First Tee - Coachella Valley

8 • First Tee – Coachella Valley Magazine • Fall 2023 Team players Three coaches share their life-altering journeys that led them to start helping to shape young lives at First Tee – Coachella Valley I have been in the golf business as a professional for the past 37 years. The first 20 were spent at The Lakes Country Club just down the road from the First Tee and The Golf Center. Each time I would drive by The Golf Center, I never gave it much thought. After all, I had access to all the spectacular golf courses in the Coachella Valley. "Why would I need to go to that little place with all those little kids running around?" I'm here to tell you how wrong I was. Ever since joining the First Tee – Coachella Valley, I have been humbled by its importance in our local community and our families. My part in the process is to offer the kids mul- tiple opportunities to develop their confidence by challenging themselves on the course in some form of competition. Hopefully, they will also de- velop multiple friendships along the way. As the world continues to throw us new chal- lenges, the First Tee offers families and kids a safe sanctuary for learning the importance of friendship, responsibility, commitments, meeting challenges, and goal setting – all through the game of golf. The entire curriculum helps kids de- velop their confidence through these challenges. If I had First Tee when I was young, I would have had more confidence growing up. The First Tee has been a career lifesaver for me personally. I have worked at some of the most prestigious clubs in the nation and this is by far the best position I have ever held. Coach Mike McFaul Competitive Activities Coordinator STAFF STORIES

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