On June 5, 2002, the MGA Foundation and the Met PGA marked the grand opening of First Tee – Metropolitan New York at Mosholu Golf Course. It was a spectacular day hosted by sportscaster Jim Nantz and attended by First Tee, USGA, New York City officials and hundreds of students from New York City schools.
The highlight of the day was the dedication of the Lew Rudin Youth Golf Center by First Tee and the Rudin family. Lewis Rudin, a Bronx native, helped make the “Miracle at Mosholu” a reality, and his life remains an inspiration for this project. First Tee at Mosholu has actually been operating since September 2001, when the MGAF and Met PGA took over the operating license from the City of New York Parks Department. Improvements to the golf course and clubhouse began immediately, much of it accomplished with support from the local golf community. The results were dramatic, and within three months construction had begun on the state-of-the-art Junior Learning Center that includes an artificial training green, a chipping area, practice tee and Par-3 hole. Inside, a classroom area was created to provide instruction on the Rules of Golf and etiquette, as well as a “Life Skills” program.
Working with local schools and community groups, some 60 to 80 young people receive formal instruction every weekday afternoon. In all, more than 2,000 deserving youngsters went through the program in the first year. The instruction, both basic golf instruction and “life skills”, was provided at no charge by PGA professionals on staff and local Met Section pros who donated their time. Even though the First Tee facility is only in its second full year of operation, the course has already exceeded all expectations in fulfilling its mission to make golf affordable and accessible to all.
First Tee – Metropolitan New York at Mosholu has been a truly remarkable success, indeed the “Miracle at Mosholu”, and the generations of young people who will benefit from the facility will be a fitting tribute to the legacy of Lewis Rudin.
To impact the lives of young people by providing learning facilities and educational programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf.
Nine Core Values
The First Tee has established Nine Core Values that represent some of the many inherently positive values connected with the game of golf. These Nine Core Values have been incorporated into the First Tee Experience and have been used to name golf holes at several of The First Tee facilities.
1 Honesty
Honesty - the quality or state of being truthful; not deceptive Golf is unique from other sports in that players regularly call penalties on themselves.
2 Integrity
Integrity - strict adherence to a standard of value or conduct. Personal honesty and independence. Golf is a game of honesty, etiquette and composure. You are responsible for your actions and personal conduct on the golf course.
3 Sportsmanship
Sportsmanship - observing the rules of play and winning or losing with grace. You must know and abide by the rules of golf and be able to conduct yourself in a respectful manner.
4 Respect
Respect - to feel or show deferential regard for; esteem. In golf it is important to show respect for yourself, your partners, your opponents and the golf course as well as for the honor and traditions of the game.
5 Confidence
Confidence - reliance or trust. A feeling of self-assurance Confidence plays a key role in the level of play that you achieve. You must have confidence in your abilities every time you play.
6 Responsibility
Responsibility - accounting for one’s actions. Dependable In golf, you are responsible for yourself and your actions on the golf course. It is up to you to keep score, repair divots, rake bunkers, repair ball marks on the green and keep up with the pace of play.
7 Perseverance
Perseverance - to persist in an idea, purpose or task despite obstacles. To succeed in golf, you must learn to persevere through bad breaks and your own mistakes
8 Courtesy
Courtesy - considerate behavior toward others. A polite remark or gesture. A round of golf should begin and end with a handshake between fellow competitors. Show courtesy toward others by remaining still and quiet while they prepare and execute a shot
9 Judgment
Judgment - the ability to make a decision or form an opinion. A decision reached after consideration. Using good judgment is critical in golf. It comes into play when deciding on strategy, club selection, when to play safe and when to take a chance, the type of shot you consider executing, as well as understanding and abiding by proper etiquette