Located on the shores of Lac St-Jean, Golf Saint-Prime sur le Lac has been a proud First Tee – Premier départ Québec location for three consecutive years.
Golf Saint-Prime sur le Lac partnered with First Tee – Premier départ Québec in 2021 to provide accessible pathways to golf and make a positive impact on youth in their community. Since launching, Golf Saint-Prime sur le Lac has engaged over 140 First Tee participants.
First Tee – Premier départ Québec strives to break down typical barriers of participation such as affordability, transportation and perception or unfamiliarity of golf. By partnering with golf courses, schools, community centres in underrepresented areas across the province, First Tee – Premier départ Québec reaches a diverse range of golfers and provides a welcoming and empowering golf experience.
Special to this location, all participants can put skills they have learned to the test and experience two rounds of golf at a nearby par 3, 9-hole course, for no extra cost. Thanks to the generous support of Canadian Tire Jump Start, First Tee – Premier départ Québec provides transportation from Golf Saint-Prime sur le Lac to the par 3 golf course for all participants.
The impact of First Tee would not be possible without the dedication of coaches striving to make a difference in children’s lives. Golf Saint-Prime sur le Lac has four First Tee Level II trained coaches who serve as incredible role models.
“I’m passionate about the values First Tee – Premier départ Québec teaches children,” said First Tee – Premier départ Québec Coach, Lucas Dupérré Vanden Hecke, who has been a part of the program for over three years. “They learn how to handle challenges and setbacks, which are valuable lessons both on and off the golf course. I’ve seen kids grow in so many ways — physically, emotionally, and socially.”
First Tee – Premier départ Québec has close to 100 program locations at golf courses, schools and community centres across the province, with a dedicated staff of over 45 coaches and volunteers.
“Our focus is to create an environment where kids can discover the joys of golf, build lasting friendships, and continue to develop valuable life skills that extend far beyond the golf course,” said First Tee – Premier départ Québec Program Coordinator, Giana Veneziano. “It’s about encouraging their excitement for golf while equipping them with the tools they need to thrive in all aspects of life.”
Looking ahead, First Tee – Premier départ Québec and Golf Saint-Prime sur le Lac aim to provide local schools with field trips to the course and host no-cost events to introduce more children to the sport.
The reach of First Tee – Premier départ Québec across the province, and the community of Lac St-Jean, is made possible by a generous network of supporters who believe and share the mission of championing youth and growing the game of golf.
To get involved in your community, or to donate to First Tee – Premier départ Québec, please visit https://firstteequebec.ca/en/giving/.