The First Tee of Phoenix partners with the Boys & Girls Club to open DRIVE Program

The First Tee of Phoenix partnered with the Boys & Girls Club of Scottsdale to open their DRIVE Program to the Club’s Paiute Branch on January 5th. The First Tee DRIVE Program aims to teach participants about The First Tee Nine Core Values through the game of golf, which help members grow into a healthy lifestyle and respect for others. Not only does The First Tee of Phoenix teach life skills both on and off the course, but it also offers monthly golf tournaments and provides college scholarships to graduating seniors.

To make things easier on the youngsters, The First Tee of Phoenix modifies the golf equipment for easier play. The clubs are replicas of two traditional golf clubs, a putter and a wedge, except with a larger head. The name of the game is to teach perseverance through adversity, self-respect, responsibility for one’s actions, and confidence in personal ability. And it works. An independent study showed that 73% of The First Tee members reported high confidence in their ability to do well academically, 82% felt confident in their social skills with peers, and 52% credited the program for their capacity to appreciate diversity.

With more than 100,000 kids participating in Maricopa County through regular programming, The First Tee of Phoenix organization is now one of the largest The First Tee chapters in the country. The First Tee of Phoenix has regular programs in 15 locations around the Valley as well as in eight Phoenix area school districts.

Joining the program costs $100 annually, and scholarships are available. The First Tee accepts membership and equipment donations to help keep this integral program flourishing. To learn more, visit www.TheFirstTeePhoenix.org.