First Tee expands overseas, tops 2001 goals, The

Golf Course News, Jan 2002 by Overbeck, Andrew

GUANLAN TOWN, Shenzen, China - The First Tee has expanded beyond the United States with the establishment of The First Tee of South China at Mission Hills Golf Club.

Joe Barrow, national director of The First Tee, joined Mission Hills Group chairman Dr. David Chu and Powergolfasia CEO Peter Hsu to make the announcement during a clinic with Tiger Woods that was held to benefit The First Tee experience in Asia.

"This is the initial First Tee located outside of North America," said Barrow. "Many thanks to Dr. David Chu and Mission Hills Golf Club for donating the land and constructing the six hole golf course."

The course, which is set to open in March, marks the first step towards achieving one of its Phase II goals and expanding The First Tee, added Barrow.

"To extend The First Tee to China is key to our goals for Phase II and the expansion of the program," he said. "We are delighted to take this first step into South China and look forward to the prospects of extending into other cities in China over the coming years."

SUCCESS ON THE HOME FRONT

Back on the home front, the organization has surpassed its first year expectations for Phase II by more than doubling the number of participants expected to experience The First Tee, opening 44 dedicated facilities and developing 74 affiliate relationships. The First Tee introduced 64,000 juniors to the game last year and now has 85 facilities in total.

In the next five years, the organization aims to introduce the game to 500,000 youngsters, have 250 dedicated facilities and establish 500 affiliate relationships with existing golf courses.