Sharon to mark First Tee’s 10th

One of the most successful junior golf programs in the nation, The First Tee, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this season and the Sharon chapter is doing its part to help.

One of the driving figures behind the success of the local chapter has been Carole Barker. Through her efforts, the First Tee of Sharon has had immeasurable results. She is dedicated to making this unique junior golf program one of finest to be found anywhere.

The First Tee youth development program has 250 chapters nationally and internationally. The program has reached 675,000 children, which leads one to believe that junior golf has been a craving for youngsters around the world.

The focus of the program has been to reach children who are unable to afford and learn the game of golf and don’t have access to a golf course.

The organization not only teaches the finer points of the game, but prides itself in teaching honesty, perseverance, responsibility and courtesy. The program helps youngsters acquire a solid start in life.

Life skills

The participants who complete the program are all certified and have learned not only the golf game but they can utilize their life skills to become productive citizens in their schools and communities.

So what will the First Tee of Sharon contribute to the 10th Anniversary celebration? With a big “Charity Skins Game” featuring PGA standout John Cook, who appeared at the Buhl Farm Golf Course back in June of 1999 when Sharon became affiliated with the national youth development program.

Cook, one of the most likable touring pros on the circuit, appeared here with his golfing family.

Others in the foursome are Dan McMillen, Greenville Country Club pro, who most recently scored two holes-in-one on the same hole on the same day while golfing down south; Adam Scott of Squaw Creek; and Tom Roskos, a Sharpsville High graduate, who is at Pine Lakes Golf Course. He is a member of the Long Drivers Tour and has made many appearances in the Valley.

The featured golfers will donate their time for the event, which will be Friday at 2 p.m. at the Buhl Farm Golf Course in Hermitage. The public is welcome to walk and talk with the foursome as they battle over the nine-hole course.

Following the big match, the foursome will hold a clinic demonstrating their repertoire of trick shots while answering questions from the gallery.

Hole sponsorships are available for $50. Tickets are a donation of $10 and proceeds benefit the First Tee of Sharon. For more information, call (724) 962-4280 or (724) 962-9197.

Locally, the First Tee program reaches 350-400 young golfers. Classes are held from May through August at the First Tee of Sharon teaching facility at the Buhl Farm Golf Course and Driving Range in Hermitage.

Senior games

The 12th annual Mercer County Senior Games will be from June 9-15 in various locations in Mercer County. The event is a social and recreational, yet competitive, experience for Mercer County men and women age 50 or over.

Age groups include 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, and 85 and older.

Events include: June 9 - track and field at 10 a.m. at Hickory High School track, Hermitage; Basketball, 2 p.m. Hickory High gym. June 11 - horseshoes, 9 a.m., Riverside Park, Greenville; June 12 - shuffleboard, 8:30 a.m., McQuiston Center, by the Park in Sandy Lake; June 13 - bowling. 8:30 a.m., Bowl-O-Drome, Grove City; June 14 - racquetball, 1 p.m. Buhl Club, Sharon; and June 15 - golf, 7:30 a.m., Pine Hill Golf Course, Greenville.

For details, call (800) 570-6222 or (724) 662-6222.