The First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin has launched First Tee at Home, an online resource for parents, kids and families featuring golf-themed activities, games and more. First Tee at Home is available on the First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin’s website at www.firstteesoutheastwisconsin.org/programs/first-tee-at-home/.
Many of the First Tee at Home activities focus on the First Tee’s life skills curriculum and concepts including the First Tee Nine Core Values and Nine Healthy Habits. The activities are designed for kids to follow at home, without a need for golf-specific equipment. Activities and resources are also being shared on the First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin’s social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram). Over the next few weeks, First Tee at Home will be updated with even more activities and games that will help keep the minds and bodies of local kids active at home.
Participants are encouraged to share their accomplishments on social media by tagging @FirstTeeSEW and using the hashtag #GolfAtHome.
“The First Tee values are even more important right now and remain a key focus of the First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin’s outreach to children and their families during times of challenge and uncertainty,” said David Cohn, executive director at the First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin. “By reimagining the ways in which we connect with kids, we continue to work hard to share positive traits with young people through the game of golf. Whether shared virtually or in-person, these traits continue to teach our kids to become better people and help them live their healthiest, most fulfilling lives.”
First Tee at Home content is also being used to adapt the First Tee National School Program to a virtual learning environment. The First Tee National School Program helps students develop an appreciation for the positive personal and social values associated with golf. Through an introduction to golf, students engage in safe, fun lesson activities that lead to motor skill development while gaining an introduction to a lifelong recreation and health-enhancing activity. By sharing First Tee at Home resources with students, local elementary school physical teachers are offering new ways to keep their kids active and healthy at home.
“The First Tee of Southeastern Wisconsin has worked to continue to assist schools and students with high quality curriculum during this challenging time,” said Tim Mueller, physical education teacher at Erin School. I am very thankful to be able to partner with the First Tee and have their golf at home resources to share with my students. Providing at-home golf and fitness activities, as well as continuing to encourage my students to developing the Nine Core Values and the Nine Healthy Habits, has been a big blessing. The First Tee continues to prove to be an outstanding program with valuable resources and curriculum for all students.”
For more information about First Tee at Home, click here.
Elementary school students at Milwaukee Academy of Science (MAS) will be introduced to the basic skills of golf along with character and health education in their physical education program. Milwaukee Academy of Science is teaming up with The First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin to implement The First Tee National School Program. It will be taught by physical educators using safe, fun lesson plans provided in the program’s curriculum. In addition to teaching golf skills, including putting, chipping, pitching and full swings, health activities will help students to learn about physical, social and emotional wellness.
“We are always looking for ways to overlap our physical activity opportunities with social-emotional learning here at MAS, so The First Tee is the perfect organization for us to work with to achieve both,” said Kurt Hansen, physical education teacher at Milwaukee Academy of Science. “The golf curriculum and equipment are so much more than just sports equipment to us; they are a way to teach and reinforce the key concepts that The First Tee promotes, like integrity, respect, perseverance, and making healthy choices. We are so grateful to kick off this new partnership.”
“We are excited to partner with Milwaukee Academy of Science to bring The First Tee National School Program to their students,” said Tom Gerke, The First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin’s program director. “Their dedication to teaching values and life skills to their students aligns perfectly with The First Tee Nine Core Values and Nine Healthy Habits. By introducing the game of golf and its inherent principles, the program will help Milwaukee Academy of Science continue to develop their students into outstanding citizens within our community.”
Launched in 2004, The First Tee National School Program helps students develop an appreciation for the positive personal and social values associated with golf. Students engage in safe, fun lesson activities that lead to motor skill development and while gaining an introduction to a lifelong recreation and health-enhancing activity.
The curriculum was developed by The First Tee along with leading experts in physical education and positive youth development. It is aligned with and meets national standards developed by the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE). Physical educators delivering the program are formally trained and certified by The First Tee and use safe, developmentally-appropriate lesson plans and equipment in their classes.
Funding for the program was provided by Milwaukee Academy of Science and The First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin. Nationwide, more than 8,000 schools in 1,200 school districts have introduced to The First Tee National School Program. In Southeast Wisconsin, more than 75 schools have implemented the program.
For more information about The First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin and The First Tee National School Program, visit www.thefirstteesew.org.
