Tag: Indigenous Communities

Roseland Golf and Curling Club Honoured as First Tee – Canada Program of the Year

Windsor, ON’s Roseland Golf and Curling Club has been named the 2024 First Tee – Canada Program of the Year, an award extended by Golf Canada recognizing exceptional efforts to grow youth participation in golf.

Roseland stood out for its inclusive programming, rapid growth, and deep community impact.

“Roseland provided us an affordable way for our son to experience golf for the first time,” said a parent of First Tee – Ontario participant. “Not only was he exposed to the game, but also life lessons like patience and perseverance.”

Roseland has been offering First Tee programming since 2023, with a dedicated 9-hole par-3 course for their weekly program sessions. In 2024, participation jumped over 200%, with nearly 60 youth participating in weekly registered programming or introductory golf events at the course – at no cost.

Thanks to RBC’s support, First Tee – Ontario and Roseland were able to break down a common barrier of entry to golf, the financial commitment.

“It has been incredible seeing the growth of First Tee in Southwestern Ontario,” says Amaya Athill, Program Manager for First Tee – Ontario. “Roseland has played a large part in that. Their ability to connect with the community and collaborate with nearby youth organizations has introduced many families to golf who otherwise would not have the opportunity.”

Roseland’s certified coaches have also played a pivotal role in the community impact of the program.

“Being a First Tee coach is so rewarding,” said Roseland First Tee Coach, Steve Pronger. “We provide an opportunity for many kids who under no other circumstance would be able to come out and participate at a golf course like this.”

The Roseland coaching staff have fostered strong relationships with families and spearheaded unique initiatives at the course like Caddie Night, where First Tee coaches accompany participants on the course, helping ease the transition to individual play.

With a dedicated coaching staff like Pronger and his team, it is not a surprise that First Tee programming has grown exponentially in the Roseland community.

Looking ahead, Roseland plans to host a spring introductory golf event in collaboration with a local youth organization, alongside its summer eight-week program. A new intermediate level to their First Tee program will also be introduced, offering enhanced on-course lessons for returning participants who are ready to take the next step.

Congratulations to Roseland Golf and Curling Club on a standout year — it is proof that with the right support, golf can be a game for all.

Read more about the National Facility Awards for Junior Golf winners here.

First Tee – Ontario partners with Indigenous communities across Ontario to positively impact youth

Golf Canada is committed to ensuring that golf reflects the strengths of Canada’s diversity. First Tee – Ontario continues to strengthen its allyship and existing bonds with Indigenous communities across the province to collaboratively provide meaningful experiences to Indigenous youth through golf.

To date, First Tee – Ontario has partnered with seven Indigenous schools and community centres across the province, including Akwasasne Mohawk School, Can-Am Indian Friendship Centre, Six Nations of the Grand River Community (Dajoh Facility), Hamilton Regional Indian Centre, Anishnabeg Outreach Centre, Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre, and Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte.

In addition, four partnered golf courses, including Roseland Golf Club, MontHill Golf and Country Club, Archies Family Golf Centre, and Briar Fox Golf Club are serving Indigenous youth through on-course programming.

“Having the First Tee program at MontHill Golf and Country Club provides youth on Six Nations of the Grand River with opportunities to learn the game of golf,” said First Tee – Ontario Coach, Melanie Burgess. “Being Indigenous owned, we take pride in reducing the barriers to participation in this sport.”

First Tee – Ontario builds out community “hubs” made up of partnered community centres or organizations, schools and nearby golf courses.

The intention is to first introduce children to golf through no-cost events or programming at partnered community centres and schools, then transition them to affordable on-course programming at nearby golf courses.

Thanks to the support of RBC and corporate donors, more than half of the First Tee – Ontario golf course locations serving Indigenous communities offer programming at no cost.

“Parents don’t need to worry about the financial commitment of typical junior golf programs or purchasing equipment,” said Program Coordinator, First Tee – Ontario, Kyarra Hasmatali. “The kids can show up as they are, with no experience, and have fun. Whether they have never held a golf club or are familiar with the sport, First Tee welcomes everyone.”

First Tee – Ontario has also received generous support from Indigenous Sport and Wellness Ontario (ISWO) through hosting Try Golf events and advocating for First Tee within their network. The ISWO’s efforts have helped build awareness and connections, onboard more program locations, and reach more Indigenous youth.

First Tee – Ontario programming primarily serves youth ages seven to 13 – a key stage in development, and programming is unique in the way it incorporates a curriculum that helps progress both golf skills and life skills simultaneously.

While participants learn how to swing a golf club and practice distance control, they are also learning about goal setting and how to be the most confident version of themselves.

“Improving golf skills is just one aspect of our program. The real goal is to build confidence and connections,” said First Tee – Ontario Coach, Steve Pronger. “As kids develop their golf skills on the course, they also gain self-assurance, learn to connect with others, and grow more comfortable with who they are each week.”

Looking ahead, First Tee – Ontario is excited to strengthen existing relationships and create new connections with Indigenous communities across the province.

First Tee – Ontario aims to expand programming in 2025 to include ages 14 to 16, providing additional opportunities for adolescents to discover and develop through the game of golf.  

The reach of First Tee – Ontario across the province, and within Indigenous communities, 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 – Ontario visit https://firstteeontario.ca/giving/.