Making A Difference Through Golf

Since 1999, The First Tee of Hammond has been making a difference in the lives of youth in and around Hammond. The First Tee’s curriculum integrates golf instruction with core values, life skills, healthy habits, and fun. The First Tee of Hammond is now The First Tee of Lake County; a change that reflects their commitment to all children in Lake County.

By expanding programming to include Wicker Memorial Park, Palmira, Youche Country Club, and White Hawk, as well as growing offerings at their home location at Lost Marsh in Hammond, The First Tee of Hammond ended 2016 with over 600 certifying participants. As The First Tee of Lake County their goal is to enroll 1,000 certifying participants in 2017.  In addition, The First Tee National School Program (NSP) has been implemented in all 14 public elementary schools by The School City of Hammond in the 2016-2017 school year, impacting more than 7,000 children. NSP has also been adopted by select schools in East Chicago and Crown Point with the hope of bringing NSP to more children in the near future.  Similarly, programs with other youth serving agencies including Boys and Girls Clubs of NWI, YMCA, and high school golf teams have been expanded.

In addition to assisting with college and scholarship applications, The First Tee of Lake County is committed to helping participants take advantage of golf, leadership, and academic scholarship opportunities provided by The First Tee. In its history, The First Tee of Hammond sent participants to more than 20 life skills and leadership academies including the KPMG Future Leaders Scholarship and The Nature Valley First Tee Open at Pebble Beach.

Fees charged by The First Tee of Lake of Lake County are only a fraction of the true cost of programming; they rely heavily on donations from the community. Events like their Hit-a-thon and “Forces Fore Good” Golf Outing provide opportunities for individuals and companies to financially support The First Tee of Lake County. The 2017 Forces Fore Good Golf Outing will take place on Wednesday, June 7 at Lost Marsh Golf Course in Hammond.

Arnold Palmer once said, “Making a positive change in the life of a child is one of the most significant things you can do.” The First Tee of Lake County is dedicated to positively changing the lives of children. Will you join them? Visit www.thefirstteelakecounty.org for more information.