×

First Tee program works with Neale students

Coaches and staff members from The First Tee of West Virginia and Parkersburg Country Club work with students from Neale Elementary School at the country club on Oct. 17. (Photo Provided)

VIENNA — Beginning in September, students at Neale Elementary School in Vienna began being introduced to the basic skills of golf.

The Wood County students also learned about The First Tee nine core values: honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy and judgment, according to a news release.

The lesson plans included health activities that focused on physical, social and emotional wellness.

Jordan Brown, physical education teacher at Neale School, received training and taught the lessons using safe, fun lesson plans provided in The First Tee National School Program curriculum, a press release states.

Nineteen Neale Elementary School students traveled to Parkersburg Country Club on Oct. 17 to partake in The First Tee life skills experience, which is used to further enhance and instill the inherent values of the game of golf and teach participants how these values transfer into other aspects of their lives, program officials said.

The Neale students practiced their golf skills for three and a half hours on the Parkersburg Country Club’s driving range and putting green. Staff from The First Tee, Brown and members of the country club worked with the students on their golf game.

“These lessons for life are learned through a variety of golf-related activities with the primary goal of having fun. Participants learn about themselves and others through a range of experiences enhancing their golf skills and fundamental values for life. As opportunities on the golf course expand so do the opportunities for the rest of their lives,” First Tee officials said.

“The First Tee uses golf to teach youth life lessons and leadership skills,” said Ashley Hamilton, director of The First Tee of West Virginia. “Sessions include a fun, group setting for youth to help them to become good golfers and even better people.”

Funding for The First Tee National School Program was provided by Parkersburg Country Club, while funding for the recent outreach program was provided by Tri-State Roofing & Sheet Metal Company.

Nationwide, more than 8,000 schools in 1,200 school districts have been introduced to The First Tee National School Program. There are 85 schools offering it throughout West Virginia.

“Neale Elementary School is proud to be working with The First Tee of West Virginia and the PGA members from Parkersburg Country Club to introduce golf to our young people at an early age,” Brown said. “Our hope is to grow the sport with increased interest from these young students who are the future of the golf program at Jackson Middle School and Parkersburg High School.”

The program was launched in 2004. The curriculum was developed by The First Tee along with experts in physical education and positive youth development, officials said.

It is aligned with and meets national standards developed by the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE), officials said.

The First Tee of West Virginia is a statewide youth development organization operated by the West Virginia Golf Association.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today