“Social golf” has become very popular. Business deals are discussed in boardrooms, but sealed on the golf course. Prospective clients now are no longer wooed with free lunches only, but taken for a round of golf. And why not? In our hectic, profit oriented, stress ridden society, golf courses are places of exceptional serenity, beauty and solitude.

There is a nation wide wonderful program that teaches young children the basics of golfing: the First Tee. Depending on the state you are in, classes run by season (as here in Oklahoma City), or year round (as in Las Vegas, NV). There is a low membership fee of $ 25.00 per year per child, which covers all teaching sessions, plus a memento T-shirt. In many cases golf equipment is available also at no cost to those who cannot afford to purchase the clubs, or are unsure if their child will stick with the program.

Not only do the classes teach the actual physical techniques of the game, but are aiming at developing social skills and character training. Each session includes hands-on activities involving at least one the of the Nine Core Values: (source: http://www.thefirsttee.org)

Classes end with a practical and theoretical test before the child can go on to the next level, and can be repeated as many times as necessary. In many cities children that are part of the program will receive discounts from local golf courses, and in some cases even get to play free on municipal courses once they reach a certain level of skill.