MILWAUKEE — Golf is a game requiring patience and focus. Learning the game and those skills can help empower kids and teens.
What You Need To Know
First Tee – Southeast Wisconsin is offering youth in the area a chance to learn while staying active this summer.
You’ll find kids of all ages at Noyes Park Golf Course in Milwaukee.
Wyatt Stein and his brother Henry Stein are two kids burning their energy and putting their skills to use through First Tee’s summer program.
(Spectrum News 1/Katarina Velazquez)
“It’s more fun and you get more of a challenge,” said Wyatt Stein.
If you’re a pro or just starting out, the program is a place for kids to come practice their swing at no or reduced cost.
David Cohn is the executive director of the southeast Wisconsin chapter.
(Spectrum News 1/Katarina Velazquez)
He said through a partnership with Milwaukee County Parks this year, they’ve been able to offer free courses for kids in summer. He said the organization’s goal is to prioritize reaching underserved populations in the game of golf.
“Our donors and supporters are really believing in our mission to help bring more kids to the game to be able to introduce golf to them in a golf course setting, school setting, through youth organizations,” said Cohn.
Cohn said they try to teach more than just how to sharpen golf skills.
“We use golf to teach life skills and values,” he said. “The things you learn from being around the game of golf — honesty, integrity, respect, responsibility… we believe those are the things kids can learn the more time they spend around golf and a golf course.”
(Spectrum News 1/Katarina Velazquez)
Cohn said through their programs, they’ve seen kids build life and leadership skills that empower them in all areas of life. Removing barriers, like cost, is welcoming more people to the course.
“By breaking down those barriers and lowering the intimidation factor and getting clubs in the hands of kids, they have the opportunity to try it and know the game and sport can be very welcoming,” he said.
Cohn said he’s glad to see kids, such as the Stein brothers, enjoying themselves this summer.
Program staff said they’ll continue to have kids put their clubs to use, building game-changers along the way.
