Spartans lending a hand to First Tee of the Triad

GREENSBORO, N.C. - UNC Greensboro's men's golf student-athletes are helping youngsters in the First Tee of the Triad program this spring at Gillespie Golf Club.

Each Monday, members of the squad take part in instructional sessions with the elementary school age children to learn skills of golf and also the skills of life that the First Tee program teaches.

First Tee was first established in 1997 and came to the Triad three years ago. Today, there are 3.5 million participants in 204 chapters throughout the 50 states and in four foreign countries. A total of 712 different venues host First Tee programs.

The First Tee of the Triad focuses on life skills and core values by using the game of golf as a tool.  Kids will learn how the life skills and values they apply in golf can also be used in other areas of their lives! We utilize the talents of our LPGA trained staff and other PGA and LPGA professionals to deliver the best of golf and life in one seamless package.

Current Spartans Ryan Heisey and Robert Hoadley have past experience in the program. Heisey did his college internship with First Tee of the Triad last summer, while Hoadley is a product of the program from his hometown in Southern Pines.

"We encourage our student-athletes to get involved in the community," said UNCG men's golf coach Terrance Stewart. "We really thought this was a perfect opportunity to get involved with some outreach in Greensboro and also teach a game that we know and love.

"Our guys have enjoyed the experience thus far and we look forward to continuing our work through the end of the semester and potentially in the future."

The First Tee of the Triad program has established a Greensboro homebase at Gillespie Golf Club through financial assistance from the City of Greensboro and the Bryan Foundation, which will include renovating of the current practice facilities in the near future.

- UNCG -