The Golf Channel's Rich Lerner & Zakki Blatt Strunk, First Tee of Greater Philadelphia

First Tee expands footprint, fosters the game's growth

  Its mission is “to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character; instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.”

  As The First Tee of Greater Philadelphia broadens its scope, it continues to make good on that promise.

  “This is a really good time for us,” Executive Director John MacDonald said. “We’ve expanded our footprint.”

  That footprint now includes Philadelphia’s seven surrounding counties — Burlington, Camden and Gloucester in New Jersey; Bucks, Delaware, Chester and Montgomery in Pennsylvania. As a result, the First Tee of Greater Philadelphia may implement its programming at facilities within the aforementioned counties.

  “We want to engage more PGA professionals in each section,” MacDonald said.

  Currently, the First Tee of Greater Philadelphia operates at FDR Golf Course and Walnut Lane Golf Club. It is available to kids ages 6-18. Approximately 5,800 children belong to The First Tee of Greater Philadelphia.

  It’s easy to get involved, too. Those interested may stop by either FDR or Walnut Lane with a parent in tow and give it a try.

  “When the weather is nice, they go out, hit some balls or get involved in the snag golf efforts for beginners,” MacDonald said. “They may spend some time playing chess or golf games on the computer. We have an indoor putting green at FDR.”

  If a child wishes to pursue the First Tee of Greater Philadelphia, then their parents must submit an enrollment application. Classes take place after-school in the spring and fall and on Saturdays. Cost is $25 for an 8-16 classes over an eight-week period. It costs $75 for those wishing to enroll in the First Tee of Greater Philadelphia’s certification program for a full year. Financial aid is available in both cases.

  No golf clubs? No problem.

  “We have plenty of equipment for the kids,” MacDonald said. “As kids progress through the program, we’ll give them equipment. A lot of the kids are trying out for the high school programs, and we’ll help them with clubs and bags along the way.”

  Certification levels include par, birdie, eagle and ace — all based on a child’s skillset as he or she progresses through the program. The First Tee of Greater Philadelphia also offers an introductory level called “target” for beginners, which has its own set of objectives and lesson plans.

  “There were a lot of kids that weren’t ready to get into par,” MacDonald said.

  The First Tee of Greater Philadelphia preaches nine core values: confidence, courtesy, honesty, integrity, judgment, perseverance, respect, responsibility and sportsmanship. Each one is emphasized in the organization’s life skills programs.

  Patrick Molloy is a student who exemplified such values. Blind in eyesight but not in determination, Molloy earned the Royal Bank of Scotland Achiever’s Award.

  “He converted much of our curricular materials to brail so we can use it in sight-impaired schools,” MacDonald said.

  Zakki Blatt Strunk is another First Tee of Greater Philadelphia success story. Born with a complex congenital heart defect, he underwent countless surgeries and depended on oxygen 24/7. Blatt Strunk learned of The First Tee organization during a cardiac rehab session and found a positive outlet.

  “It gives me the foundation to build your life upon, or in my case, to heal my body, mind and spirit,” Zakki said.

  “From the moment we walked in there, he [David Smith, Jr., one of First Tee of Greater Philadelphia’s golf professionals] treated Zakki like any other kid. That became a real gem in Zakki’s eye,” Stephanie Blatt, Zakki’s mother, said. “Once he hit that golf course, the healing began. It wasn’t sudden but it wasn’t subtle. He started believing in himself again, and they believed in him.”

  Today, Zakki is no longer on oxygen. His heart and lungs aren’t failing. He has grown for the first time in five years. His stress-induced seizures that in the past needed CPR have stopped, and his stress-induced immune suppression has improved.

  “It was an incredible response to relief of stress,” Stephanie Blatt said. “He started setting goals and learning how to let go and move forward. He learned there are things that he can control and things that he can’t control. It [the First Tee organization] is much more than golf. I would say golf is the vehicle to bring about these radical changes — one life at a time. Zakki is now engaged in life again.”

  Zakki is currently progressing through the Ace certification level.

  “It’s given me a vision to build upon and a future that I’m excited about,” Zakki said. “I’m moving along great.”

  The First Tee of Greater Philadelphia is earning national praise as well. It achieved the Ace certification level for the sixth consecutive year.

  To sustain its arm of support, the First Tee of Greater Philadelphia conducts three fundraisers annually. It also relies on monetary and equipment donations, as well as the generosity of 75 volunteers, to fulfill its mission.

  “It’s pretty exciting to see kids grow,” MacDonald said. “A lot of folks wonder what makes the First Tee different. I think it’s the energy focused on the curriculum. I think it’s the club atmosphere that’s created around our sites. I also think there’s such a tremendous opportunity for kids to participate in some many other kinds of things we have for them.”

  To learn more about the First Tee of Greater Philadelphia, click here.

  Founded in 1897, the Golf Association of Philadelphia (GAP) is the oldest regional golf association in the United States and serves as the principal ruling body of amateur golf in its region. Its 145 Member Clubs and 57,000 individual members are spread across parts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland. As Philadelphia’s Most Trusted Source of Golf Information, the Golf Association of Philadelphia’s mission is to promote, preserve and protect the game of golf.