'The First Tee' Youth Golf Center Opens on Belle Isle
22 June 1999
'The First Tee' Youth Golf Center Opens on Belle Isle
DETROIT, June 22 -- The First Tee -- a nationwide golf
initiative created by the World Golf Foundation (WGF) to provide affordable
golf access -- officially opened a new training center on Belle Isle today.
Created in partnership with the State of Michigan, the City of Detroit,
and corporate sponsors Ford Motor Company and Visteon Automotive Systems,
Belle Isle becomes the first facility in a statewide First Tee of Michigan
program.
The First Tee facilities are developed to provide golf instruction as well
as practice and playing opportunities for those who otherwise might not have
an opportunity to play, with a special emphasis on kids.
Participating in the opening ceremony were Tim Finchem, PGA TOUR
commissioner and chairman of the WGF; SENIOR PGA TOUR member
Chi Chi Rodriguez; Detroit Deputy Mayor Freman Hendrix; Dennis Schornack from
the State of Michigan; The First Tee Executive Director Tod Leiweke;
Wayne Doran, chairman of Ford Motor Land Services Corporation; Kevin Singer,
Executive Director of Global Corporate Communications for Visteon Automotive
Systems, and youth golfer Devin Mays.
"Those of us who believe in the values of golf want to see the opportunity
to play the game extended to all segments of our population," said Finchem.
"The First Tee can have a tremendous impact on golf; but, more importantly, it
can have a real impact on the lives of young people who are attracted to the
game."
The First Tee's youth training center includes a driving range, a pitch
and chip course and a putting green to attract children and young adults who
are eager to learn the game of golf.
Children from existing area golf programs who attended the Belle Isle
center's kick-off received helpful instruction from PGA of America teaching
professionals. Mini-clinics were held for the students at the driving range,
chip and putt course, and putting green. Youth program leaders were given an
orientation of the facility as well as information about The First Tee's
programs.
The First Tee provides golf management expertise, consulting services and
land planning to communities interested in creating chapters. Public-private
partnerships in each community are the primary funding source for each
facility.
Corporate & Civic Sponsors Partner-Up To Bring Golf Program To Metro
Detroit
Bringing The First Tee to Detroit took the combined efforts of the City of
Detroit, State of Michigan, Ford Motor Company and Visteon Automotive Systems.
When The First Tee was introduced by the WGF, the emphasis was on selecting
sites across the country to conduct the program in new or renovated facilities
that provided both learning and playing aspects of the game. Because of the
long-standing relationship between the PGA TOUR and Ford, Detroit was chosen
as one of the original First Tee sites.
"Ford's ties to Southeast Michigan go back nearly 100 years," said Doran.
"This partnership builds upon our shared heritage and will help contribute to
the revitalization of one of Detroit's most cherished sites -- Belle Isle --
one more visible sign of Ford's commitment to the city."
As part of its ongoing corporate citizenship initiative and commitment to
the area's youth, Ford has contributed $2.1 million for the new design and
construction of the practice facilities and youth training center.
Renovations to the existing facilities began in early 1998. Various critical
elements were taken into account, including the safety of the players,
maintenance issues and public accessibility. Additionally, the design by Rick
Smith Design, Inc. preserves the site's existing natural features,
incorporating wetland systems, native vegetation and wildlife habitats.
"Belle Isle is very much a part of Detroit's history and has the potential
to draw beyond the city's boundaries, which is an important part of this
project," Doran said. "When you include the location among the benefits
provided for kids in the area, you can see why we believe we have a real
winner here."
In a symbolic gesture, Doran presented the ceremonial keys to the training
center to Freman Hendrix, officially turning operation of the facility over to
the City of Detroit.
"Thanks to the generosity of corporations such as Ford and Visteon,
Detroit's youth will have the opportunity to learn and practice the game of
golf at a world-class facility in the heart of our city," said Hendrix. "The
First Tee is a welcome addition to Belle Isle."
"Programs like The First Tee offer children a very rewarding experience
and a chance to see the possibilities of their future," said Craig Muhlhauser,
president of Visteon. "Visteon believes that, if given opportunity and
nurturing, every child has the potential to shape the future of our global
community."
Initial funding for the golf training program has been provided by a
$1 million contribution from the Visteon "See the possibilities" Fund,
Visteon's new corporate giving program. The Fund was created to inspire hope
for children around the world by supporting innovative and enterprising
initiatives that enrich the lives of children. Visteon is the first company
to support "The First Tee of Michigan".
"The First Tee will provide affordable access for Michigan's youth," said
Governor John Engler. "It is a very worthy program that offers children from
all walks of life a place to learn and play while developing discipline and
confidence."
The State of Michigan indicated support of this program by recently
awarding The First Tee of Michigan an arts and cultural grant totaling
$250,000 in one-time funding.
Presently, only two percent of children between the ages of 11 and 17 are
being introduced to golf each year. PGA of America and LPGA teaching
professionals will be responsible for the conducting the golf lessons, which
will make use of the A-Star training system. This computer technology allows
an instructor, through the use of videotape, to review a child's form and
suggest improvements. The system enables the child to get first-hand
instruction on how to improve their game.
"Golf is fun and we want people to enjoy themselves when they go to The
First Tee teaching centers," Leiweke said. "But in addition to fun and
learning the basic fundamentals of the game, we think they also will be
exposed to some basic life lessons."
The City of Detroit's Department of Recreation is responsible for the care
and maintenance of 393 city parks, six golf courses, three marinas and
38 recreation centers for public use. Recreation programming is provided for
over one million attendees at the recreation centers. Over three million
people attend the summer festivals at Hart Plaza, and over seven million visit
Belle Isle each year. The Belle Isle facility offers a challenging nine-hole
course to experienced golfers in addition to the new First Tee facility.
Ford Motor Company is the world's largest producer of trucks, the second
largest automotive manufacturer and the seventh largest company, employing
more than 370,000 people.
With a global delivery system of more than 125 technical, manufacturing,
sales and service facilities located in 21 countries, Visteon Automotive
Systems is leveraging the talents of its 77,000 employees to deliver
innovative, consumer-driven solutions to its customers.
Southeast Michigan communities or organizations interested in being part
of The First Tee of Michigan youth golf program should contact Lisa Woodcox at
248-545-4929.