About MGA Links: News

Headline: The First Tee of Massachusetts Hits the Road... Makes Special Trips to Dennis Highlands Golf Course and Westborough Country Club

For Immediate Release: July 2, 2010

Hundreds of children enjoyed instruction and fun at The First Tee of Massachusetts clinics held at Westborough Country Club and Dennis Highlands Golf Course.

Norton, MA —This past week The First Tee of Massachusetts hit the road and visited two local golf courses – Dennis Highlands Golf Course and Westborough Country Club.

As a way of bringing the teachings of the nationally-heralded junior golf program to Bay State youth located across the state, the staff of The First Tee of Massachusetts hosts junior golf clinics throughout the summer months.

The first of such clinics was held on June 28 at Westborough Country Club, while a second followed just one day later at Dennis Highlands Golf Course.

"These clinics are a great way for us to bring The First Tee directly to the MGA's Member Clubs," said Joe McCabe, executive director of The First Tee of Massachusetts. "We teach the participants the basics of putting and swinging but we also touch on the many values inherent in the game of golf."

Click Here to View the 2010 The First Tee of Massachusetts Photo Albums

These annual clinics are free of charge to all of the participants. Volunteers from the neighboring towns assist The First Tee of Massachusetts staff throughout the day

"These clinics would not be possible without the support of our volunteers," said McCabe, who has been at the helm of The First Tee of Massachusetts for the past four years. "Many of them are familiar with the children, so it creates a fun environment… the full day of activities goes by very quickly."

Since 2003 when the Massachusetts Golf Association partnered with The First Tee, McCabe and his dedicated staff and volunteer base has been committed to the program's unique mission to impact the lives of children by offering learning facilities and educational programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf.

Seven years ago, The First Tee of Massachusetts opened its headquarter facility in Norton, an 18-hole, par 3 facility called MGA Links at Mamantanpett. In addition to hosting summer-long clinics for a wide-range of community groups, the course (which is named after the river that weaves its way through the 2,273 layout) is also open for public play throughout the year, New England weather permitting.

As a result, "The Links", which it is affectionately called by its devoted membership, has become a destination spot for the beginner and avid golfer in Southeastern Massachusetts and beyond. One of its unique benefits is a $150 per year junior membership that offers unlimited daily play, complimentary Saturday morning clinics and weekly tournament opportunities. The success of the junior program speaks for itself. After all, the club welcomes 600 junior members each year and has been forced to create a waiting list to accommodate the interested young golfers.

"We are continually amazed at the interest in our programs here at The Links," said Pete Walsh, who has served as head golf professional at The Links for the past five years. "What is most gratifying for the staff is to see the young kids grow throughout the season. The shyness that we see in the spring is usually gone by mid summer as they develop confidence with the game and with their peers."

In order to continue to expand the program across the state, The First Tee of Massachusetts has opened satellite facilities in Lynnfield, Springfield and on Cape Cod. Independently owned, the instructors at these satellite facilities are trained in The First Tee program.

"The satellite facility concept was developed by the national organization in order for us to bring The First Tee program to other parts of the state without having to purchase or develop new facilities," noted McCabe. "Our satellite facilities are already equipped to host our clinics and are able to serve an average of 300 children per season."

The First Tee of Massachusetts will continue to host clinics throughout the summer.

About The First Tee of Massachusetts
The First Tee of Massachusetts is dedicated to promoting and preserving the integrity and values of the game of golf in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It aims to align itself with youth agencies and entities for the purpose of introducing children to the game of golf and its inherent values in an affordable and accessible manner. For more information about The First Tee of Massachusetts, please visit www.thefirstteemass.org.