As a PGA professional, I am proud that the organization of which I am a member, the PGA of America, has such a profound influence on the young. The mission statement of the First Tee of Brunswick County is “To impact the lives of young people by providing learning facilities and educational programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf” Thanks to volunteers, donations, fund-raisers and children, the first tee program thrives in Brunswick County, North Carolina. The first tee program exposes kids to the game of golf and more importantly, it teaches them how to be better people. The core values of the First Tee program say volumes about what they stand for: Courtesy, Judgment, Integrity, Sportsmanship, Respect, Responsibility, Honesty, Confidence and Perseverance. The Thistle Golf Club in Calabash, North Carolina, hosted a golf tournament on September 22, 2009 to raise money for The Brunswick County chapter of the First Tee. Wal-Mart was a co-sponsor for the day activities. 34 teams entered and were treated to a golf clinic conducted by Nick Bradley, Justin Rose’s instructor, and a fantastic round of golf. According to the players, the Thistle was in excellent shape as always. The team from Burroughs and Chapin Company won first place. Over $50,000 was raised for the First Tee of Brunswick County from this event. Gene Weldon, Head Golf Professional at the Thistle and a board member for the First Tee of Brunswick County was thrilled with the event. “It was a wonderful day”, Gene told me. “I am looking forward to next year already”.