The inaugural First Tee – Québec Cup was hosted at the Royal Montreal Golf Club on June 27th, 2022. It was a great day for golf and to gather in support of First Tee –Premier départ Québec, Golf Canada’s youth development program. With the generosity of sponsors, donors, and the 88 participants, $143,500 was raised to directly support the delivery of First Tee – Premier départ Québec programming across the province.
The winning foursome of the first, First Tee – Québec Cup included Kerry Goodleaf, Chris Lahache, Bart Goodleaf, and Shaun Starr. The team won by two strokes and shot 17 under to be crowned the champions.
First Tee – Premier départ Québec provides youth aged five to 18 with affordable access to learn fundamental golf skills while reinforcing the life skills and values learned through sport. Since launching in 2021, there are over 20 First Tee program locations across Québec delivered at golf facilities, schools, and community centres, with coach training specifically designed for each of these environments. First Tee engages equity-deserving communities and traditionally underrepresented groups in hopes of introducing the game of golf to children who otherwise may have not had the opportunity, and further evolving the sport to reflect multicultural Canada more closely.
It was quite fitting that the winning foursome represented Club 24, an athletic not-for-profit organization based out of Kahnawake. Club 24 was also launched last year and helps local athletes reach their true potential in competition, school, and life.
Club 24 will be running a two-week First Tee – Premier départ Québec camp sometime in the next eight weeks for about 10 to 15 golfers aged 10 to 15 years, said Kerry Goodleaf in the Kahnawake News.
This is what the event is about – bringing like-minded individuals together to support and empower the youth of Quebec to be the best version of themselves.
“We are grateful to all those who came out and supported our First Tee – Quebec Cup. It was amazing to build greater connections with people who share our goal of advocating for youth and enriching their lives through sport,” said Jeremy Proteau, Manager, First Tee – Premier départ Quebec. “First Tee is new to Canada, but we are growing fast. Our ability to expand and positively impact communities across the province is made possible through the generosity of our community, and this event was a testament to that support.”
For more information on how to get involved with First Tee – Quebec, or how to donate, visit https://firstteequebec.ca/en/