The First Tee of Phoenix executive director, Hugh Smith, and general manager of Longbow Golf Club, Jay Larscheid, announced The First Tee of Phoenix will now offer its golf and lifeskills programming at Longbow Golf Club in Mesa, the first in the East Valley.  In addition to the opportunity for individual enrollment, the program will be available to 30,000 students as part of The First Tee National Schools Program in cooperation with the Mesa Public Schools system’s athletic and physical education department.

A celebration to kick off the new partnership took place on March 30 at Longbow Golf Club. More than 200 Mesa fifth-grade students took part in the event which featured junior golf clinics, lessons, trick-shot exposition by Dennis Walters and lunch provided by Jersey Mike’s Subs. Mayor of Mesa, Scott Smith, participated in the festivities as a speaker and participant in a lighthearted “Are You Better Than a Fifth Grader? “golf skills contest.  The Mesa Superintendent of Public Schools as well as Mesa City Council Members were also be in attendance.

“From the beginning, junior golf became one of the primary pillars of our operation,” said Jay Larscheid, General Manager of Longbow Golf Club.  “We’re thrilled to partner with one of the most reputable and effective junior golf organizations in the nation.”

Multi-level programming will be available year-round with summer programming conducted early mornings, along with weekday and weekend clinics. Fall and winter programming will be modified according to weather and school schedules. Programming is expected to begin April 10th and is open to all youth ages 7-17 at a modest cost of $50 per year.

There will be additional monthly special family events and tournaments available to members of The First Tee of Phoenix throughout the year. To learn more about programming schedules, visit www.thefirstteephoenix.org or call 602.305.7655.

The First Tee of Phoenix is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created for the purpose of providing affordable access to golf and golf learning facilities for young people in Maricopa County from all walks of life, particularly those who otherwise might not have an opportunity to play. For more information on The First Tee of Phoenix call 602.305.7655 or visit www.thefirstteephoenix.org.

Longbow Golf Club is professionally managed by OB Sports Golf Management, a diversified, golf-oriented company with a long history of success. For more information, visit www.obsports.com, call 480.948.1300, follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/obsportsgolf or become a Fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/obsports.