First Tee teaches golf, life lessons to kids

Christopher Coleman of North Chicago watched his 9-year-old namesake son line up with the golf ball, swing and drive it.

It was straight and strong, just like his son was beginning to grow.

"It think it's amazing, not the golf, but how he's changed," the father said. "It's taught him core values, and that's the most important thing, the life skills. He's more focused, better able to take criticism, and a better team-oriented player."

The young Coleman joined about 20 other players, ages 7 to 16, on Saturday during First Tee, which uses golf as a platform to teach young people about life skills, core values, good judgment and discipline. Those playing Saturday had earned the most points during a summer season of lessons and practice with about 300 other boys and girls around the region. The international group has several chapters in the Chicago and suburban area.

With their extra effort, the players were rewarded with the chance to play at a private golf course and learn from PGA professionals. It was the second year that Ivanhoe Club hosted the event under member Jim Brownlie, 67, who sought the club's board approval for the event.

"First Tee teaches kids how to be young ladies and gentlemen, and learn about life as courteous, polite people," Brownlie said. "We even teach them to shake hands, speak up when talking, and to take their hats off when they're inside. It's basically how to be ladies and gentlemen, more so than just good golfers."

Jim Sobb, PGA director at the Ivanhoe Club, along with three other PGA professionals, provided lessons and tips to the youngsters.

"This gives the kids a chance to experience a private club," Sobb said. "We gave them a tour, let them work on the driving range and then take them out on the course."

Doug Baldwin, 67, of Libertyville, watched his grandson Jack Tarantino, 11, of Gurnee practice his swing.

"He's learned about being better at sportsmanship and social interactions," said Baldwin about his grandson.