Valley teen selected to attend the First Tee National Life Skills and Leadership Academy in San Diego

Hunter Hazelton from The First Tee of Phoenix has been selected to attend The First Tee Life Skills and Leadership Academy in San Diego, CA., July 23-29. Hazelton will join more than 90 junior golfers from other First Tee chapters, ages 13-17. 

The Academy, staged by The First Tee home office and hosted by The First Tee of San Diego, Sycuan Golf Resort and San Diego State University, provides participants valuable character education and leadership instruction during the week-long event. Participants will have the opportunity to develop and hone skills to become leaders in their chapters, schools and communities while experiencing championship golf, career exploration and dorm living.

“I’m really looking forward to attending the Academy,” said Hazelton.  “It’s a great chance for me to improve as a golfer and get a feel for college life and the things I need to do to get there.”

Hunter Hazelton has been a member of The First Tee of Phoenix since the beginning of 2013. His dad, who is a golf coach at Fairfax High School, introduced him to the game of golf, and he began to get more serious about it in eighth grade. Since joining The First Tee of Phoenix, Hunter has progressed from the PLAYer (beginning level) to the Eagle (advanced level) in a little more than one year. Hazelton is involved in giving back to the local chapter as well. He has volunteered for The First Tee of Phoenix’s summer golf camp, special events and classes at Aguila G.C. and the South Mountain facility.

The First Tee of Phoenix is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created by The Thunderbirds for the purpose of providing affordable access to golf and golf-learning facilities for young people in Maricopa County from all walks of life, particularly those who otherwise might not have an opportunity to play. As the largest Chapter in The First Tee Network impacting over 100,000 youth annually, The First Tee of Phoenix offers classes, special monthly family events and tournaments as part of its programming. With 11 locations in the Valley – South Mountain, Desert Mirage, Papago, Longbow, Falcon Dunes, Lone Tree and now all City of Phoenix courses – The First Tee of Phoenix serves as a convenient place for participants to learn valuable life skills and character lessons through creative activities and instructional programs that incorporate the fundamental teachings of golf. 

For more information on The First Tee of Phoenix call 602.305.7655, or visit www.thefirstteephoenix.org.