The Salt River-Maricopa Indian Community is the first Native American community in Arizona to host a First Tee facility. A grand opening ceremony will be held at the Scottsdale, Ariz., property on March 28.
The First Tee of Phoenix and the Salt River-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC) have announced an agreement to open a chapter of the junior golf program at Talking Stick Golf Club in Scottsdale, Ariz.
The agreement distinguishes the SRPMIC as the first Native American community to host a The First Tee facility in Arizona.
“Talking Stick is a fantastic golf facility that will certainly be an ideal place for youngsters to learn, play and enjoy golf and the many life lessons it teaches,” said Tim Kloenne, Board Chair for The First Tee of Phoenix. “The partnership also symbolizes the unique way that the game brings communities together, builds friendships and creates a positive foundation for the growth of our future community leaders.”
Open to the public, a grand opening ceremony is scheduled for March 28 at Talking Stick Golf Club from 10 am – 12 pm. The event will kick off with a ceremonial blessing by SRPMIC Council Member Tom Largo followed by a traditional cultural performance.
“The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community is proud to partner with The First Tee of Phoenix and The Thunderbirds to bring this fun and affordable program to the Talking Stick Golf Club,” said Martin Harvier, Vice President of SRPMIC. “There will be tremendous positive impacts to the health and well-being of our youth and the life skills they will learn by participating in the program will further ready them for success in all areas of their lives.”
Others to address the audience include Kevin Terry, Executive Director, The First Tee of Phoenix; Tom King of The Thunderbirds, founders of The First Tee of Phoenix chapter; Martin Harvier, Vice President of SRPMIC and Board Chair of Talking Stick Golf Club, and a representative from The First Tee Home Office.
After the speeches, a group of SRPMIC dancers, ages 8-17 years old, will perform a traditional dance before the group breaks up to take part in a golf clinic featuring stations for full swing, chipping, putting and Toka, a traditional Native American game similar to field hockey. The event will conclude with lunch and a fundraising raffle.
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