Inspiring the next generation of East Texas golfers

BULLARD, Texas ( KETK ) — Golf, kickball, water balloon fights, and popsicles, the First Tee of Greater Tyler wrapped up another week of junior golf camp, by having a little fun in the sun.

“It’s really awesome like summer’s probably one of my favorite, ” said Nash Hankins. “Like the camp setting’s really awesome.”

Nash Hankins with the First Tee of Greater Tyler has been a part of this organization since he was eight.

He says these junior camps truly have an impact on the kid, going beyond the fairway and green.

“We started off the day talking about confidence, building yourself up, things that you can be confident in and it really goes a long way,” said Hankins.

First Tee’s mission revolves around turning kids into good golfers, but more importantly better people, through their life skills curriculum.

Hankins talked to a friend recently, who told him they can tell if someone was in First Tee or not, based on how they carry themselves.

“He said if he would go up and introduce himself to someone and they met, you know, they locked eyes, had a good firm handshake and introduced themself properly he said he could guess they were either in First Tee or something very similar, ” said Hankins.

He says, it never gets old, seeing kids’ growth from the start to the end of camp.

“It’s a really cool turnaround from the first day when maybe they’re a little bit shy compared to at the end they’re wanting to pick up and make sure the course looks good for the next group of people or the next group of kids coming out here so it’s a really awesome turnaround,” said Hankins.

The First Tee will have a couple more camps this summer, and they say they’re looking to get more involved in junior golf in places like Mineola and Jacksonville.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.