Elkins Park staffer Tai Crutchfield hosted golf lessons for up to 50 Cheltenham students this summer. During two four-week sessions offered through First Tee – Greater Philadelphia, Crutchfield taught youngsters driving, chipping and putting, along with other lessons the game has to offer.
“Golf teaches core values and life lessons,” said Crutchfield, whose 6-year-old daughter Skylar participated in the class. “You learn perseverance and integrity, and respect for your surroundings. It teaches patience and resilience.
“I’m dedicated to exposing kids to the sport,” Crutchfield said. “College golf scholarships are left on the table at an alarming rate. Teaching them golf is important because it can lead to other avenues and take you to places you never thought you’d see.”
Cheltenham High School freshman Bijou Tilema enjoyed her the time in the course.
“It’s pretty stress free. Golf has helped me be peaceful and work on balance. I can see strides in my game,” she said.
“We want to reach as many people as possible,” said First Tee Program Manager Kristen Konieczki. “This program gives them an outlet outside of school, and they’re learning about life. To learn golf as a kid is so huge because it can carry over into so many things. In golf, you keep score yourself, so right there, they’re learning integrity.”
Registration for Fall I Golf Classes, which run from September 25 to November 1 at the Abington Club, is open now. To register, you can click here.
The schedule:
- Mondays: Ages 7-9
- Tuesdays (Girls): Ages 7-18
- Wednesdays: Ages 10-13
If you’re interested in volunteering with First Tee Philadelphia, you can email info@firstteephila.org.
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Photo: Cheltenham School District