Tee Time Begins at Bedminster School

The First Tee came to Bedminster Township School Tuesday to introduce a new program that will teach golf and other skills to students.

Physical education teacher Jenna Thomas is responsible for bringing The First Tee National School Program to Bedminster.

“The First Tee emphasizes and introduces the importance of respecting others and having good sportsmanship at a young age,” she said. “Lastly, it engages all students in class as well as opening the door to another life-long activity.”

Thomas said she was introduced to the program through the New Jersey Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, and she decided to look into it this year, soon being asked to serve on the board for the Raritan Valley Chapter of The First Tee.

The program, launched in 2004, is designed to help students develop an appreciation for the social values associated with golf, and they have the opportunity to participate in activities through the sport.

“There is a lot of exposure to golf in Bedminster, and a lot of parents play, but some of the kids don’t,” she said.

The First Tee Raritan Valley Chapter, Thomas said, provided the school with a $3,200 grant for equipment to be used in the teaching of the skills. Tuesday was Bedminster’s demo day, when they finally got to use the golf clubs and other equipment they had received.

Mark McCabe, program director with The First Tee Raritan Valley Chapter, said the organization gives grants to schools, and serves six counties in New Jersey, including Somerset and Hunterdon.

“We provide some grants, and some businesses sponsor schools,” he said.

At this point, there are 20 school districts, and 80 schools, in New Jersey, that offer the National School Program through The First Tee.

This school program focuses on physical, social and emotional wellness, while also teaching about the game of golf.

Thomas had previously taken a training course to develop skills in teaching golf effectively, as well as the core values of The First Tee, and members of the program and the USGA were on hand to work with the students Tuesday.

Thomas said the work was being done with students in grades first through eighth.

“It is interesting to see how the older kids take to it,” she said. “But the first class we had today [of fourth graders], it was the third time they were doing these exercises, and they were still super excited. It is neat to see they are still enthusiastic about the game.”

Aside from practicing their miniature golf skills, students had practice rolling the balls, standing correctly with the golf club and mastering their techniques.

“They are getting good hand-eye coordination,” Thomas said, adding that this is especially useful in working with special education students.

Plus, Thomas said, these skills are things students will remember and utilize in the future.

“We are trying to promote a lifelong sport,” she said. “This is something they will take in business and for the rest of their lives. We are reaching out to kids to change their lives.”