Category: The First Tee Nine Core Values

How to React to Challenging Situations

KMB7683 We all face challenges in life. Whether it is a sport like golf or life in general, few goals are ever achieved without encountering some obstacles along the way. Part of our mission at The First Tee is to equip youth to deal with challenges, no matter how big or small. Youth in our junior golf programs learn practical skills they can apply to any situation, even after they enter adulthood.

HOW DO WE USE GOLF TO LEARN ABOUT REACTING TO CHALLENGES?

starCoaches emphasize the need to make good decisions when facing a challenge and introduce participants to the acronym: STAR.

STOP AND TAKE A DEEP BREATH.stop_star_k_rsg

When you face a challenge in life, the first step in deciding how to overcome it is to STOP what you are doing or what you are getting ready to do. This allows you to pause and gives your mind a break.

THINK OF ALL YOUR CHOICES.think_star_k_rsg

The next step in good decision-making is to THINK of your choices. What are some of the choices you have in this situation? Take time to think of as many choices as possible.

ANTICIPATE WHAT COULD HAPPEN.anticipation_star_k_rsg

The third step is to ANTICIPATE the consequences (good or bad) of each choice. When you anticipate the consequences of each choice, think how the choice will affect your ability to reach your goals.

RESPOND BY SELECTING THE BEST CHOICE.respond_star_k_rsg

After you have identified all your choices and you have anticipated the consequences of each choice, the final step is to RESPOND by picking the best choice. What makes something the best choice? The best choice is the one that helps you get to your goal. What one person considers the best choice may differ from what another person thinks is best.

THE FIRST TEE – IT’S MORE THAN A GAME

by Lauren Taylor Senior Coordinator, Communications The First Tee

How is Golf Different from Other Sports?

There are many misconceptions about golf. At The First Tee, we have heard them all:
  • Golf isn’t a sport
  • Golf is boring
  • Golf is all luck, no skill
  • Golfers are not real athletes
To help change the perception of golf, here are nine ways we think golf is different from other sports.

2014 NVFTO celebrating photoTHE TOP 9 WAYS GOLF IS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER SPORTS

  • You call penalties on yourself
  • You report your own score
  • Your mind and the golf course are the opponents
  • Every golf course is different—each has its own challenges
  • Golf requires and promotes high principles and values
  • You improve your concentration, combining power with finesse and accuracy
  • Golf is a lifelong sport, spanning generations of people who can play
  • The golf handicap system means everyone can play as an equal
  • You can play the game on your own, with others or as part of a team

WHAT MAKES THE FIRST TEE UNIQUE?

Kids and teens don’t just learn the fundamentals of a golf swing. Our character education curriculum helps teach junior golfers how to manage emotions, resolve conflicts, communicate, set goals and more!

THE POWER OF RELATIONSHIPS

golf-teachingAdditionally, The First Tee coaches create positive relationships that inspire young people to discover their individual potential. Through The First Tee Life Skills Experience curriculum, youth build confidence, develop respect and appreciate the value of giving back to their community, all while learning the sport of golf. by Chace Breitmoser Senior Coordinator, Communications and Publications The First Tee