Smyrna Golf Course celebrates twenty years as host of the First Tee Program

Smyrna Golf Course recently celebrated twenty years of hosting the First Tee Program.

Smyrna Golf began serving as a host site for First Tee in 2001, and with the exception of 2020 with the COVID-19 pandemic, has done so each subsequent year.  Over 2,000 youth in Rutherford County have been impacted by this program.

“We have been privileged to help children learn the game of golf,” explained Smyrna Golf Course Director Hal Loflin.  “More importantly, it has been our privilege to see the impact this program has had on the development of the character of the participants.”

The focus of the First Tee program is to give young people of all backgrounds an opportunity to develop, through golf and character education, life-enhancing values such as honesty, integrity and sportsmanship. First Tee – Tennessee is an initiative of the Tennessee Golf Foundation and World Golf Foundation.

Participants in the 2021 First Tee program celebrated the end of summer with a Family Day at Smyrna Golf Course.  Over 80 participants and their families played a 9-hole scramble, showcasing skills they learned throughout the summer.  The evening ended with an awards presentation and thank you to all of the volunteers who made this season successful.

“The Town of Smyrna is grateful for Smyrna Golf’s commitment to the First Tee Program,” shared Smyrna Town Manager Brian D. Hercules.  “Our vision is to provide opportunities for all of our citizens; First Tee is an excellent example of this vision in action.”