When asked why he decided to cut down and re-grip 2 full sets of irons, 10 woods, and 6 wedges in volunteering for the local Pittsburgh First Tee, Joe Colaizzo of Duquesne Club Golf replied "It felt good to help out some really nice kids, so we're coming back every Monday!" Three of Joe's fellow club golfers --Dom Ricasoli, Max Marlovits, and Matt Lang--also take time out of their busy college schedules and weekend NCCGA spring tournaments to help kids learn the game they love. Joe described the First Tee of Pittsburgh as "a classic old building with a huge putting green and work out area with floor exercises and golf-specific training aids."
Team stretching
Regarding the Duquesne Club Golf team's impact, Leslie explained, "With very little direction, the guys stepped in and worked with the First Tee Golfers in every area from our fitness segment to our golf drills, rules and etiquette and nutrition. The kids loved them and asked if they would be coming back this week. Honestly, I have never had a group of volunteers make such an impact on the kids (or Coach) before. I look forward to working with them again."
Joe Colaizzo making clubs for the First Tee
As for putting practice, students had to make five consecutive putts at two feet intervals to advance backwards and had to start over if they missed. The First Tee also boosts three state-of-the-art golf simulators upstairs as well. Four Groups went of last Monday, one Duquesne club golfer with three First Tee students. Not a bad way to keep the game sharp during the winter!
