First Tee of Delaware

Anna Leah Blas, five, gives a high-five to Charma Bell, First Tee of Delaware coach, after hitting a great shot on the driving range July 28, 2010. The First Tee of Delaware program goal is to help instill a sense of confidence, integrity and sportsmanship in the children it teaches. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jason Minto/Released)

Program teaches children life lessons, skills

Published Aug. 10, 2010
By Airman 1st Class Matthew Hubby
436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Dover Air Force Base Eagle Creek golf course hosted the First Tee of Delaware program every Wednesday for six weeks after July 4.

The First Tee of Delaware is a sports program for youths to impact the lives of youths in Delaware by providing educational programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf.

The program promotes nine core values that are learned through the study of golf: honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy and judgment.

"This was a wonderful program for the kids," said Patrick Keefe, 436th Force Support Squadron Gold Professional. "The things they learn here are not just related to golf, but good life lessons as well. In golf, we call penalties on ourselves, and it's very different than some sports. It helps the children see that they should be honest both on and off the green."

Dover Air Force Base was one of the 50 bases chosen for the First Tee program when it began. The program also gives the youths a chance at starting a game for life, said Mr. Keefe.

"I have 80 year olds and older out on the course all the time, playing games and walking the entire course," said Mr. Keefe. "This program has the potential to really help these kids, teaching them to go through life with integrity and honesty."