P-J photo by Scott Kindberg In conjunction with the First Tee of Western New York, Moon Brook Country Club is hosting a six-week summer program designed to introduce young people to golf while providing educational information that builds character and instills life-enhancing values. Helping make that happen are, from the left, Sam Restivo, Doug Vergith, Tom Heppeler, Pat Traniello and Scott Johnson.

In conjunction with the First Tee of Western New York, Moon Brook Country Club is hosting a six-week summer program designed to introduce young people to golf while providing educational information that builds character and instills life-enhancing values.

First Tee – Western NY touches the lives of 24,000 children on an annual basis in the greater Buffalo and Rochester communities. All programs are led by First Tee-trained coaches and volunteers and help children learn, grow and build character through golf. The program was started in 1997 and has grown to be international in scope. Millions of young people have benefited from their participation.

Moon Brook CC will be the first private club to serve as a host facility for FT-WNY. Explaining the motivation behind this effort, Moon Brook President David Bargar said: “Our membership loves the game of golf and feels a strong connection to the local community. We are excited to partner with First Tee – Western NY to help grow the game. More importantly, we recognize that the program will help shape the lives of young people from all walks of life by reinforcing values like integrity, respect and perseverance.”

The program will start on Monday, July 6 and run each Monday through Aug. 10 from 10-11:30 a.m. Children aged 10 and older may participate. Each session will include golf instruction and practice on full swing, chipping and putting, as well as a seamlessly integrated life-skills curriculum designed to build inner strength, self-confidence and resilience. If needed, youth-appropriate golf clubs will be provided for participants.

For more information or to enroll a child, email First Tee of Western New York Executive Director Tim Karches at TKarches@firstteewesternny.org or call 716-250-3355.