Friday to Thursday, April 14 - 20, 2023

During four days in April 2023, Friends organized a used golf club and equipment drive to help with First Tee of Tucson’s youth programs throughout the Tucson area.

Over the four days, FOPRG took two truckloads, and four SUV loads to First Tee. The ‘haul’ represented about 500 clubs, 50 golf bags, thousands of golf balls, and accessories like hitting nets, pull carts, club covers, and golf shoes.

One of the coaches who works with First Tee and kids from underserved charter schools said “FOPRG’s donations will be well used in my program. I’m thrilled with the sets of left-handed clubs and for all of the colored balls that FOPRG delivered.” He said he divides the kids into teams for lessons, using colored balls to differentiate teams.

League members from the El Con courses and Pusch Ridge were major contributors who donated items. Almost everyone who donated had incredible stories as to why they were contributing to Frist Tee.

One of the most inspiring stories was from Ken Roberts of El Conquistador Resort Patio Homes. Ken donated four Home Depot-sized buckets full of golf balls. Ken had gathered on the Pusch Ridge Course this season!

Volunteers who made this successful drive possible included Laura and Greg Baldwin, Gary Temple, Laura Reed, John Keeler, Anji Verlaque, Dale Rouse, Dorothy New, Anna Bifano, Marianne Milianta, Bob Creason, Steve and Carolyn Weinig, Patty Brown and Alida Bakarich.  

Special thanks go to the Baldwin’s, Laura Reed, Dale Rouse, the Weinig’s, and Jim Beltz for driving to  First Tee of Tucson to deliver the donated items.

First Tee of Tucson recently started a new program at a local middle school, and they already work with

several local high schools in providing equipment to the youth in our community. If you are not familiar

with the work of First Tee, please click here https://firstteetucson.org/