GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Calvin College men's and women's golf team recently took part in an event to help out local youth, hosted by The First Tee of West Michigan at Kent Country Club.

37 participants of The First Tee paired up with Calvin College, Cornerstone University and Grand Valley State University golfers in a nine-hole alternate shot event on Friday, October 19. Afterwards, participants and the college golfers ate dinner together. For pictures from the event, click here.

"This our eighth year doing this event, and our students say it's their favorite event of the whole year. It's a great opportunity for our participants to rub shoulders with young role models and learn what the game of golf has done for them," said Tyler Smies, Executive Director of The First Tee of West Michigan.

"We worked with more than 1,000 students at The First Tee program this year, but it really comes down to each individual participant, and how they are growing as a person. This event gives some of our young people a confidence boost, and gets them thinking about what they want to be when they grow up," Smies said, who played on Calvin's golf team from 2006-2010.

Students who played in the event took part in The First Tee's Life Skills Experience program this golf season at one of eleven area courses in West Michigan. Sessions are held in Grand Rapids at Stormy Creek GC, Lincoln CC, Maple Hill GC, Indian Trails GC, Cascade Hills CC, and Kent CC. The First Tee also hosted classes in Muskegon and Holland.

The chapter serves youth age 7-17 from all socio-economic backgrounds teaching them life skills, values and healthy habits through the game of golf. This year, The First Tee of West Michigan partnered to provide programs to students from Kentwood Public Schools, Grand Rapids Public Schools, Wyoming Public Schools, Wedgwood Christian Services, Arbor Circle and many others.

The First Tee students wrapped up outside classes last week, but their clubs are not put away for long. Starting in mid-November, The First Tee runs their winter tutoring and swing training program, named Homework & Hitting at several area locations.

Established in 2011, The First Tee of West Michigan's mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values promote healthy choices through the game of golf. For more information on The First Tee of West Michigan, visit www.thefirstteewestmichigan.org or call 616-965-6633.

(story provided by Calvin College sports information)

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