First Tee offers teens a look at careers in golf

Twenty participants in the Life Skills Education program conducted by The First Tee of Greater Chicago will receive an upfront and intimate look at career paths in golf course management and operations Monday, Aug. 17, at Conway Farms Golf Club in Lake Forest.

Boys and girls who have achieved Birdie, Eagle and Ace levels with The First Tee will spend a day covering subjects including turf management, plant protection, water management, golf course maintenance equipment and environmental sciences. They will also tour the facilities at Conway Farms and hear presentations by local golf course superintendents and representatives of the event's sponsor, John Deere.

In addition, a lunch will be hosted for participants by Todd Marsh, general manager of Conway Farms. Speakers from the PGA TOUR and the Chicago District Golf Association will talk about other golf-related career opportunities. After lunch, youths will participate in an interactive golf experience on the course and at the club's practice facility.

Conway Farms is the site of the 2015 BMW Championship PGA TOUR Playoff event. The "Careers on Course" program is a part of John Deere's $1 million commitment on a national level to The First Tee. Two of the 20 participants from this event will be selected to shadow two of the golf superintendents during the Saturday round of the BMW Championship on Sept. 19. They also will have access to the tournament the rest of the day with their family.

"This event provides a unique, behind the scenes experience for our participants at a PGA TOUR Championship golf course," said Lisa Quinn, Executive Director of The First Tee of Greater Chicago. "Not only will they learn about careers in golf, they'll have an opportunity to meet some of the industry's most experienced, respected professionals who are helping to grow the great game of golf for this and future generations."

The First Tee is an international youth development initiative of the World Golf Foundation and is supported by the leading organizations in golf. The First Tee of Greater Chicago is one of nearly 200 chapters throughout the country and in five international locations dedicated to impacting the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.