The First Tee for High School Golf Teams is a new program that gives golf team members (and others) an opportunity to experience The First Tee philosophy and methodology. Along with learning about the program’s life skills and golf skills, participants can be trained to become a volunteer coach or mentor for The First Tee and learn about the many ways one can “give back” to the great game of Golf and their communities.

COST TO HIGH SCHOOL GOLF TEAMS

A High School Golf Team in The First Tee of Willamette Valley  program will be charged a single group rate depending on the number of team members:  $100 for 1-4 players; $200 for 5- 8 players; $300 for 9-12 players.  This fee entitles team members to all The First Tee of Willamette Valley sanctioned activities through the team’s golf season.  These activities include:  weekly classes, golf clinics, open and supervised play, discounts for range balls and green fees. 

**VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY**

Teams wanting to defray the High School Fee for this program may elect to volunteer at the Oregon Classic, September 13 through 16, 2007 or volunteer during the summer sessions of The First Tee of Willamette Valley.  The total number of volunteer hours varies with the number of team members.  One to eight players should contribute a total of 16 hours.  Nine to 12 players should contribute a total of 24 hours.  Team members should plan to wear their high school golf uniform when volunteering.  

PROGRAM OUTLINE

Life Skills and golf skill instruction taught by The First Tee of Willamette Valley will include:

• A Life Skill and/or core value lesson
• A golf skill
• A rules, manners, playing orientation or course play session.

      Each class will last 75 minutes and course curricula for the Par, Birdie, Eagle, and Ace levels are described in “The First Tee Life Skills Program Levels” section of the previous page.  To view this page, click here.

      MANNERS CLASSES

We will address how proper manners (such as introducing yourself and looking someone in the eye while speaking) can help develop positive relationships with others.  This will be an opportunity to learn the proper way of conducting business with other people.  Proper manners will also teach the participants to respect others around them.  The writing of thank you letters will be a part of the classes.  This is an opportunity to say “thank you” to those who help make The First Tee of  Willamette Valley a special program. 

FREQUENTLY-ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING THE FIRST TEE FOR HIGH SCHOOL

When do classes occur? 

A high school team’s class schedule is subject to availability at the beginning of the high school season.  The high school coach/volunteer should coordinate this schedule with The First Tee program director, Dennis Nakata.  Once the weekly schedule (two days per week) is selected, this time slot is reserved for the high school team for the 2007 golf season.

Where are classes offered? 

All classes are offered at RiverRidge Golf Complex.

How much does it cost?

Team Fee

High school golf team - each foursome:  $100.00         

Note:  The total fee will be refunded to the High School Golf Team following volunteer participation in the summer session of The First Tee, Willamette Valley Chapter or the Oregon Golf Classic at Shadow Hills Country Club, September 13 - 16, 2007.

How does the team register?

The coach of the golf team should register through Dennis Nakata, RiverRidge Golf Complex.  The Team Fee is due at the  time of registration.

How Do I Check In for each class?

Most of the time, class check in is at The NiNES at RiverRidge.  On the first day of class, you will be given:

§         An appropriate level Bag Tag.  The First Tee Bracelet . 

§         This Bracelet should be shown to receive discounts on the driving range and ShortRidge Golf Course.

§         The First Tee Yardage Book - always bring this book to class.

What are classes like? 

Classes will be taught in high school  team groups and will last 75 minutes.  Classes will include a core lesson, rules & etiquette, manners & playing.  Certification will be progressive with golf skills tests and Life Skills assessments taking place each week. 

What age and ability level does the program include?

This particular program is for High School golf teams only.   Students will work on a particular curriculum and be tested on skills and knowledge from beginning level called Par to Birdie level, then Eagle level and finally advance level – Ace.   It is important to understand that life skill mastery is as important as the golf skills at each level.

How long does it take to complete the entire program? 

Students are encouraged to participate at whatever pace works best for them.  This approach will enable the highest levels of enjoyment for all students.  Take it at your own speed. Classes are twice a week with an “Open Play Friday”.  

Discounts will be offered on range balls and green fees on ShortRidge Golf Course during the High School Golf Season. 

LIFE SKILLS ACADEMY AND THE FIRST TEE OPEN

Birdie level participants and above, who show either exemplary life and leadership skills,  may be invited to apply for Life Skills Academy and Leadership Training held at Kansas State University every year in July.  Applications are due in the spring.  Juniors will be asked to write a short essay which will be submitted to The First Tee home office and candidates will be selected from within The First Tee network.

The First Tee Open at Pebble Beach is open to all participants who have been in the program for at least one calendar year, are 13 years of age by June of the application year, and demonstrate a high level of competitive golf skills.  Participants may be invited to apply for The First Tee Open Selection Process held at Kansas State University in July.  Potential candidates will be asked to write an essay which will be submitted to The First Tee Home Office for selection.