More than 200 youth across British Columbia had the opportunity to pick up a golf club this summer, some for the first time, through the inaugural First Tee – British Columbia mobile clinics.
Led by Program Coordinator and Level 3-trained coach Max Kleban, the mobile clinic tour travelled nearly 5,000 kilometres over three weeks, bringing no-cost introductory golf programming to five communities across northern and interior B.C.
The initiative was created to address a common challenge facing many communities across the province: while interest in golf exists, access to introductory programming can be limited by geography, staffing and cost.
By bringing First Tee directly to communities, the mobile clinics helped remove those barriers while creating meaningful connections between young people and local golf facilities.
Bringing golf to communities
From July 19 to Aug. 5, Kleban delivered 27 clinics at Aspen Grove Golf Course in Prince George, Lakepoint Golf & Country Club near Fort St. John, Bootleg Gap Golf in Kimberley, Castlegar Golf Club and Twin Lakes Golf Course near Penticton.
Each 90-minute session introduced participants to the fundamentals of putting, chipping, pitching and the full swing in a fun and supportive environment.
The clinics also incorporated First Tee’s life skills curriculum, helping participants develop skills that are valuable beyond the golf course such as emotional control, confidence, perseverance and respect.
The mobile clinics were open to young people ages 7 to 18, expanding opportunities for older youth to participate and supporting the continued growth of the First Tee program in Canada.
“It was a truly life-changing experience for me,” said Max Kleban, program coordinator with First Tee – British Columbia and lead coach of the clinics. “Getting to be part of someone’s first time golfing is a feeling I will never get tired of. It is incredibly rewarding to see participants’ excitement and confidence grow during the session, and I feel I’ve succeeded when they show a desire to come back to the golf course.”
Kleban said he is excited to continue building programs in the communities visited through the tour and expand the reach of First Tee programming across the province.
Building connections for the future
The success of the inaugural mobile clinic tour was made possible through the support of community partners and host facilities, which helped promote the programs, provide spaces for clinics and create welcoming environments for participants and their families.
The tour also provided First Tee – British Columbia with an opportunity to strengthen relationships with golf facilities and explore opportunities for future program expansion.
“Hosting a First Tee mobile clinic was a great opportunity for our club to introduce more young people and their families to the game of golf,” said Victoria Szoo, head professional at Lakepoint Golf & Country Club. “First Tee helped us reach further into our community and allowed us to provide a great experience for juniors of all ages, abilities and backgrounds — whether it was their first or fiftieth time at a golf course.”
By bringing no-cost introductory programming directly to communities, the First Tee – British Columbia mobile clinics are helping break down barriers and give more young people access to golf and essential life skills through the game.
“Getting involved with First Tee was important to me because I believe golf should be accessible to everyone,” said Szoo. “The programming provided by First Tee offered more than just great golf instruction. It also introduced life lessons and values that our junior golfers can carry with them beyond the golf course. I’m confident the mobile clinic left a positive and lasting impression on the participants, and Lakepoint and I are grateful for the opportunity to host the clinic and be part of such a great program.”
Interested in bringing a First Tee – British Columbia mobile clinic to your community? Contact us to learn more about how to get involved.