Careers on Course Program Continues for The First Tee Teens in 2015
Program provides hands-on experience and leadership skills for The First Tee participants as they prepare for a career in golf course management
Teenage participants at four chapters of The First Tee®, including Greater Dallas, Des Moines, The Triangle (NC) and San Diego, will explore several aspects of a career in golf course management and science in 2015 through the Careers on Course program. The experience is offered as part of John Deere’s five-year $1 million commitment to The First Tee, a non-profit youth organization which uses golf as a platform to teach life and leadership skills that provide character education programs for youth.
«At John Deere Golf, we recognize there’s more needed to ensure the golf industry is positioned for growth beyond great equipment. That’s why it’s an honor to work with The First Tee towards the collective success of the future industry,» said Dave Plaster, North American sales manager, John Deere Golf. «Careers on Course participants come away with a better understanding of the career opportunities in the golf industry, and we hope to educate and inspire them as they plan for the future.»
Careers on Course participants learn from industry professionals who work at PGA TOUR tournament golf courses. Students learn about the work required to present a well-manicured,environmentally-safe and playable course. In addition, participants receive an introduction to club operations, a curriculum that was developed in conjunction with the PGA TOUR.
«Careers on Course continues to present a terrific career exploration opportunity for our participants,» said Kelly Martin, chief operating officer of The First Tee. «We are thankful for John Deere’s commitment to The First Tee and for their desire to expand the thinking and education of participants at our chapters.»
In 2014, three Careers on Course Programs took place, and the following are scheduled for 2015:
TPC Craig Ranch (McKinney, TX) — The First Tee of Greater Dallas Wakonda Club (Des Moines, IA) — The First Tee of Greater Des Moines Prestonwood Country Club (Cary, NC) — The First Tee of the Triangle Torrey Pines (San Diego, CA) — The First Tee of San Diego
Two participants from each chapter involved will also have an opportunity to shadow a superintendent as he or she prepares their golf course for an official PGA TOUR event, including the AT&T Byron Nelson Championship, the Principal Charity Classic, the SAS Championship and the Farmers Insurance Open.
Since its inception in 1997, The First Tee has introduced the game of golf and its values to more than 10.5 million young people in all 50 United States and select international locations. The First Tee’s Founding Partners are LPGA, the Masters Tournament, PGA of America, PGA TOUR and the USGA. Shell Oil Company is The First Tee’s Founding Corporate Partner and Johnson & Johnson is its Legacy Partner. Former President George W. Bush serves as honorary chair.
About John Deere
Deere & Company (NYSE: DE) is a world leader in providing advanced products and services and is committed to the success of customers whose work is linked to the land — those who cultivate, harvest, transform, enrich and build upon the land to meet the world’s dramatically increasing need for food, fuel, shelter and infrastructure. Since 1837, John Deere has delivered innovative products of superior quality built on a tradition of integrity.
