Category: Blog

Getting Fit For Golf

Did you know that a golfer who plays 18 holes can burn 2,000 calories while walking up to five miles? Golf is far more than a mental exercise. Strength and flexibility are the foundations of the game and regular conditioning can have a dramatic impact. Golf gets the heart pumping while navigating those hilly terrains and the large range of swing motion keeps your muscles firing throughout the round. Golfers are athletes so it is important golfers train as athletes. That’s why The First Tee has teamed up with Kutting Edge Fitness in Kirkland to help our teens get fit for the golf season. This winter, Kutting Edge is offering a unique golf fitness program just for The First Tee through two 3-week sessions. During training, teens build confidence with Kutting Edge trainers through agility, balance, explosiveness, and core drills and are challenged to think about golf as the fully body workout that it is. “We are proud to partner with Kutting Edge Fitness in Kirkland,” said The First Tee’s Program Director Evan Johnsen. “They are a forward-thinking group of fitness professionals committed to making a difference in people’s lives through better health and physical performance. ” Don’t let the cold weather keep you from working on your game. The second 3-week session of the Kutting Edge Winter Fitness Clinic series is open to teens and begins February 11th at 10 AM. Register now. “At Kutting Edge we are very passionate about golf fitness,”  said co-owner Dan Kleckner. “We feel lucky to be partnered with The First Tee in teaching golfers the importance of fitness for their game. We love the values that The First Tee instills so, for us, partnering was a perfect fit.” As the weather warms, we will be partnering up again with Kutting Edge Fitness plus Alex Dunlop Golf for a unique golf and fitness clinic this spring at Newcastle Golf Club. Watch participants at work in this one-minute video below.

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Participant Highlight: Kayla Ripley

When Kayla, 16, began with The First Tee last fall, she was simply looking to explore something new. Having decided to end her time on the swim team, she wasn’t entirely committed to getting into another sport but was willing to give it a shot. With a bit of hesitancy and some encouragement from her mom, Kayla signed up for the Teen & High School class at Willows Run Golf Course. She soon discovered that through The First Tee, she had not only found a sport she could call her own but a training ground for developing skills to succeed in school and in her other passions, as well. We asked Kayla to share what she has learned during her time at The First Tee. Here is what she had to say: What do you like most about The First Tee? I was pleasantly surprised at how engaging, helpful, and friendly the coaches are, and how much fun I ended up having. Is there a lesson you learned in class that has been helpful off the golf course, as well? Learning about the 4 R’s (Replay, Relax, Get Ready, and Redo) has been helpful in staying level-headed in school. When I don’t understand a subject and it gets frustrating, I remember to stay calm, and think about what I did, what I should do next, and then try again. The lesson on good sportsmanship has been really helpful, not only in golf, but in all-around learning to have a good attitude in life, whether things are going well, or not. I think that this is one of the most important lessons that The First Tee teaches. It’s not about doing well, it’s about your attitude, whatever the outcome. Coupled with good sportsmanship and the 4R’s is also the lesson on perseverance. I like how The First Tee teaches you that it’s not the end of the world when you mess up – you just have to keep trying. This has been helpful to me when I’m trying out new things in school, and also in baking. Sometimes when I try out a new recipe or idea and it doesn’t go as well as I had hoped, it’s nice to remember these lessons, and keep a good attitude. What are some of your current goals? For a short-term life goal, I think the most important thing is doing well in school and getting good grades. Education is rather important to me and while I’m in high school, I want to learn all that I can in broad areas so that when I’m in college and am studying more specific things, I can still have a wider range of knowledge. Long-term, I love baking cupcakes, and one day I hope to open an independent bakery. In terms of a golf goal, it’s about improving. I find golf really fun, so I want to get better at it and continue to play. Previous Story      Next Story

