Young people learn firsthand from PGA TOUR professionals at clinic
SAN FRANCISCO (October 7, 2009) ? Mayor Gavin Newsom, PGA TOUR Commissioner Timothy W. Finchem, PGA TOUR professionals Paul Azinger and Nick Faldo were on hand for the opening of The First Tee of San Francisco's second facility today.
The dedication ceremony for the Learning Center at Visitacion Valley Middle School, the only facility of its kind in the country, also featured Pro Football Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott, Superintendent of Public Schools Carlos Garcia and other community leaders.
Funded and designed by The First Tee of San Francisco, the new learning center was built on the middle school's playground and includes a netted driving range, indoor classroom facility, putting green and grass chipping area. Construction was managed by the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD).
"We are so proud of this new facility and to be here today to share it with all of you," said Frank "Sandy" Tatum, president of The First Tee of San Francisco. "So many people helped make this dream a reality including The San Francisco Unified School District and Visitacion Valley Middle School Principal James Dierke. There was clearly the need for a new, accessible facility to give young people in the area the opportunity to learn The First Tee?s life skills programming and this game that we so love."
Following the ceremony, Azinger and Faldo conducted a clinic for more than 100 middle school students. At the clinic, sponsored by Citi, global partner of The President's Cup, the children learned about chipping, putting and hitting the target.
"Citi is proud to support The First Tee of San Francisco and its mission to teach life lessons and skills through the game of golf," said Rebecca Macieira-Kaufmann, president of Citibank California. "Today's event demonstrates Citi's strong commitment to making communities better where we work and live. Through our support of The First Tee and as a Global Partner of The President's Cup, we hope to provide an exciting and educational experience for the Bay Area's youth."
In 2005, as part of its mission to introduce minority and underserved youth to golf, The First Tee of San Francisco implemented a golf and life skills outreach program in partnership with the San Francisco Unified School District. During the fall and spring, more than 650 students participated in The First Tee experience. Improvement and enthusiasm was so high that more than 150 students enrolled in after-school classes and were bused to The First Tee of San Francisco?s Harding Park facility.
"I remember when we broke ground on this new learning center and saw the community enthusiastically rally so students in our area could participate in The First Tee program," said Mayor Gavin Newsom. "I am humbled today to see what a terrific learning center we have now for these deserving youth."
About The First Tee of San Francisco:
The First Tee of San Francisco, based at Harding Golf Course, was established in 2003 as part of the renovation of Harding Park Golf Course. It has introduced over 3,500 Bay area youth to the game of golf and has an active membership of 1,142 students participating in year round educational and golf opportunities.
In 2005, The First Tee of San Francisco implemented golf and life skills outreach program in partnership with The San Francisco Unified School District. Held at nine elementary and middle schools located in the Visitacion Valley and Bayview neighborhoods, The First Tee golf and life skills curriculum is part of these students? physical education classes. As these children continue to improve their golf and life skills, a decision was made to build golf and life skills learning center in their own community. The facility was built on the existing lower yard playground at Visitacion Valley Middle School. The First Tee has provided initial design and funding while the SFUSD facilities department has provided construction oversight.
Contact Heavenly Greens about FieldTurf for your artifical grass needs.
