In 1997, the World Golf Foundation created The First Tee to introduce young people of all backgrounds to the game of golf and its inherently positive values, from respect and integrity to individual responsibility and sportsmanship. Today, The First Tee is recognized as one of the premier youth character-education programs in the country.
The First Tee Clearwater is located at the Chi Chi Rodriguez Golf Course in Clearwater. This facility has an 18-hole golf course, a simulated practice area and a learning center. The First Tee Clearwater offers programming for youths ages 5 through 18. These include: Saturday programs, in-school programs, after-school programs, home-schooled programs and summer camps. Confidential scholarships are available for these programs. Instruction for the programs is provided by PGA Professional Randy Cohen, Life Skills Director Brandon Walker and Executive Director Phyllis Lewellyn.
One of the goals for The First Tee Clearwater is to begin a Community Out-Reach Program to involve the youth in our community who might otherwise never have the opportunity to play golf.
The First Tee Clearwater depends on volunteers, grants, donations and fundraising to make the program successful. The Chapter has quite a wish list that seems to grow each day. One item on the list is to place an office trailer on the property to operate the programs and to create a “Club House” for the youth in the programs. The Club House will offer these children a sense of belonging and importance.
If you would like to get your child involved in The First Tee Clearwater, contact Phyllis Lewellyn at 727/726-8829, extension 201. If you would like to volunteer to work with the children, participate in fundraising events, or make a donation, please call Phyllis Lewellyn at 727/742-7307, e-mail
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or visit www.thefirstteeclearwater.org.