Coach Highlight: Mike and Ed Whims

Golf is known for bringing people together. For Mike and Ed Whims, golf has brought their family together. You see, Mike and Ed are brothers and some of their treasured family time is spent coaching for The First Tee. You can often find the dynamic duo at Blue Heron helping kids gain the same benefits from junior golf that they enjoyed. Mike began volunteering with The First Tee in 2012 after learning about it on the Golf Channel. After the first season, he was hooked and soon recruited Ed so they could share the joy of coaching together. We asked Mike and Ed about their time with The First Tee. Here is what they had to say: Why are you passionate about the work of the First Tee? Mike: I feel that golf is a metaphor for life: all of the highs and lows, winning and losing, ups and downs, and the good bounces and bad that one experiences in life can also be found on the golf course. You get to chose how you are going to respond. Using golf and the curriculum we teach is such a beautiful way to introduce young people to life’s challenges and instill a value system that enhances their chances of being successful. It’s a privilege to be a tiny part of that. Ed: Mike and I come from a large family of 6 boys and a girl. We all got involved in junior golf in the Seattle area. Most of my summers would be spent caddying or playing golf with my friends or one of my brothers. We would be at the course from dawn to dusk having putting contests or helping the golf pro clean carts. It was a community within a community and we made friends, had a lot of fun and learned about competing. The major competition each year for me would be a match with my brothers to see who got to be our dad’s partner in the annual father and son tournament on Fathers Day at Sand Point. What great memories they were! I get that same feeling of community every Saturday when I show up to teach at Blue Heron: young people, learning about life, making friends, having fun, and playing golf! What is your favorite part about coaching with The First Tee? Mike: What stands out are those special “teachable moments ” you encounter when issues comes up with players.  You get to help them understand the long-term implications of their behavior such as their judgment or honesty and you come to an understanding with them. In the moment it can be uncomfortable, but then they get it and you know it needed to be addressed and they grow from it. That is most rewarding. Ed: For me it is seeing the growth in the players. Season after season, you see them come back and maybe they’ve grown a little taller but you begin to notice the maturity that they display and the adherence to the core values they show. It is worthwhile to be involved with them. What do you enjoy most about coaching with your brother? Mike: It is great to have Ed do some of the demonstrations. He has a great golf swing but what really catches the eye of the other coaches and players is when he struts across stage with his unusual warm-up stretching exercises! Ed: We’ve played golf for a long time and played many rounds together. We know golf and the immense joy and camaraderie you get to experience with other players. In our coaching, we enjoy passing on the fun and playfulness and friendly competition that golf offers. It’s great that I get to share this with my brother. Blue Heron is a relatively new partner course for The First Tee. Tell us about coaching there. Mike: It offers a huge practice green and multiple practice locations for your short game. The staff has been helpful and have provided us with an equipment and club storage facility which also provides a meeting area for indoor activities. There is also a nice restaurant and bar that is newly built with a huge deck. Ed: Mike’s right. The new owner has invested a lot of money in course improvements and the new pro shop/restaurant/ bar facility. It is very nice and the food is great! My favorite is the “Steak Oscar.” I’ve noticed our parents having lunch there while waiting for their children or the families eat together afterwards. I highly recommend it. What is one fun fact about the Whims boys? After 18 holes of golf, we like to keep the competition going with a friendly game of “Pitch” at the 19th hole. It’s an old card game that plays fast and is fun. The playing partners on the course become the playing partners at the table. It’s kind of like a bridge game. We have introduced Coach Evan and a few other coaches to it and they appear to be hooked as well. Previous Story      All Stories

Celebrating Mentoring at The First Tee

January is National Mentoring Month

Who have been your most treasured mentors in your life? While many of us can think fondly of the people who made a difference, 1 in 3 young people today will grow up without a mentor. Mentors play a powerful role. Studies show young people with mentors are more likely to enroll in college, engage in community service, and hold leadership roles. That’s why The First Tee Mentoring Program is connecting participants to caring adults who can be the difference and help them reach their goals. Meet Isis Coaxum. Isis began with The First Tee at age 8. Now a sophomore at Garfield High School, Isis is grateful that, in golf, she has not only found a game she loves but an advocate in her mentor, Shelia. “Having Shelia as a mentor is amazing,” says Isis. “I couldn’t ask for a better one. We go together well and I appreciate her so much. She has taught me many skills and values that I can use for the rest of my life such as leadership and coming out of my shell.” Isis and Shelia have been paired in The First Tee Mentoring Program for two years. Through the program, Isis and Shelia come together every other week with other mentors and mentees for dinner, golf, and group activities. Whether it is a round on the par-3, a glowball tournament, a trip to the museum, or a workshop on planning for college, their time together reminds Isis that in Shelia she has found someone who is committed to being in her corner. When Isis is not on the golf course, you can find her on the school soccer and softball teams, working as a basketball referee, or volunteering at the Woodland Park Zoo. She is thankful for the listening ear and partner in planning she has found in her mentor. “Shelia has truly helped me become a better person and we will be in each other’s lives forever. I can’t explain in words how much she has helped me grow into the person I am today. All I can say is THANK YOU SHELIA!” Interested in connecting with a young person in The First Tee through your love of the game? Learn more 