For more about Milwaukee Academy of Science, visit www.milwaukeeacademyofscience.org.
The First Tee has published new national research highlighting the positive impact The First Tee and its programs are making for participants on and off the course. The survey asked participants to answer two questions, “Because of The First Tee, I…” and “Provide an example of an adult mentor relationship at The First Tee that has been significant to you and explain why.”
Highlights include:
87% of participants say they have an improved sense of empowerment
“Gave me a greater sense of confidence.”
“Taught me perseverance…to never give up.”
85% have personal ownership of The First Tee’s Nine Core Values
This success is reflected locally as well. In a recent survey of 2018 program participant parents, 81% of respondents said that their children benefited from The First Tee character education.
These parents described this impact by saying:
“[My child] improved golf skills, etiquette and confidence.”
“They have learned respect, patience.”
“It has built his confidence and social skills and created a foundation of motivation to strive for success.”
The First Tee is making a difference here in Southeast Wisconsin through the game of golf. For more information on how you can get involved, visit firstteesoutheastwisconsin.org.
View Research
Adalyn Johnston and Cooper McLaughlin from The First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin have been selected to compete in the second annual Irwin Cup golf tournament, an interstate golf tournament held at The Jewel Golf Club in Lake City, Minnesota on Monday, August 6, 2018. The First Tee and The Jewel Golf Club named the event in honor of PGA TOUR Champions player Hale Irwin, a long-time supporter of The First Tee who also designed the course at The Jewel Golf Club.
The First Tee selected eight kids from each state’s chapters of The First Tee in Minnesota, South Dakota, Iowa and Wisconsin. Each team will compete in a Ryder Cup format for The Irwin Cup. Johnston and McLaughlin are The First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin participants at Rolling Meadows Golf Course in Fond du Lac.
“We are extremely excited to have Adalyn and Cooper represent The First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin as part of Team Wisconsin in the second annual Irwin Cup,” said David Cohn, executive director of The First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin. “Adalyn and Cooper are active members of the program at Rolling Meadows and have embraced The First Tee Nine Core Values on and off the golf course. They are very deserving of this opportunity.”
Burlington native and National Guard Pilot, Cody Biedrzycki found a new passion for the game of golf while last serving overseas. “While on deployment as a helicopter pilot in a remote location, an oasis of sorts appeared – ‘A little 9-hole golf course.'” reports Fox 6 Milwaukee.
Yet, without clubs, Cody reached out to Erin Hills to see if they would help. With quick response they were happy to help provide clothing and accessories, in turn reaching out to The First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin to provide the needed clubs.
From the numerous donations provided by our donors, we were happy to help, and promptly shipped clubs to Cody and his fellow troops.
As our Executive Director, David Cohn, said “What a great way to connect the dots and show respect for the troops that are serving our country overseas other than sending some golf clubs over there where they can enjoy the game from where they are.”
After returning home Cody “added another uniform to his fatigues.” You can now find him as a caddie at Erin Hills, the home of 2017 U.S Open.
Check out the story and video at Fox 6 here!
It has been a long time since Washington High School had a golf team. So when third year Washington High School of Information Technology teacher Ethan Littel came looking for some help with restarting the school’s golf team, The First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin was happy to help.
Our programming director, Tom Gerke wanted to help in any way possible, so knowing that the team didn’t have any means to rent practice space or buy clubs, on behalf of The First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin, Tom provided the school with 24 sets of clubs and the ability to use our home location, Noyes Park, as practice space.
The golf team could not be more appreciative, as Littel says, “The updated clubs and bags are a huge blessing and the team is so excited to put them to use. Thank you again for the opportunities and experiences you provide to so many young people around the area!”
This would not be possible without the numerous donations provided from our generous benefactors. We appreciate the continued support!
Watch the whole story on TMJ4.
Elementary school students at Erin School in the Town of Erin will be introduced to the basic skills of golf along with character and health education in their physical education program. Erin School is teaming up with neighboring Erin Hills Golf Course to implement The First Tee National School Program. It will be taught by physical educators using safe, fun lesson plans provided in the program’s curriculum. The health activities were recently added for students to learn about physical, social and emotional wellness.
Nationwide, more than 8,000 schools in 1,200 school districts have introduced to The First Tee National School Program. Erin School will be the first school offering the program in Washington County.
