You can learn a lot about a man or woman from a round of golf. A game for life, which no one ever completely masters, tests the character of its players while enforcing a strict code of conduct.
The guy who has trouble with arithmetic or won't look for your
lost ball is likely to display the same flaws off the course.
The vast majority of players relish golf's character tests so the sport should prove a worthwhile model for youngsters. And that is the idea behind the First Tee of New Zealand, which has established its first centre at Firmount Golf Park in Manukau City. The local organisation draws on the experience of First Tee in the United States, which on the initiative of the World Golf Foundation has founded 198 non-profit facilities in the US and around the world.
First Tee's aim is "to impact the lives of young people around the world by creating affordable and accessible golf facilities to those who have not previously had exposure to the game and its positive values".
The Manukau programme has been running since the start of the school year, and the first classrooms are almost completed in the golf complex. Head coach Shane Crompton has already had 200 children involved.
"We work with libraries and schools, and we have after-school pickups in mini-vans," he said. "Their ages range from 7 to 17, and they come for an hour once a week during the four school terms.
"They get a shirt and hat, and we charge $80 a term. But no child will be turned away for lack of money."
Life skills are as important as golf skills for the youngsters, and Crompton starts at the basic level.
"We teach them basic interpersonal skills such as how to introduce themselves. That can be so important for things like job interviews. The kids get to know who and how to ask for help.
"Golf is good because it offers something productive they can do on their own and persevere with."
Andrew and Alan Wallace, owners of the Firmount Golf Park, are enthusiastic supporters of the project, making the facilities available and offering discounts on equipment.
Crompton served his coaching apprenticeship at Manukau Golf Club, became coaching director at Akarana as a triple A NZPGA member and is part way through an education degree.
Instructors are both professionals and volunteers. For the 30 per cent of girls involved, there is a role model in professional Jan Higgins, a member of the New Zealand team that finished second in the world amateur championships in Christchurch in 1990.
There are tests for pupils, who can graduate to different levels, and local clubs have come on board with membership incentives.
First Tee promotes nine core values: honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy and judgment.
The organisation welcomes volunteers, participants, donations and sponsors. Its website is www.thefirstteenz.org.nz.
* First Tee students could well take note of the advice of athletics great and Manukau City councillor Dick Quax: "Sport parallels life. In order to win you need to put yourself in the race."
Quax's advice is included in How to Win, a compilation by Billy Harris of motivational sports quotes for those aiming for the top from those who have made it.
Golfer Michael Campbell offers: "With the right direction and a bit of heartbreak, anything's possible."
Two of the best come from league and rugby star Inga Tuigamala, nowadays a formidable golfer: "Don't let the fear of failure override the joy of expressing your talent" and "Before the game wish your opponent the best of luck. Then go out there and make sure he doesn't have any".
