First Tee Sarasota/Manatee to present free Junior Golf Clinic on April 4

During the LECOM Suncoast Classic golf tournament, which takes place at Lakewood National Golf Club (17605 Lakewood National Pkwy, Lakewood Ranch) from April 2-5, First Tee Sarasota/Manatee – in collaboration with the Junior Tour – will offer a free Junior Golf Clinic for area children. The clinic takes place on Saturday, April 4, at 2 p.m.

The program will feature a Q&A and demonstrations with Korn Ferry Tour players, and instruction from First Tee coaches and Lakewood National teaching pros (clubs will be provided). Participating children and their parents will receive free admission to the tournament that day and the first 100 kids to attend will also receive free Under Armour backpacks and towels.

Additional opportunities are available to students ages 13-17 to serve as standard bearers. In this role, they are assigned to a foursome and walk the course with them, holding a sign that tracks and updates golfer scores after each hole. Visit lecomsuncoastclassic.com/volunteer to learn more.

The Korn Ferry Tour is a golf tour for professionals seeking to earn their PGA TOUR cards. First Tee leaders hope to inspire clinic participants to learn more about the game through the clinic as well as the opportunity to watch future PGA TOUR stars up close during the high-level golf competition.

“Our partnership with First Tee Sarasota-Manatee is one of the most meaningful aspects of this tournament,” said Justin Kristich, tournament director for the LECOM Suncoast Classic. “Beyond the Korn Ferry Tour competition, we’re also proud to help create opportunities for young people to grow through the game of golf – learning valuable life skills like integrity, confidence, and perseverance that extend far beyond the course.”

First Tee Sarasota /Manatee is a youth development organization that enables kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of challenges. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with First Tee's life skills curriculum, the organization creates active learning experiences that build inner strength, confidence, and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do.

The organization offers programs year-round and seasonally in Sarasota and Manatee counties. With the support of trained and dedicated coaches, participants ages 4–18 progress through the program over time, deepening their understanding of life skills and golf development. The integrated approach helps kids and teens build confidence and resilience for while they are on the course, at home and in school. Life skill components include pursuing goals, growing through challenge, collaborating with others, using good judgment, and building positive self-identity.

While some of the organization's programs do have a fee, First Tee works with children at numerous nonprofit partner sites at no charge; the organization also provides programs for free to parents who indicate they need financial assistance – no questions asked – as well as offers a 75% discount to the children of veterans.

"Many people may believe that golf is only for those who have the financial means to play the game, but First Tee is on a mission to expose as many children and families to golf as possible because we know the incredible positive impact the game can have on young people," said Lisa Krouse, the CEO of First Tee Sarasota/Manatee. "We are grateful to the Junior Tour for its partnership, to Lakewood National Golf Club for offering the space and pros to assist with the clinic, and to the Korn Ferry Tour and players who will be giving their time to inspire our local kids.

Parking for the Junior Golf Clinic is available at Premier Sports Campus (5895 Post Blvd., Lakewood Ranch) with complimentary trolley transportation to and from the course.

For more about First Tee, visit firstteesarasotamanatee.org or call 941-993-0046.

About First Tee Sarasota/Manatee
First Tee is a youth development organization that empowers kids and teens through the game of golf. By integrating life skills, character education, and a focus on wellbeing, FTSM helps young people build confidence and resilience on and off the course. Visit firstteesarasotamanatee.org.