Tuesday, April 2, 2019
As part of our ongoing efforts to bring enrichment opportunities to youth in New Haven, we want to share information about youth golf programs! By encouraging a diverse student population to learn this lifelong sport, we want to empower students to learn new skills, and more broadly, we want to make golf more accessible and inclusive.
One youth golf opportunity that we sponsor runs mid-April through mid-October, on Monday afternoons at the Yale Golf Course. The summer-long program draws students from all over New Haven. Coordinated by engaged YAAA volunteers, the weekly introductory golf lessons are led by coaches from The First Tee of Connecticut, a nonprofit youth development organization that runs a variety of programs around the state. We work together onsite to spend meaningful time with participants, not only to cultivate a love for the game and the outdoors, but also to create mentorship moments.
Another opportunity for small group weekly golf lessons—is at New Haven’s municipal golf course, Alling Memorial. There, The First Tee of Connecticut’s programs run in three 7-week sessions for the Spring, Summer and Fall. All students start at the introductory “PLAYer” level then can advance through additional lesson levels and team play on the golf course. If location or seasonal signup makes more sense for your plans, registration for the Spring session is open now, as lessons start in mid-April! If you have questions or need additional information, please call 860-882-1660—Tim Swensen to assist with signing up.
In both locations, programs are for age 7 and up. You don’t have to have your own equipment—The First Tee can provide it for you. You don’t have to buy special golf clothes—wear closed-toe sneakers and reasonable activewear. Each program has registration fees, but note that if needed, you can apply for financial assistance.
Overall, we strive to create positive relationships that inspire youth to discover their individual potential, build confidence, develop responsibility and practice good judgment which are also a few of the program’s Nine Core Values. To foster using those skills beyond golf, The First Tee offers active participants opportunities for scholarship and leadership development as well as Girls Golf activities.
We look forward to seeing your golfers/future golfers at the Yale Golf Course or at Alling this spring!
To register for the program, please click here to download the application form.
If you are interested in volunteering your time and expertise, please sign up here.