“We are very thankful for the partnership we have between Erin Hills Golf Course and Erin School,” said Tim Mueller, physical education teacher at Erin School. “The golf curriculum and equipment that Erin Hills has provided for our physical education program through The First Tee will be an incredible benefit for all of our kindergarten through fifth grade students. Our students will be introduced to the lifetime sport of golf through well designed lessons that provide fun learning experiences. The First Tee lessons also incorporate health and character education that will enhance our existing curriculum. Using this golf curriculum will help us reinforce key concepts that we teach in other physical education units such as integrity, respect, perseverance, and making healthy choices. A big thank you to Erin Hills!”
“Erin Hills has long supported amateur golf, and helping to introduce golf to our neighbors is an extension of this core belief in the positive effects of golf,” said Alex Allister, Erin Hills’ Senior Accountant who connected Erin School and the First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin.
Launched in 2004, The First Tee National School Program helps students develop an appreciation for the positive personal and social values associated with golf. Students engage in safe, fun lesson activities that lead to motor skill development and while gaining an introduction to a lifelong recreation and health-enhancing activity.
The curriculum was developed by The First Tee along with leading experts in physical education and positive youth development. It is aligned with and meets national standards developed by the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE). Physical educators delivering the program are formally trained and certified by The First Tee and use safe, developmentally-appropriate lesson plans and equipment in their classes.
The lesson plans include The First Tee Nine Healthy Habits, which were developed in partnership with the ANNIKA Foundation and Florida Hospital for Children.
According to a survey among 860 physical educators using The First Tee National School Program curriculum, 66 percent reported using The First Tee Nine Core Values—character education seamlessly delivered as part of the program—in other sports and activities they teach beyond golf. A third-party case study conducted in one Midwestern school district in 2011 further validated the program where administrators and physical educators reported finding great value in the program.
For more information about The First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin and The First Tee National School Program, visit www.thefirstteesew.org.
For more about Erin School, visit www.erinschool.org.
By Jason Kauflin
On August 16, the first ever Irwin Cup was staged at The Jewel Golf Club in Lake City, Minnesota. The event brought together junior golfers from The First Tee chapters in Wisconsin and Minnesota, pitting them against each other in a Ryder Cup-style format. Each team consisted of eight junior golfers: two boys and two girls from both 12-14 and 15-18 age divisions. Team Wisconsin was represented by juniors from the Southeast, South Central, and Northeast chapters. Team Minnesota was represented by the Twin Cities and Three Rivers Park District chapters. Juniors were paired together to face off against a duo from the opposing state and played three separate 6-hole matches each worth one point. When all the scores were added up, Team Wisconsin came out ahead 7-1/2 to 4-1/2 to win the inaugural Irwin Cup.
The genesis of the Irwin Cup can be traced back to the 2016 Ryder Cup held at Hazeltine Golf Club in Minnesota. Glenn Hasse had been a Trustee of The First Tee since 2010 and was looking to give back. Along with his wife, Kay, Glenn bought The Jewel in 2008 during some dire financial straits for the course. Finding an event to combine his wonderful property with supporting today’s young golfers was a natural fit. “I was looking for something to utilize the course and something for the young kids in The First Tee,” Mr. Hasse explains, “after all, competition like this is what it’s all about.” During the 2016 Ryder Cup, Glenn approached some of his contacts at The First Tee about hosting an event at his “little place just down the street.” Once momentum for the event began to build, naming the competition became paramount. As the original course designer and a junior golf supporter in his own right, the legendary Hale Irwin was asked to lend his name to the event. Hale was more than happy to assist, and the Irwin Cup was born.
The event was truly a family affair. Parents from both states followed each group, and a post round awards lunch was hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Hasse. Glenn thanked all the families in attendance and presented each member of the winning team with a medal, while Kay was busy manning the lemonade stand at the end of the buffet line. Also on hand for the event was Jen Weiler, Sr. Vice President Chief Development Officer for The First Tee. “We really want to promote regional events like this because it does give kids that competition that they might lack just at the chapter level,” Jen said. She also enjoyed seeing the kids from different areas creating quick bonds as they competed together. “They probably have exchanged cell phone numbers and Instagram handles to keep in touch with each other. I love seeing that, I think it’s just great!”
