First Tee - Coachella Valley

4 • First Tee – Coachella Valley Magazine • Fall 2023 Game changer New caddie program gives Coachella Valley youth chance to earn college scholarships I t's not every day that kids get the chance to learn life skills or a college scholarship. But that's exactly what the latest program bonding First Tee – Coachella Val- ley and Ironwood Country Club offers its junior participants, thanks to a collaboration with the Evans Scholars Foundation Caddie Program. It's an all-around win. The innovative project took flight when three members from Ironwood – Greg Trapani, Glenn Johnson, and Rich Pena – put forth an idea. "They approached us, eager to kick-start a caddie program," said Kyle Winn, Executive Director at First Tee – Coachella Valley. The team wasted no time in set- ting up intensive training sessions, with a nine-hole session on October 7 and an 18-hole session a week later. Anticipation for the program is already building, with the launch set to begin on the North Course at Ironwood on November 11. But the program is not just about the near future – it could shape the lives of these young caddie participants for years to come. Once the FTCV kids have at- tained their senior year in high school and fulfilled a minimum number of rounds as a caddie, they're eligible to apply for the pres- tigious Evans Scholarships with 24 universities nationwide participat- ing. Recipients must also maintain a certain GPA, show financial need and display a commitment to school and community activities. Winn sees this as an outstand- ing opportunity. INITIATIVES Young golfers are poised for profound opportunities with First Tee - Coachella Valley and Ironwood CC partnership.

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