.”
Stanofski, along with Dataw Island member Terry Thomas, have had many conversations with The First Tee Program Director, Nick Dunham, to get this wonderful program on Dataw.
Although Dataw staff have held junior clinics and offer youth golf lessons, this will be the first time Dataw has ever hosted a full-fledged junior golfing program.
“I’m pretty excited, it’s such a fine facility,” Thomas said. “It’s a step up for the kids and it gives them a better perspective, something to strive for. They see what it’s like to live on a private island; if they experience it in a good quality area, like Dataw, it sets the mindset and it gets their attention.”
When asked about volunteering, Thomas explained, “It’s such a wonderful program and a great way to give back. It’s a life-enriching program for the children but if you put your heart into it, you get something back, too. I encourage any member to get involved.”
Since its inception in 1997, The First Tee has reached more than 15 million kids, positively impacting their lives. Reaching more than 5 million kids annually, The First Tee offers programs in all 50 states through: The National School Program in more than 10,000 elementary schools, 150 chapters at more than 1,200 golf courses, and The First Tee DRIVE at 1,300 youth centers. The First Tee is expanding globally and currently offers programs at six international locations.
The program consists of four, six to eight week classes for children ages 7 – 18; emphasizing Nine Core Values: honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy and judgment. Through golf and our core values, kids and teens will learn life skills including:
• Making proper introductions
• Managing emotions
• Resolving conflicts
• Setting up step-by-step goals
• Planning for the future
• Appreciating diversity
Dataw Island members Paul Hahn & Terry Thomas will be volunteer coaches.
The First Tee on Dataw will begin in March and be held on Tuesdays & Thursdays 4:00pm – 5:00pm with more opportunities available in the summer. For more information on the program and how to sign up, please visit: https://thefirsttee.org.
If you would like to get involved with volunteering, please contact Terry Thomas at [email protected].
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