Austin Knox, 9, watches the putt during a drive, chip and putt competition at the First Tee Augusta golf course. (Michael Holahan/Staff)

First Tee Augusta isn't just a place for learning the game of golf. Jill Brown says the main focus is on life lessons.

"The real intent of the program is to make better citizens out of the kids through the game of golf,'' said Ms. Brown, the executive director of the Augusta facility. "We teach positive life skills, and that's what separates the First Tee program from other golf instruction.''

Still, Ms. Brown says it's possible that a Masters winner might come from First Tee Augusta some day.

"We've found that with many of the kids in our program, their golf skill is comparable to or even better than many of the kids who are in golf programs in other places,'' she said.

The six-hole course, which offers golf instruction through a graduated series of eight-week classes, opened about five years ago off Damascus Road. The course also is open for public use at a cost of $6 for players who walk the course and $10 for those who ride a cart, she said.

Ms. Brown said anyone between the ages of 8 and 17 can get involved in First Tee Augusta's program by paying a $25 annual fee and then paying $40 for the eight-week class. Children can progress from pre-par level to par level, birdie level, eagle level and, finally, ace level.

Program members get a discounted rate on green fees and driving-range balls, she said.

Ms. Brown said that when it comes to the number of enrolled children, Augusta is among the top 10 percent of First Tee programs in the nation. First Tee has opened 197 chapters and more than 250 facilities nationwide, according to its Web site.

Ms. Brown said that last year, her location had 694 children enrolled in one of the eight-week classes.

"We have five sessions a year,'' she said. "Since we opened, we've probably served close to 2,800 kids.''

Will Carswell, 13, makes a putt Saturday afternoon March 25, 2006 during the drive, chip and putt competition at the First tee Golf Club in Augusta. (Michael Holahan/Staff)

Ms. Brown said First Tee Augusta also holds summer camps. The course was closed Monday through Wednesday of Masters Week because of the Drive for Show, Rock Fore! Dough II benefit concert at the facility.

First Tee's hours of operation are from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

"We don't take tee times,'' Ms. Brown said. "It's really first-come, first-served.''

Reach Preston Sparks at 868-1222, ext. 115, or preston.sparks@augustachronicle.com.

 

First Tee Augusta

Address: 3165 Damascus Road, Augusta, GA 30909 Phone: (706) 364-4653 Years in operation: About five Required age of participants: 8 to 17; adults must pay public course fees. Costs: To be in a program: $25 annual fee and $40 for an eight-week class; for public use of the six-hole course, visitors pay $6 to walk six holes or $10 to ride a cart.

 

About the series

Many will come to Augusta this week to enjoy a world-class golf tournament. But where do Augustans and their guests go the rest of year? Where do they spend their time, relax and enjoy their community? This week we look at some of those places: a confidential look at our town.

Sunday: Diamond Lakes Regional Park
Monday: James Brown's statue
Tuesday: Al's Restaurant
Wednesday: The Riverwalk
Thursday: Julian Smith Casino
Friday: Savannah Rapids Pavilion
Saturday: Flea markets
Sunday: First Tee