Plans for the 2018 Irwin Cup are already underway. One goal in mind would be to move the Irwin Cup as close to the 3M Championship as possible. That way they may be able to involve Hale Irwin and other PGA Tour Champion players who are supporters of The First Tee. Glenn Hasse also hopes to expand the event to four states, with teams from Iowa and the Dakotas joining the fray. He would love to see regional The First Tee events established where a team would have to qualify to make it to the Irwin Cup. “We could have some regional competitions, and whoever is the best in that area gets to come,” says Glenn. As Kay Hasse added, “Sounds good to me!”
Rachel Kauflin and Caroline Van Bell from The First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin have been selected to compete for the Irwin Cup held at The Jewel Golf Club in Lake City, Minnesota, Wednesday, August 16. The Jewel Golf Club and The First Tee named the event “The Irwin Cup” to honor the designer of the course, long time The First Tee supporter and PGA TOUR Champions Player, Hale Irwin.
Kauflin, of Wauwatosa, and Van Bell, of Whitefish Bay, are two of 16 participants from The First Tee chapters in Minnesota and Wisconsin selected to play in the team event. Each state will be represented by eight players teamed together playing a Ryder Cup format.
“We are excited to send Rachel and Caroline to Minnesota to represent The First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin as Team Wisconsin competes to win the first Irwin Cup,” said David Cohn, executive director of The First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin. “Rachel and Caroline are dynamic leaders who excel in school and on the golf course, exhibiting The First Tee Nine Core Values on a daily basis.”
The First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin will partner with the PHC Classic and the Milwaukee County Parks to host a junior golf clinic at Brown Deer Park Golf Course on August 1. The clinic will take place on the driving range from 4:30-5:30 p.m. and feature some of the top Symetra Tour players competing in the PHC Classic.
There is no cost to attend and the first 100 juniors (18 and younger) will receive a free The First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin T-shirt, courtesy of the PHC Classic.
In addition, The First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin will have junior golf activities and SNAG Golf demonstrations available on the lower range from 2:30-4:30 p.m.
“We are excited to partner with Milwaukee County Parks and the Symetra Tour to host the junior golf clinic at the PHC Classic at Brown Deer Park Golf Course,” said David Cohn, executive director of The First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin. “The Symetra Tour players are some of the best professional golfers in the world and regularly exhibit The First Tee Nine Core Values – honesty, integrity, respect, responsibility, courtesy, sportsmanship, judgment and perseverance – on and off the course. Their experience and insight will be impactful for all junior golfers in attendance.
Sam Kachelek, a participant with The First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin and a senior at Menomonee Falls High School, has been selected to The First Tee Scholars Program. This national distinction is awarded to The First Tee participants who are seniors in high school and excel in academics, leadership, character development, and chapter and community involvement. Sam is one of 82 scholars designated to the Class of 2016-2017.
For Sam, The First Tee has been more than just golf. “Through The First Tee I have grown as a person, learning the Nine Core Values and and implementing those in my life. Golf isn’t always the focus; it’s making yourself a better person and using that in school and in your community.”
Asked what he would tell a someone interested in getting involved in The First Tee, Sam had a few suggestions. “I would tell them definitely get involved. It has more of an effect on your life than you could ever imagine. Learning the Nine Core Values and building on them through volunteer work, your job, in school and within the community has a ripple effect. It’s more than a golf program; it’s a life skills program.”
As a Scholar, Sam is eligible for select named scholarships offered through The First Tee. Scholars are also eligible for events and speaking opportunities through The First Tee Alumni Network.
“We are proud to have Sam represent The First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin as a recipient of The First Tee Scholars designation,” said David Cohn, executive director of The First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin. “Sam is someone who models what it means to be a participant with The First Tee. Sam is making a difference in his school and in his community, and we know he will continue to make an impact in college.”
Sam plans to attend the University of Wisconsin – Madison this fall.
Click here to learn more about national events and leadership opportunities available through The First Tee.
The First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin has announced four new programming locations in partnership with the Milwaukee County Parks golf courses. The Milwaukee County Parks will offer The First Tee Life Skills Experience through its junior lesson programs during the 2017 summer at Brown Deer Park Golf Course, Dretzka Park Golf Course, Greenfield Park Golf Course and Hansen Park Golf Course.
