First Hand First Tee Experience

David Gourlay, CGCS

David Gourlay, CGCS at the Colbert Hills Golf Course in Manhattan, Kan., enjoys extensive interaction with kids through The First Tee of Manhattan at Colbert Hills. Colbert Hills is the host of the National First Tee Academy. Approximately 100 participants come to KSU and Colbert Hills for a weeklong session of life skills and golf.

David is responsible for coordination of the facility for usage and fundraising. Prior to The First Tee program David coached little league hockey in Canada and also volunteered to teach highly motivated youth at the course. He thinks The First Tee program is most rewarding because it sets young people interested in golf on a career path that guarantees success.

“The life skills aspect is the most important aspect of the entire program. Helping (kids) to show the way to higher education and career choices in the golf business especially in the golf course superintendent’s profession.”

In return for David’s contribution to the program and the kids, he has gained professional development.

“The kids are certainly an inspiration to me. They keep me grounded in my life.”

David stresses to those aspiring to get involved in The First Tee to have the ability to listen to the students, understand where they are coming from and know how to develop a career path for them.