First Hand First Tee Experience

Gary W. Hite

Gary W. Hite, member of the Philadelphia Association of GCS is the superintendent at Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) Golf Course, home of the First Tee of Philadelphia. The course is 18 holes, with a 12 station driving range and 3,000 square-foot practice green outdoors. The First Tee chapter built a beautiful extension to the current clubhouse to serve as The First Tee learning center, which includes an indoor putting green, two hitting stations and a computer room. The First Tee participants are given access to FDR Golf Course as well as the five other city-owned golf courses throughout Philadelphia.

Gary first learned about The First Tee Program through the Philadelphia Scholastic Golf Association who holds tournaments at FDR. John MacDonald, the person who spearheaded the initiative, recognized the First Tee Program as a great opportunity for youth. Gary says it’s been a learning experience for everyone involved.

Gary and his team have installed a new landscape to accommodate and enhance the new facility and occasionally lend a hand with facility maintenance, including maintenance of two artificial greens and an artificial tee. He coordinates the spray schedule around the First Tee lessons. Outside of that, Gary’s responsibilities as superintendent remain the same.

This is the first opportunity Gary has working with youth. His duties as superintendent do not allow much time to spare. He said, “I find when there is some spare time, it is better spent on my specialties and maintenance of the First Tee facility.”

Gary feels The First Tee is rewarding because it gives children the opportunity to learn how to play the game of golf, and teaches life skills they may otherwise not receive.

Professionally Gary says The First Tee has brought more attention to his course with the presence of parents and the youth of Philadelphia.

Anyone looking to get involved with The First Tee should first learn what the program is all about. “It’s about teaching and learning life values and goals.”