Who is eligible?
All children ages 5 – 17 are eligible to participate in The First Tee of Benton Harbor activities. During the school year The First Tee of Benton Harbor operates within the Boys and Girls Club of Benton Harbor and has classes/rotations Monday - Friday each week.
How do I register?
Registration can be completed at the Boys and Girls Club of Benton Harbor located at 201 Graham Ave., Benton Harbor, MI 49022. You may also register by clicking on the registration link on our home page.
What does it cost and what types of payment do you accept?
The program costs $20 for each session of the Life Skills Experience. You may pay for registration using a credit card online or by cash/check.
Why is the cost so low?
The costs associated with our program are used to register the youth as a member of the Boys and Girls Club of Benton Harbor as well as The First Tee. We keep our costs to the participants low to allow those who normally may not be able to afford to play golf the opportunity.
What is included in the registration fee?
As previously stated, the participant will become a registered member of the Boys and Girls Club and gain access to all The First Tee of Benton Harbor programming. Through The First Tee of Benton Harbor, youth will participate in a four-week session of golf and life-skills instruction. Golf clubs if necessary, access to Milan Creek Golf Course, reduced golf rates at other participating local courses, and limited driving range access at our home course, Harbor Shores Golf Club, are a small portion of the activities that are included in the registration fee.
What is the refund policy?
Although we encourage all of our participants to continue their involvement with golf and our program, youth may choose to withdraw from The First Tee of Benton Harbor at any time. Those who withdraw prior to the start of their sessions will receive a full refund. After sessions have begun, no refunds will be given.
What is the inclement weather policy?
Classes that have to be cancelled due to inclement weather will be made up following the four-week session. When classes are cancelled due to weather, The First Tee of Benton Harbor indoor practice facility will be open to participants who would like to receive instruction.
What happens upon completion of classes?
At the completion of classes, our participants will be asked to complete The First Tee Life Skills Experience Certification process.
What is the The First Tee Life Skills Experience Certification process?
The participant completes certification by taking written life-skills and golf knowledge tests, as well as a golf-skills performance test. These tests have to be completed for the participant to progress within The First Tee program. All participants begin at the new PLAYer level. The certification process guides them through the Par, Birdie, Eagle, and ACE levels as they continue with the program.
Do you do background checks on staff, coaches and volunteers?
All volunteers of The First Tee of Benton Harbor program have to complete both a State of Michigan background check, as well as a check run through the Central Registry System.
How can I become a volunteer?
To become a volunteer, contact the program director of The First Tee of Benton Harbor to receive the forms to have the necessary background checks completed. The only other step is to attend a volunteer orientation, which introduces the concepts and methods used by The First Tee.
What if my child doesn’t have equipment?
The First Tee of Benton Harbor will provide all of the equipment necessary to participate in our classes. If a participant has his/her own golf equipment, the participant is more than welcome to bring and use the equipment during instruction.
Is there a dress code?
We encourage the children to attend classes in proper golf attire – young men: shirts (either short- or long-sleeved), slacks or shorts no more than 4” above the knee; young ladies: collared (either sleeveless, short- or long-sleeved), slacks, golf skirts no more than 4” above the knee, or shorts no more than 6” above the knee. Those who do not have proper golf attire will be allowed to participate in class as long as their dress in deemed appropriate.
Does my child need golf shoes?
Golf shoes are not a necessity. We do ask that all participants wear athletic shoes. Sandals and flip-flops are not considered athletic shoes and in many cases do not provide enough support for the participants’ ankles.
What’s the role of the parent?
Parents are welcome to attend classes with the children. We only ask that parents not interfere with instruction.
Is there a parent orientation meeting?
Not at this time. However, the program director is available to speak with parents about the program and any special events, some of which are open to the participants’ families.
Do boys and girls participate together?
Yes, our boys and girls do participate together in class.
Are we required to participate in fundraising?
The First Tee of Benton Harbor is fortunate to have a committed board of directors and partners who assist with fundraising efforts. Participants in the First Tee of Benton Harbor may be asked to attend certain events to meet potential donors and/or display their golf/life skills.
What if I am having financial difficulties and cannot pay the registration fee?
The First Tee of Benton Harbor will provide scholarships to those that cannot pay the registration fee.
Who do I contact with comments or concerns?
Comments and/or concerns should be directed to the executive director either by email, esanders@thefirstteebentonharbor.org, or by calling the office (269) 927-4653.
Are there attendance requirements for certification?
To participate in the certification process, a participant must attend at least six out of the eight possible classes. Make-up sessions will be provided to those that do not meet this requirement.
