January 24, 2004

By: Wayne Guest
Website: http://www.1st-in-golf.com

The First Tee junior golf program - announces Kick Off

The Aurora Chapter of The First Tee announces the kick-off of their junior golf program. The First Tee is a nationwide initiative of the World Golf Foundation, dedicated to making the game of golf accessible to youth of all economical and ethnic backgrounds, who otherwise might not have an opportunity to play. The structure of the program concentrates on instilling our youth with such essential values as honesty, integrity, a solid work ethic, and good sportsmanship.

The National First Tee serves as a catalyst for the formation of local chapters, each of which is an independent 501(c) (3) corporation. The City of Aurora and the Fox Valley Park District joined efforts to form the local chapter and to incorporate the existing youth program, which was developed in 1998 and has since introduced more than 3,000 area youth to the game of golf.

The initial program expanded from summer courses of instruction, to part of the curriculum at local public and parochial schools. As a member of The First Tee, the local youth golf program will have the opportunity to continue to grow and further expand. Currently Fox Bend, Fox Valley, Orchard Valley, Phillips Park,Valley Green, and Cantigny golf courses provide First Tee participants access to their courses.

The Aurora Chapter will receive support from the National First Tee through such avenues as grants and free golf equipment, as well as resources for discounted course maintenance equipment. The daily operating costs of the program will be a private-public collaboration. The support of the golf course owners, the golf professionals, the school district personnel, the City of Aurora, the Fox Valley Park District and the local business leaders has been outstanding and resulted in the establishment of The First Tee Youth Golf Program for the City of Aurora and the Fox Valley Area.

The local chapter's goal is to provide the facilities and the programs that will enable kids from every walk of life to partake of a game that teaches values for life and which can be played for a lifetime. The program is coordinated by Lowell Turley, who is assisted by Cal Tyson and Wilbur Walters, all of who serve as the lead instructors. The Board of Directors consists of: Juventino Cano, Cano Containers; Leon McNair, Fox Bend Golf Course; Bob Vaughan, Fox Valley Park District; Cheryl Vonhoff, City Clerk's Office; Bob Brent, Retired Police Chief; Lowell Turley, Youth Activities; and Ron Ford, Parks & Recreation. The First Tee Board of Directors has currently been working to secure donations and sponsorships and is looking for interested individuals to join at the committee level.

The fundraising effort was kicked-off when Nadler Golf Car Sales, Inc. committed to donating $25,000 annually for the next five years. The Aurora-based business was started by Bill & Bea Nadler in 1963. Their children Dave Nadler, Karen Nadler-Baumgartner and Keith Nadler have run the company since their parents' retirement. The Nadler family felt this was an avenue where they could provide area children an opportunity to learn and play the game of golf, while also instilling such positive aspects as self-esteem and self-discipline in today's youth. Their generous donation was in an effort to give back to the community and to the game of golf, which has been the reason behind the success of their family-operated business.

In addition, donations have also been received from Juventino Cano of Cano Container Corporation, 7-Eleven and the Aurora-Naperville Rotary. Though the fundraising effort requires the support of the entire community, so please consider making a donation to The First Tee - Aurora Chapter. Your assistance at any level will be greatly appreciated and will lend support to a positive youth program.

Volunteer and mentor opportunities are also available, thanks in part to Big Brother Big Sisters, who is offering new volunteer options that combine the love of golf with a genuine interest in children. Members of all ages are encouraged to make either a one-to-one commitment to a child or become part of an adult team that works with youth participants, ages 8 through 15, at the summer golf clinics. To learn more about becoming a Golf Mentor contact Kelly Classen, Case Manager, Big Brother Big Sisters at (630) 844-9090, extension 7.

The summer clinics, which began June 18, are an extension of the school program. The participants receive instruction from a professional golf staff in a classroom setting and on the course, which includes Full Swing Putting: posture, grip, alignment, motion and balance; Full Swing Chipping: ball flight laws, practice drills and practice games; Full Swing Pitching: tee shots, iron play and short game. Rules, etiquette and safety are taught and emphasized in every aspect of the game, however, providing a positive and entertaining atmosphere and experience for the youth is essential.

Aurora's First Tee facility is located at the Phillips Park Golf Course. The newly reconstructed course opened on July 14 and features a 3-hole junior course and a driving range. The Dedication Ceremony and Open House, which also served as the official kick-off of The First Tee - Aurora Chapter, was held on Tuesday, July 10, with representatives in attendance from The National First Tee. This gave guests an opportunity to view the new amenities, which include offices for the local chapter in the lower level of the new clubhouse.

Also see: golf balls.

Author Notes:

Wayne Guest contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.1st-in-golf.com.  A source of information on golf equipment, golf manufacturers, supplies, tips and more.