As a UF accounting graduate student, Sean Warner is spending his free time teaching kids the art of golf.
“I used to think that since I was a full-time student I couldn’t really do anything else,” he said.
This spring, Warner helped launch a local chapter of The First Tee, a nonprofit organization that teaches kids how to play golf and build character, Warner said. The organization works with children whose families aren’t able to afford the learn how to play the sport.
“We don’t turn anyone away if they can’t pay,” the 23-year-old said.
When Warner began helping the Ocala chapter of the organization in February 2014, he said he realized the program didn’t extend to the Gainesville community. So he decided to change that.
Since expanding the program to Gainesville, the chapter has grown to include 43 kids and two golf course locations at Ironwood, 2100 NE 39th Ave., and West End, 12830 W. Newberry Road.
As a full-time student running a charity program, he said he’s learned to be efficient with his time and has a purpose for each hour in his day. He is currently looking for interns to help him with his growing golf program.
Despite balancing classes and working at The First Tee, he said it’s worth seeing the kids’ faces light up when they hit a ball.
Two golfers on the UF women’s golf team agree with Warner that the game of golf can really make an impression on a young person’s life for the better.
Sydney Needham, 22, said golf teaches lifelong values, like self-awareness and a sense of morality, which she feels are important for kids to learn.
“I think the program has really good potential,” the UF marketing senior said. “I think that it has a great chance to make an impact on lives.”
Needham’s teammate Kelly Grassel, 21, said she believes the organization introduces kids to the game early, gives them an opportunity to get lessons and gives them a sense of community.
“They have somewhere to go and learn golf, which could lead to playing golf in high school or possibly even getting a college scholarship,” the UF family, youth and community sciences senior said.
The First Tee is continuing to expand throughout the Gainesville community, giving kids the chance to learn a sport they typically wouldn’t be able to.
“It’s great to see how we can transform a student and their behavior, help them make friends, enjoy the game of golf more and just really enjoy life more,” Warner said.
The First Tee locations in Florida
- Orlando
- Tampa
- Miami
- Jacksonville
- St. Petersburg
- Fort Myers
- Naples
- Palm Beach
- Fort Lauderdale
- Pensacola
- St. Augustine
- Port St. Lucie
