TYLER, Texas — The First Tee of Greater Tyler is a nonprofit that aims to teach kids, ages five through 18, life skills and core values through golf.
The organization started back in 2011 in Tyler. They worked from the Boys and Girls Club building and taught golf at Woldert Park.
The organization started with 32 kids and now works with over 1,300 kids.
"Well it's unique because we get to bring a game that a lot of people don't get to get introduced to or don't get to play," Christian Sarran program director said.
First Tee moved to south Tyler a couple years back and opened its own facility last year.
Sarran says the group wanted to find a way to impact more kids.
"We sat down and realize we needed to be back and reach the north Tyler community," Sarran said, "We were fortunate to have a donor who helped to make that become a reality for us"
At the Tyler City Council meeting on Wednesday, Sarran spoke to the council members about the plans for north Tyler.
"Just to see their faces, see the glimpse of hope that they had of what's going to be happening in that community," Sarran said. "We're excited to get going over there."
The expansion will be near Woldert Park and the Glass Recreation Center at the corner of Broadway and 32nd St.
"We're going to have a 6,000 square foot chipping green, 5,000 square foot putting green, all artificial turf, so low maintenance," Sarran said. "And it's going to be able to be used even when it's wet outside or if it's cold."
Construction will begin soon so that kids can tee off by the start of the next school year.
First Tee is partnering with the city of Tyler so that next summer they can participate in the Glass Rec Summer Youth Program.
"We're really excited that we get to impact, you know many hundreds of more kids in that area," Sarran said.
Sarran says the group is also talking with Tyler ISD about after school programs and offering bus transportation.
"But also make an impact with John Tyler and other Tyler ISD schools who are right there in the community," Sarran said. "I'd be able to utilize those kids as mentors as well as just to grow with them and help them with the goals they want to achieve."
There is a cost to join but Sarran says no child will be turned away.
"We will be offering scholarships and a lot more reduced rates for kids who who may need that," Sarran explained.
However, Sarran says the organization is in need of more volunteers.
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