WINNIPEG, Man. — Ruth Lopez knows firsthand what golf can do for a young person’s confidence; she has witnessed it through her own daughter.
Lopez is a community coach with First Tee – Prairies, and it was her daughter’s experience with the sport that first drew her to the program.
“My daughter is a golfer, and I have seen how much the sport has helped her to build her character and give her confidence,” Lopez said. “I wanted to reach out to more kids, and through this program, I can help others to have the same experience: to play golf, learn and build character and confidence as well.”
First Tee – Canada spoke with Lopez about her experience as a coach.
For Lopez, what stands out most about First Tee is the door it opens for young people who might not otherwise have access to the game.
“It gives a chance to kids from different backgrounds to play golf,” she said.
That access is what makes coaching so rewarding for her.
“My favourite part about being a First Tee coach is when kids are having fun, when they are enjoying the game, and when they are cheering for their team,” Lopez said.
Beyond the swing itself, Lopez said the program’s life-skills curriculum applies directly to how young participants handle setbacks off the course.
“The life skills at First Tee are essential for youth development,” she said. “I have seen that when a shot didn’t work, you just have to stay positive, learn from it and keep trying — that’s pretty much what we face in life.”
Lopez said her own experience as a newcomer shapes why she works to make her sessions at Tuxedo Golf Course feel welcoming.
“As a newcomer, I value the importance of feeling welcome and feeling supported,” she said. “Through this program, I can help other kids to also feel included through the sport.”
When asked to describe First Tee in one word, Lopez chose “opportunity.”
“It gives the opportunity for any child from any background to play golf, to hold a driver for the first time, to hit a ball and get the excitement of any shot — good or bad,” she said.
Lopez said the impact of First Tee has gone both ways. While she uses golf to teach young people core values, coaching has helped her grow too.
“I have found a space where I can also grow, not just as a coach, but develop other skills that I didn’t know I had,” she said. “First Tee also gave me the opportunity to develop myself in a personal way.”
Coaches like Ruth Lopez embody what it means to be part of First Tee. By drawing on her personal connection to the sport, she brings passion and enthusiasm to her sessions, helping create a safe and inclusive space four youth to learn, grow and develop life skills through golf.
Become a First Tee coach today at firstteecanada.ca/get-involved/coach-or-volunteer/
Watch interview highlight: