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Youth Golf Program Starts Swinging

Tribune photo by MICHAEL SPOONEYBARGER

Julia Holmes, 5, gets a little help Saturday from Jimmy Wood during The First Tee Tampa Bay opening at Rogers Park Golf Course in Tampa.

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By KATHY STEELE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 17, 2009

Updated: 03/17/2009 10:25 am

EAST TAMPA - A youth golf program at Rogers Park got into the swing last weekend at the opening of a renovated clubhouse that will be the headquarters for the First Tee program.

About 300 boys and girls hit balls at the golf course's driving range or played in a two-hole match game. Raheem Morris, coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was among those attending Saturday's event.

On Tuesday, about 50 children met with three golf professionals at the Rogers Park course to ask questions and watch the pros demonstrate their talents.

First Tee is a nationally recognized program that teaches golf and life skills to young people. More than two years ago the city contracted with Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA to operate the program for 10 years rent-free from Rogers Park, 7911 N. 30th St.

In return the YMCA invested $250,000 to renovate the clubhouse.

A community group, Citizens Who Support Keeping Rogers Park Public, has criticized the arrangement, maintaining it should be more specific about public access to the course and regarding First Tee's goals. The YMCA and Mayor Pam Iorio say the contract does not need amending. Instead the YMCA has provided letters explaining the program's purpose and goals.

First Tee instructors and youth will use the driving range, three-hole practice course and 18-hole championship course. In addition to First Tee instruction, the YMCA will hold Saturday golf lessons, tournaments, summer camps, after school programs and tutoring sessions for area youth.

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