The Core Values

At Sawmill we believe that the game of golf helps children to learn important life skills, promotes positive character development and instills healthy living choices.  The First Tee started as a way to bring affordable junior golf programs to youth and communities that did not have them. What First Tee soon discovered was that blending the rules of the game with life and leadership skills, kids and teens didn’t just learn how to putt – they were learning important values.  The First Tee established Nine Core Values that represent some of the inherently positive values connected with the game of golf.  At Sawmil, we strive to integrate these core values into our junior programs to ultimately help kids lead more productive lives and be contributing members of the community.  The First Tee is now in Canada (as of 2021) and we plan to be a part of this movement.

"First Tee offers more than golf lessons for kids: we offer life lessons."

honesty  ~  Golf is unique from other sports in that players regularly call penalties on themselves and report their own score. 

integrity  ~  Golf is a game of etiquette and composure.  Players are responsible for their actions and personal conduct on the golf course even at times when others may not be looking.

sportsmanship  ~  Players must know and abide by the rules of golf and be able to conduct themselves in a kind and respective manner towards others even in a competitive game.

respect  ~  In golf it is important to show respect for oneself, playing partners, fellow competitors, the golf course, and for the honour and traditions of the game.

confidence  ~  Confidence plays a key role in the level of play that one achieves.  Players can increase confidence in their abilities by being positive and focusing on something they are doing well regardless of the outcome.

responsibility  ~  Players are responsible for their actions on the golf course.  It is up to them to keep score, repair divots, rake bunkers, repair ball marks on the green, and keep up with the pace of play.

perseverance  ~  To succeed in golf, players must continue through bad breaks and their own mistakes, while learning from past experiences. 

courtesy  ~  A round of golf should begin and end with a handshake between fellow competitors.  Players should be still and quiet while others are preparing and performing a shot.   

judgment  ~  Using good judgment is very important in golf.  It comes into play when deciding on strategy, club selection, when to play safe and when to take a chance, the type of shot players consider executing, as well as making healthy choices on and off the golf course. 

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