• First Tee Values Programme

    The Mornington Golf Club is proud to be associated with First Tee New Zealand. The Club has two qualified First Tee Coaches who conduct in school classes, after school, and school holiday programmes.  For information on our programme please contact Ray Tuffin on rjtuffin@gmail.com or on 021 168 2504  

    For further information on First Tee New Zealand please visit:
    www.thefirstteenz.org

  • What Does First Tee Do:

    FOCUS

    Just as in golf, success in life depends on critical moments of impact. Offering a child the skills and confidence to introduce himself is a simple act with powerful results that can last a lifetime. This is where The First Tee starts...

    About First Tee

    The First Tee of New Zealand provides a place where youngsters can not only learn to play golf, but also learn invaluable life skills. Children can benefit from this programme through learning values and life skills that can help them to become better citizens. The life skills experience, delivered through the game of golf by experienced professionals, can offer children resistance skills and a set of core values to call their own.

    The “Nine Core Values”

    The First Tee has established Nine Core Values that represent some of the many inherently positive values connected with the game of golf. These Nine Core Values have been incorporated into The First Tee Experience and have been used to name golf holes at several of The First Tee facilities.

    Honesty

    The quality or state of being truthful; not deceptive

    Golf is unique from other sports in that players regularly call penalties on themselves and report their own score.

    Integrity

    Strict adherence to a standard of value or conduct; personal honesty and independence

    Golf is a game of etiquette and composure. Players are responsible for their actions and personal conduct on the golf course even at times when others may not be looking.

    Sportsmanship

    Observing the rules of play and winning or losing with grace

    Players must know and abide by the rules of golf and be able to conduct themselves in a kind and respectful manner towards others even in a competitive game.

    Respect

    To feel or show deferential regard for; esteem

    In golf it is important to show respect for oneself, playing partners, fellow competitors, the golf course, and for the honour and traditions of the game.

    Confidence

    Reliance or trust. A feeling of self-assurance

    Confidence plays a key role in the level of play that one achieves. Players can increase confidence in their abilities by being positive and focusing on something they are doing well regardless of the outcome.

    Responsibility

    Accounting for one’s actions; dependable

    Players are responsible for their actions on the golf course. It is up to them to keep score, repair divots, rake bunkers, repair ball marks on the green, and keep up with the pace of play.

    Perseverance

    To persist in an idea, purpose or task despite obstacles

    To succeed in golf, players must continue through bad breaks and their own mistakes, while learning from past experiences.

    Courtesy

    Considerate behaviour toward others; a polite remark or gesture

    A round of golf should begin and end with a handshake between fellow competitors. Players also should be still and quiet while others are preparing and performing a shot.

    Judgment

    The ability to make a decision or form an opinion; a decision reached after consideration

    Using good judgment is very important in golf. It comes into play when deciding on strategy, club selection, when to play safe and when to take a chance, the type of shot players consider executing, as well as making healthy choices on and off the golf course.