Developing people, growing the game

To introduce children to golf who would not necessarily be exposed to the sport, the Inwood Country Club and Bronx-based First Tee of Metropolitan NY are teaming up to present a free clinic on Aug. 14 at the club.
At 10:30 a.m., the senior First Tee golfers, 16-, 17- and 18-year olds, along with instructors, will show Five Towns and Far Rockaway kids, the equipment involved in playing golf, fundamentals, rules and etiquette. There will be luncheon afterwards.
Nearly 30 kids are expected to take part in the first such event held at the Inwood club. First Tee holds identical events annually throughout the metropolitan area. The organization’s golf programs runs from April to October. They offer a program at North Woodmere County Park and course access at Cantiague Park in Hicksville and Christopher Morley in Roslyn, also both Nassau parks.
“We are very proud to be sponsoring the inaugural Five Towns and Rockaway First Tee event and getting kids involved with the values learned in this program,” said Andy Shevins a 14-year member of Inwood Country Club and president of the Inwood Charities Fund, an organization that supports local charities and employee scholarships. “We thought that as part of the charity we should get local boys and girls involved in golf, support local organizations and do our part to grow the game of golf,” he added.
Cameron Wood, the head golf pro at Inwood, said that most likely the children ranging in age from 7 to 18, will be divided into three groups and will also be taught about full swinging a golf club, putting and chipping. “We will teach them the basic fundaments, a good grip, good stance, good set up and how to aim.” Wood said. “I think it’s as beautiful thing to get more kids involved. It’s great to get back to the game.”
Founded in 1997, First Tee is guided by three primary goals to educate, enrich and empower young people through golf. The First Tee curriculum is structured to teach skills that help kids on and off the golf course. The advanced classes, mentoring programs and social events seeks to provide opportunities for growth that these youths would not otherwise have available.
“It is a day of giving back to the community,” said First Tee Executive Director Barry McLaughlin, who added that having First Tee golfers teach the game to other young people is a huge part of their development as well.