The programs will be led by Milwaukee County Parks’ golf professionals Andrew Barrett, PGA (Brown Deer), Scott Walecki (Dretzka), Matt Ellis (Greenfield), Chet Hendrickson, PGA (Hansen) and David Labinski (Hansen). The First Tee coaches go through the program’s extensive training intended to increase the on- and off-course success of all participants. Coaches are equipped to create positive relationships that inspire young people to look to their future, set goals and discover their individual potential.
“We are excited to continue to grow our programming through the Milwaukee County Parks,” said Tom Gerke, The First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin’s program director. “Milwaukee County Parks has been a great partner and host for our programming location at Noyes Park, and we are excited about the possibilities of impacting the lives of more young people throughout the greater Milwaukee area through these four new locations.”
“The Milwaukee County Parks golf courses are proud to partner with The First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin”, said Chet Hendrickson, PGA, golf services manager for Milwaukee County Parks. “We are committed to junior golf and growing the game in Milwaukee County. Through The First Tee’s Life Skills Experience programming, we will be able to help junior golfers learn important life skills that will help them build confidence and develop responsibility and respect, all while learning the lifelong sport of golf.”
At the core of The First Tee programs are the Nine Core Values – honesty, integrity, respect, responsibility, courtesy, sportsmanship, judgment and perseverance. Program participants work through lessons that incorporate these values and help them become good golfers and even better people.
By Jason Kauflin
On August 16, the first ever Irwin Cup was staged at The Jewel Golf Club in Lake City, Minnesota. The event brought together junior golfers from The First Tee chapters in Wisconsin and Minnesota, pitting them against each other in a Ryder Cup-style format. Each team consisted of eight junior golfers: two boys and two girls from both 12-14 and 15-18 age divisions. Team Wisconsin was represented by juniors from the Southeast, South Central, and Northeast chapters. Team Minnesota was represented by the Twin Cities and Three Rivers Park District chapters. Juniors were paired together to face off against a duo from the opposing state and played three separate 6-hole matches each worth one point. When all the scores were added up, Team Wisconsin came out ahead 7-1/2 to 4-1/2 to win the inaugural Irwin Cup.
The genesis of the Irwin Cup can be traced back to the 2016 Ryder Cup held at Hazeltine Golf Club in Minnesota. Glenn Hasse had been a Trustee of The First Tee since 2010 and was looking to give back. Along with his wife, Kay, Glenn bought The Jewel in 2008 during some dire financial straits for the course. Finding an event to combine his wonderful property with supporting today’s young golfers was a natural fit. “I was looking for something to utilize the course and something for the young kids in The First Tee,” Mr. Hasse explains, “after all, competition like this is what it’s all about.” During the 2016 Ryder Cup, Glenn approached some of his contacts at The First Tee about hosting an event at his “little place just down the street.” Once momentum for the event began to build, naming the competition became paramount. As the original course designer and a junior golf supporter in his own right, the legendary Hale Irwin was asked to lend his name to the event. Hale was more than happy to assist, and the Irwin Cup was born.
The event was truly a family affair. Parents from both states followed each group, and a post round awards lunch was hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Hasse. Glenn thanked all the families in attendance and presented each member of the winning team with a medal, while Kay was busy manning the lemonade stand at the end of the buffet line. Also on hand for the event was Jen Weiler, Sr. Vice President Chief Development Officer for The First Tee. “We really want to promote regional events like this because it does give kids that competition that they might lack just at the chapter level,” Jen said. She also enjoyed seeing the kids from different areas creating quick bonds as they competed together. “They probably have exchanged cell phone numbers and Instagram handles to keep in touch with each other. I love seeing that, I think it’s just great!”
Plans for the 2018 Irwin Cup are already underway. One goal in mind would be to move the Irwin Cup as close to the 3M Championship as possible. That way they may be able to involve Hale Irwin and other PGA Tour Champion players who are supporters of The First Tee. Glenn Hasse also hopes to expand the event to four states, with teams from Iowa and the Dakotas joining the fray. He would love to see regional The First Tee events established where a team would have to qualify to make it to the Irwin Cup. “We could have some regional competitions, and whoever is the best in that area gets to come,” says Glenn. As Kay Hasse added, “Sounds good to me!”