TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – First Tee Lake Erie is a program that teaches life lessons on and off the golf course. It impacts the lives of hundreds of kids in Toledo every year. In fact, the executive director says First Tee has more than tripled the number of children served in the last few years.
Golf is the focus of the program, but that’s just scratching the surface when it comes to the lessons the kids come away with. First Tee is a busy place. Even when the greens outside aren’t so green, there’s plenty to do inside.
The mission behind the work that happens here is simple.
“We like to say we’re not trying to create the next Tiger Woods. We’re trying to create great people,” Adam Reny, the executive director, said.
And the work within these walls is far-reaching. Right now, about 700 children are part of the programs throughout the year. Reny says that is a significant increase since the doors opened in 2021.
“We work with kids from all backgrounds in the area to introduce them to life skills and opportunities through the game of golf. Golf has a unique way of opening doors for people,” Reny said.
And the mission is clear.
“Simply, the goal is to give kids opportunities they might not have without this program. Now, several years in, the proof is in the pudding. The program model works; we are busy every day,” Reny said.
First Tee has a partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs. Reny says that offers another layer of fun and learning.
“The kids enroll in both organizations, so they have access to all programs on site, which makes for an impactful program model,” Reny said.
11-year-old Jaxson Billian has been playing golf since he was a toddler. He says he’s loved every minute he’s spent at First Tee.
“I started in first grade and I am now in 6th grade. And you love it here? Yes! What do you love about it? Every single thing I’ve learned over the last six years,” Billian said.
Sydney Socha has become a successful golfer, in large part because of what she’s learned here. But she says that’s just the beginning of her First Tee story.
“I don’t think I’d be where I am character-wise. They have taught me about integrity, respect and not just in golf, but in my own life, the values I want to instill,” Socha said.
Marlon Robinson says First Tee has helped his son become the young man he is today.
“Golf is a skill he’s picked up as a bonus, but it’s more about the community he’s been able to make. It’s taught him responsibility, how to make good decisions, to be respectful and how to demand that same respect in turn,” Robinson said.
A program teeing up the next generation of golfers and leaders.
“I hope when I am 80, I am meeting people who say First Tee changed their lives. At the end of the day, we are making sure we are offering opportunities to help kids to be successful,” Reny said.
You can rent space at first tee for events and the public can also tee it up at the driving range. The facility is on Hill Avenue near the intersection of Reynolds. Apart from those revenue streams, First Tee relies on donations.
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