Golf development programme The First Tee has opened a new nine hole course in Louisville, Kentucky.
Initially planned as a three-hole track within the Seneca golf course, the property was expanded to nine holes as a result of grants from the United Postal Service and local officials. Equipment manufacturer Jacobsen, along with its local dealer, Wolf Creek Company, has backed the project by donating a GP400 riding greens mower – a machine that retails for over US$40,000 – to the new course.
Local officials, including Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer were on hand earlier this month to celebrate the opening of the nine-hole course, which is expected to serve hundreds of youths in the Louisville area. The First Tee of Louisville also operates programmes at three other Louisville Metro Parks courses.
“The equipment donation from Jacobsen and Wolf Creek was a critical part of getting this done and we appreciate their partnership,” said Ed Perry, president of The First Tee of Louisville. “The maintenance equipment will help us keep the course in top-notch shape for many years to come.”
The First Tee programme introduces the game of golf and its inherent value to young people. Designed for ages 5-18, the program uses golf as a platform for cultivating life skills and instilling core values such as respect, confidence, honesty and responsibility.
The new First Tee course in Louisville will also serve as a testing ground for different turf varieties, which could lead to greater efficiencies and cost savings in maintenance and less reliance on chemicals.
Course superintendents will be able to observe how different grass species react to real play conditions and young golfers will be able to sharpen their skills by experiencing a variety of playing surfaces.
“The First Tee of Louisville and Louisville Metro Parks are doing some great things to grow the game and improve the lives of young people,” said Jacobsen president David Withers. “We’re very proud to be part of their initiatives and look forward to helping them succeed.”