Orr Lake Golf Club has been designated as an official First Tee - Ontario location by Golf Canada.
First Tee is Golf Canada’s youth development program that provides children with life-enhancing experiences through golf. It strives to offer accessible and inclusive programming at golf courses, schools, and community centres, striving to ensure that the sport of golf reflects the diversity of Canadians.
"So what does this mean for our community?" Orr Lake's Jason Harris asked, noting the club is "super excited" to be involved with the program.
"Well, with the financial, equipment, administrative and training support from First Tee – Ontario, it allows Orr Lake Golf Club to expand its network to reach more children and make a bigger impact."
Harris said the club has made significant efforts in the junior golf space in recent years and is well aligned with First Tee’s mission of breaking down affordability and accessibility barriers to introduce more children to golf.
"With the addition of First Tee – Ontario programming, Orr Lake Golf Club will connect with more schools and community groups, introducing more children to golf, especially those who would not have otherwise had the opportunity," he said.
The club sponsors five local schools (St. Antoine Daniel, Wyevale, Hillsdale, Our Lady of Lourdes and Huronia Centennial) to participate in school-day programs followed by at-the-course days, where students are bussed out to the course at no cost to the school or kids.
The club also sports a three-hole, par three course, which kids and adults can play for $5, and offers a ‘kids play free’ promotion where a child plays for free with a paying adult on the main course each day between 1 and 3 p.m. and after 5 p.m.
As well, the club noted that golf professional Sue Westwood has established an effective method by building a “pathway” to success for beginner golfers through to the competitive stream by offering a junior team and hosting top-tier Golf Canada junior skills competitions.
