Rather than using an existing municipal golf course, the organization has raised $1.3 million to build a six-hole short course, 300-plus-yard driving range, and chipping and putting area in Hilton Head Island, S.C.
The First Tee of The Lowcountry is building a golf facility on Hilton Head Island, S.C., for its young players, the Savannah (Ga.) Morning News reported.
In materials submitted last month to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control, the organization detailed its intentions to construct a six-hole golf course and multi-use recreational field on Hilton Head Island on a 27-acre site, the Morning News reported.
“We are building our own facility and we hope to start construction in March (or) April time frame and complete the project by the fall of 2015,” said Mike Davis, executive director of The First Tee of The Lowcountry.
The First Tee, headquartered in St. Augustine, Fla., has about 200 chapters nationwide including Savannah, the Morning News reported.
“Most The First Tee chapters are located in a municipal golf course,” Davis said. “However, there are no municipal courses here, so we had to construct our own.”
The group has raised about $1.3 million of the $1.5 million needed in cash and in-kind services. The 13-acre facility will have a 300-plus-yard driving range, a six-hole “short” par-3 course, as well as a chipping and putting area, according to Davis. The public may use the facilities whenever The First Tee of The Lowcountry classes are not in session, the Morning News reported.
“Our emphasis here is to help our students grow to be good citizens and to make healthy choices,” said Davis. “Hopefully, they will also develop a love for the great game of golf as well.”
Each eight-week session costs $65, but students are not turned away for lack of funds, due to scholarships that are available to those who qualify, the Morning News reported.
A four-year study of the program led by a University of Minnesota researcher revealed that 78 percent of those interviewed said they were able to transfer life skills, and pointed to specific examples and stories. The study found skills that included decision-making, self-management and setting goals were transferred to situations involving school, family, friends, jobs, college, career and out-of-school activities, the Morning News reported.
The proposed site sits adjacent to the Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head. Spring classes will be held at Spanish Wells Golf Club, Dolphin Head Golf Club, Eagles Point Golf Club, Rose Hill Golf Club and The Legends Golf Club in Parris Island, the Morning News reported.
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