SLCPD First Tee graduates 25 youth from inaugural program

SALT LAKE CITY — For most junior golfers, the main concepts are simple: keep your eye on the ball, give it everything you’ve got with focus, aim, and connect. To build on those concepts, Salt Lake City Police Department, Glendale Golf course and First Tee partnered on a program that could take golf and life lessons to a new level.

First Tee has organized these golf programs to empower underserved kids between the ages of 7 and 17. However, according to Salt Lake City Police Chief Mike Brown, the unique element in this particular First Tee partnership was partnering with police officers as coaches and mentors, for the first time ever.

“We are out in the community as much as possible to make connections, provide service, and improve safety,” Chief Brown said. “We know that we can only do that if residents trust us. We are committed to making those connections and building trust starting from a very young age. Plus, this is just a lot of fun!”

The group’s final golf event of the season will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 18. During the program, youth participants will demonstrate skills they learned, and will receive a certificate of participation.

• Who: Salt Lake Police Chief Mike Brown, Frist Tee of Utah Executive Director Paul Pugmire, PGA Associate of Glendale Golf Course Steve Loyola
• What: Media availability to talk about Partnership with The First Tee
• When: 4 p.m. Tuesday, September 18^th
• Where: Glendale Golf Course 2100 S. 1630 W.

The program brings youth participants together every Tuesday for 10 weeks to learn how to golf from some of the best in the area. They also have the opportunity to be mentored by golf pros and law enforcement to teach how young people can find success in a sport and in life.

Each golf lesson keys in on one of nine core values, which include: honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy, and judgment.

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