CALEDONIA, Ont. — For nearly 40 Indigenous youth, a Sunday at the Ontario Indigenous Championship offered a chance to pick up a golf club, try something new and see themselves represented on the course.
First Tee – Ontario and adidas, in partnership with Golf Ontario, hosted an introductory golf clinic for youth ages 7 to 14 on Sunday, August 16 at MontHill Golf and Country Club. Held during the championship’s practice round, the clinic was designed to create positive first experiences with golf and show participants that there is a place for them in the game.
Across two one-hour sessions, participants rotated through putting, chipping and full-swing stations, building fundamental skills while taking part in activities that incorporated First Tee’s life skills curriculum.
First Tee coaches Glenmore Brown and Stewart McLeod led the sessions alongside Golf Ontario participation interns, helping create a safe, energetic environment where youth of all experience levels could learn, ask questions and have fun.
For some participants, it was their first time picking up a golf club.
The clinic also offered something beyond learning the fundamentals. With the Ontario Indigenous Championship taking place nearby, participants could watch Indigenous golfers compete at the provincial level and see firsthand the pride that comes with representing their communities on the course.
Between the two clinic sessions, participants gathered for pizza, giving them an opportunity to connect, share laughs and build new friendships.
For Sarah Tattrie, coordinator, First Tee – Ontario, seeing new golfers discover a love for the game was one of the highlights of the day.
“Watching participants who had never picked up a golf club before discover that they genuinely enjoyed the game was one of the most rewarding parts of the clinic,” said Tattrie. “Creating a fun environment where youth can try golf for the first time, while also seeing Indigenous athletes competing at the championship, was really special.”
With adidas’ support, the First Tee – Ontario clinic was more than an introduction to golf. It was an opportunity for youth to build confidence, connect with others and experience the game in a setting that celebrated Indigenous representation.
By creating positive first experiences and removing barriers to participation, First Tee – Ontario and its partners are helping more youth discover golf and see themselves as part of its future.
