First Tee Growing Fast in West Michigan

By Tom Lang

   First Tee’s West Michigan chapter, based in Grand Rapids, saw tremendous growth last spring that should help the program that teaches youth about life skills and character-building via the game of golf, gain even more traction and provide more opportunities for kids. The staff and volunteers expanded into Kalamazoo in a record first year, in part with help from a $10,000 grant by the USGA.

   “Last spring, we were off to the races and started programming in Kalamazoo and we were just overwhelmed with the response,” said Tyler Smies, the only executive director the chapter has had since its beginning 11 years ago. “We ended up with 351 kids in 2021, by far the most we’ve had in a first year, including the Grand Rapids program. 

   “It has been extremely encouraging including the fact that we were reaching our target demographics, with 120 of those kids on scholarship, based on their family’s income. Those kids get in the program for $5 or less, and we actively pursue those students to make sure they have an opportunity to play and to learn the game.”

   Smies gave much credit to Kalamazoo-area golf supporters Dean Marks, who runs the municipal golf courses in Kalamazoo, and Mitch Wilson, the golf coach at Kalamazoo College who’s well known for his competitive play in GAM tournaments. 

   Marks runs the Kalamazoo Junior Golf Association, which provides more competitive play in the region. First Tee’s better players can easily transition into that “partnership” program.    The chapter has a special program that funds scholarships for students to get one-on-one lessons with local pros as well, to experience their best growth in the game.

   The chapter serves an average of 1,675 kids annually in Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Holland and now Kalamazoo.

   Smies agrees that volunteers are the backbone of programs like First Tee. They mentor youth, provide help with homework, and are positive examples in the community. One such volunteer is Board member Jason Manshum. He began by donating some equipment to the program, then did some coaching and four years later serves on the Board. He said his motivation for helping first started by his parents teaching him about golf and his dad building his first set of clubs.

   “I immediately fell in love with the game,” Manshum said. “The lessons that you learn, the nature of it being you against the course, there’s a lot of mental challenges, and of course physical challenges. And I love being outdoors in a beautiful setting. So, fast forward all these years later, I’m still and avid golfer who takes trips and plays locally, and with a great group of friends. 

   “I realized golf has opened so many doors for me and I have made so many connections and built relationships with people who golf that I probably wouldn’t have otherwise, that I wanted to give back to the sport somehow. So, how do I do that; enter the First Tee. If you look at the mission, golf is just the vehicle used to teach life lessons to kids. On the course, at home, in the classroom, down the road on the job. Persistence, perseverance, things like confidence – the things I believe you inherently learn when you put a club in your hand and a peg in the ground at the first tee.”

   Manshum said his favorite First Tee program in West Michigan is unique to most other chapters. It’s called Homework and Hitting and is active for three 6-week segments from spring to fall.

   He said at multiple locations, kids can come in and get guidance on homework. Once they complete the homework, the kids can do indoor putting, hit balls into nets or indoor bays. There are additional games or activities to play and socialize.

   “I think it helps keep the kids’ skills sharp, but also keeps them interested in the game through the wintertime. We’ve had a lot of success with that the past few winters at several locations across West Michigan.”

   A highlight for the chapter in 2021 were two students being chosen to play along side PGA Tour Champions players in the Pure Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach. 

   Angelo Luciani played with pro Tim Herron, and Jack Seufert played with Woody Austin. They were both high school golf teammates at East Grand Rapids at the time, and the first to reach that event for West Michigan. Players have to have a 4 handicap or lower to even apply.