The First Tee Network Meeting Launches New Curriculum and New Honorary Chair!

At the The First Tee Network meeting in San Antonio this past weekend, more than 600 chapter executive directors, program directors, coaches and volunteer board members gathered as they do each bienneium.  The meeting proved to be very busy and productive.  The First Tee announced that former President George W. Bush has agreed to serve as the new honorary chairman of the program, replacing his father, former President George H.W. Bush, who will move into an emeritus honorary chair role.  Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., chief executive officer of The First Tee, said, "On behalf of The First Tee network, I welcome President George W. Bush and thank him for his interest and engagement in this organization. His father has had an enormous impact on our efforts, and we look forward to continuing our work with their guidance and leadership."

In addition, The First Tee has announced --  in conjunction with Annika Sorenstam and her ANNIKA Foundation as well as the Florida Hospital for Children -- the introduction of a new curriculum framework.  The First Tee Nine Healthy Habits provide a platform for the nine pillars of energy, play, safety, vision, mind, family, friends, school and community.  "The First Tee has always shared my passion for building awareness around the healthy aspects of golf," said Annika. "The First Tee Nine Healthy Habits are a smart and systematic approach to reach children about health and fitness, and educate them on healthy life skills that they can integrate into their lives, even outside of golf." 

The network meeting also focused on a new five year plan that seeks to grow The First Tee around the nation.  The goal is to reach more than 8 million youth through at least 1,500 chapters by 2015, as well as increase elementary school participation to more than 8,000 .  The organization currently reaches 4.7 million young people.  Increased attention will also focus upon including more females and teenagers in the program while also increasing diversity. 

Stay tuned for more information on all these initatives as well as a wonderful presentation by our First Tee of Fort Worth instructor Carlos Batista on his family's involvment in The First Tee!