Legislature approves program that integrates golf instruction with life lessons
"The First Tee" program will be offered at Eisenhower Park

Nassau County Legislator Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury) and the Rules Committee this week approved a permit for an instructional golf program in Eisenhower Park that targets youth from disadvantaged backgrounds. The program, called "The First Tee," integrates life skills training with golf instruction by emphasizing nine core values: confidence, courtesy, honesty, integrity, judgment, perseverance, respect, responsibility and sportsmanship.

The First Tee will provide up to 16 rounds of golf at no cost to participants and restricts the program's use of the County's golf courses to non-peak times. In addition, The First Tee will also provide $300,000 in capital improvements to the County's golf facilities.

"The First Tee Program is a unique, nationally recognized program that introduces the game of golf to children who might not otherwise be able to afford it, and at the same time teaches life skills to children," said Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury) "I believe this program will be a very positive addition for the county and its younger residents."

The First Tee Life Skills Program will work in conjunction with the Nassau County Youth Board, which will offer the golf curriculum as part of its youth programs at no cost to the participants. The coordinators of the program will make an effort to reach out to at-risk youth in areas such as Hempstead, Merrick, East Meadow, Levittown, Mineola, Roosevelt, Uniondale, Westbury, East Rockaway, Freeport and others.

The First Tee Life Lessons Program is taught through a variety of golf-related exercises designed with the primary goal of having fun. Participants learn about themselves and others through a range of experiences that enhance their golf fundamentals as well as their fundamental values for life. The World Golf Foundation founded The First Tee in 1997 to make golf accessible to youth that otherwise would not be exposed to the game and its positive values.

The program is expected to begin sometime in the spring. For more information about First Tee call 904-940-4300.