First Tee – Western New York successfully finished the Spring PGA Jr League season on June 17. This is the first year First Tee – Western New York PGA Jr League offered teams in both Rochester and Buffalo and it was a great experience for all 51 players. Buffalo had three teams that competed in tri-matches at Bob O Links, Elma Meadows and Brighton Park golf courses while Rochester hosted two teams alternating between the golf courses at Genesee Valley and Churchville Golf Course.
PGA Jr League is part of the PGA Reach Youth Pillar that aims to connect junior golfers – new and experienced – together in a fun, on-course playing environment through friendly team competition. Each team of 9 – 12 participants plays each match in pairs, which includes two players playing together representing their team. The pairs play an alternate shot scramble that enables the pairs to demonstrate teamwork, collaboration and decision making while showing good sportsmanship to others. Each team member receives a jersey like they would on a soccer or basketball team, which creates team unity throughout the match. Players loved the jerseys and many even wore them when they attended the PGA Championship at Oak Hill.
First Tee Coaches walk with each group to help facilitate the life skills that are taught during First Tee classes. Additionally, parent volunteers are great advocates to support the players. During each match, players are expected to maintain adequate pace of play while following the rules of golf and etiquette. First Tee Coaches and Parent Volunteers help guide the players, ultimately fostering a positive and autonomous on course learning experience for all of the youth involved. One parent commented, “I was very impressed with how much the kids were able to discuss as a team and make choices with little to no intervention needed from a Coach.”
Thanks to the continued support and partnership of the Western New York PGA (WNYPGA), First Tee – Western New York is able to offer PGA Jr League at an affordable rate. The partnership continues to strengthen between to two organizations to ensure more youth are being exposed to the game of golf and its inherent life values, while having the increased opportunities of playing on the golf course. Through these efforts, First Tee – Western New York and WNYPGA continue to work together to grow the game and build game changers.