LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Now that parents have the option to sign their kids up to play sports with re-openings in the Commonwealth. One organization is teaching them how to grow as a golfer and a person and they also made changes to keep everyone healthy.
The First Tee of Louisville is an organization dedicated to teaching children the game of golf. But the coaches aren't only concerned about them perfecting their swing—they're teaching life skills.
"The end goal is to really make them good golfers and better people," First Tee of Louisville Program Director, Blake Hardesty, said.
Lessons on the green have life lessons intertwined with them like respect. Coaches teach their players to respect the golf course and take that attitude with them to their family and friends.
They also address honesty and integrity and of course, to have a good time.
"The kids aren't always worried about how good they hit the ball they are more into the team aspect and cheering each other on," Hardesty said.
Cheering on and encouraging on another looks much different during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the golfers are finding a number of ways to do it, just six-feet apart.
"Clapping or dance moves, I know a few of our coaches instead of giving high fives, they'll touch gloves," Hardesty said.
Children make it a little challenging, but the outside space helps to keep them on par.
They're also splitting the classes up into two groups with no more than 8 people, sanitizing everything and giving out prepackaged snacks. All coaches are wearing masks and golf gloves and everyone has to get their temperature checked every day.
It takes a little longer but it's keeping people safe so they can focus on what's important.
"We don't judge you on your golf skills, we don't care how good or bad you are at golf," Hardesty said.
So whether they get an ace, eagle or triple bogey, it doesn't matter. It's all about teaching the game of golf and how those skills can be utilized in your personal life, and that's what First Tee of Louisville seeks to do.
More What's Right:
If you want to share What’s Right in your neighborhood, send Kristin Pierce a message on Facebook or Twitter.
►Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the WHAS11 News app now. For Apple or Android users.
Have a news tip? Email assign@whas11.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.