Vancouver, B.C., March 29, 2011 – Vancouver Parks Golf along with Fraserview Golf Course is pleased to announce the continuation of The First Tee of Greater Vancouver, for 2011.Through qualified First Tee coaches, youth ages 8-18 learn the fundamental skills of the game of golf as well as life-enhancing values.  Classes take place Wednesday and Thursday afternoons at Fraserview Golf Course with the first session beginning April 6/7, and each session runs for six weeks.  Summer camps run weekly Mondays to Fridays throughout July and August.

Membership Features

·        An all-inclusive price of $200 allows you to sign up for as many afterschool sessions as you like! Sign up for all five 6 week sessions and you will save 56%!

·        Your membership card entitles you to unlimited free golf at Rupert Park Pitch and Putt in 2011! (some conditions apply)

·        You also receive 30% off additional summer camp sessions

Non-members may participate in the afterschool sessions only for $72. For more information visit the website at vanymca.org. To register, call 604.939.9622 or send an email to camps@vanymca.org. For those that face financial, physical or developmental barriers to participating in First Tee, contact the YMCA Access Program for possibilities.

James Presnail, Golf Shop Manager and Director of Instruction at Fraserview Golf Course is the lead instructor for the First Tee of Greater Vancouver. With a free spirit and zest for the game James’ first golf tip says it all, “To start your backswing: cock your wrists up (not behind), swing your arms back, rotate your shoulders and turn your forearms…It’s that simple (just kidding). Golf is overwhelmed with these over complex tips, the only ‘tip’ I can offer is to go have fun, after all it’s just a game!” James has been a member of the Canadian PGA since 2007 and brings passion and skill to his coaching.

Howard Normann, Supervisor of Golf Operations says, “We are excited that the First Tee Golf program has partnered with Fraserview Golf Course once again. It is a great opportunity to introduce the game of golf to Greater Vancouver youth and teach life skills while having fun learning the game.”

About Vancouver Parks Golf

Vancouver Parks Golf is made up of the Fraserview, McCleery and Langara Championship Golf Courses.  Fraserview Golf Course recently won bronze in the “Best Public Course in Canada” category, and was voted one of the “Most underrated golf courses in Canada” by the SCOREGolf Magazine Golfer’s Choice Awards.  McCleery Golf Course boasts a very active junior instruction program which helps to get young people started in the game and has developed an inner city youth golf program that introduces the game to children of the Downtown Eastside.  Langara Golf Courseoffers enjoyment with peace and tranquility in the heart of Vancouver.  The course offers top notch greens that are well protected by bunkers providing a challenge for every level of golfer.

3 Great Courses…One Great Experience.

For more information please visit vancouverparksgolf.ca or contact:

Mr. Howard Normann

Supervisor of Golf Operations

604.718.6533

howard.normann@vancouver.ca

About The First Tee Golf Program

The First Tee of Greater Vancouver is the only First Tee program in Canada. An initiative of the World Golf Foundation, First Tee has its mission 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.

For more information please visit vanymca.org or contact:

Ms. Robyn Moore

Manager First Tee of Greater Vancouver YMCA

604-673-6195

robyn.moore@vanymca.org