Middle School Girls Build Confidence After School At The First Tee

Through a partnership with Jubilee Reach, The First Tee of Greater Seattle now serves girls from every Bellevue Middle School through the Club Jubilee Girls Golf after school program. More than 150 girls benefit from The First Tee’s spring and fall programming at Crossroads Par-3 Golf Course. Girls hop on buses after school three days a week and head to the course, where they receive coaching on their golf swing and on building a great attitude. First Tee Coach Josh Andrews works as a Site Coach for Jubilee Reach, working on site during the school day to support students develop as great people and great athletes. We asked Coach Josh to share a bit about his experiences with the partnership. Here is what he had to say: How long as you served as a Site Coach with Jubilee Reach? This will be my second year with Jubilee Reach working as a site coach at Stevenson. Why do you think the site coach role is important to the development of students? The role of a site coach is important to the development of students. As a site coach we provide support to both the teachers and students. If it social, emotional or working on assignments we are there to help. Showing up everyday and making sure the kids are safe and doing well while they are in school is important to their success. What impact have you seen The First Tee/Jubilee Reach partnership have on the girls involved in the program at Crossroads? Working with Jubilee allows TFT to reach more children within our schools. Having children learn Life Skills and Core Values through the game of golf is awesome. It makes learning fun and allows children room for self discovery. What is your favorite part of coaching at The First Tee? My favorite part of working with TFT is being with the kids, having fun, learning golf and being a kid again. We just have fun learning, I believe that’s how we should learn. Make learning fun!

Coach Highlight: Patrick Mullins

First Tee Coach Patrick Mullins knows how The First Tee Schools Program makes a difference. As a teacher at Star Lake Elementary School in Federal Way, Coach Patrick has introduced hundreds of students to the game of golf and its inherent life lessons through lessons he teaches in his school gym. We asked Coach Patrick to share his perspective on The First Tee as a coach and educator. Here is what he had to say: How long have your been a teacher? I have been a teacher with the Federal Way School District for 10 years. What made you decide to coach for The First Tee? About 5 years ago I was able to have a First Tee Coach come into my gym and teach the in-school program. I loved the curriculum and my students were engaged right from the start. Being a golf nut, I knew this would be a great way to help grow the game and be a positive role model for my community at the same time. As one who has brought The First Tee curriculum into your classroom, how do you see it making a difference?Patrick I’ve really seen a difference on the playground during recess. Students are using the core values to be safe, kind and productive during games like 4 square, wall ball and tether ball. There are less arguments and the players are not only being more physically active but they’re are having a lot of fun. What do you enjoy most about coaching at The First Tee? I think I’ve enjoyed watching the players move through the program. It’s been fun seeing them grow on and off the golf course. I have many students who are now volunteer coaches, interns, and assistant coaches. A few have moved on to play college golf as well. What is one interesting fact about your others may be surprised to learn? One perk of the job is that I get opportunities to play lots of great courses with participants and fellow coaches. I’ve become an avid collector (my wife would say ‘hoarder’) of headcovers and at this point have at least 75 in my collection. Some have even been gifted by First Tee participants.

The First Tee Expands Its Schools Program

  Edu23 The school day is about more than learning math, science, and history. It is a time for kids to learn about themselves and their goals. That’s why The First Tee partners with schools across King County to make sure lessons on core values are a key part of the school day. The First Tee’s School Program not only introduces elementary students to the game of golf, but The First Tee Nine Core Values and The First Tee Healthy Habits during physical education classes. This school year, two new districts will benefit from the program. Students at nine elementary schools in the Tukwila and Snoqualmie School Districts will learn values like confidence, respect, and perseverance through the program this year. These schools will be among 185 schools throughout King County delivering the program. The First Tee of Greater Seattle’s School Program is the second largest program of its kind in the country. Through the program, teachers receive professional training, curriculum, and equipment to integrate The First Tee Nine Core Values into their daily activities. And teachers are seeing the impact. “Homeroom teachers comment to me that our kids are on their best behavior during golf week, ” said PE teacher Jeanine Bastasch. “I know it’s not because of the golf, but because of the core concepts we are teaching, like respect and judgment.”