“It’s special to be able to continue the strong legacy of inclusion with Indianapolis youth, as Douglass Park has always been known for,” said Mike David, executive director of Indiana Golf. “First Tee was a perfect fit and we are excited to see our programs at Douglass reaching such a large number of kids.” Local programming is taught by Liz Cooprider, the General Manager of Douglass Park Golf Club, Taylor Haudek, Site Director for Indianapolis First Tee-Indiana, Roger Lundy, First Tee-Indiana Regional Director-South, and Alex Pettigrew, former Indiana Golf Foundation/Gongaware Junior Academy participant. Pettigrew grew up playing golf at Douglass Park and her return as an instructor, sets the perfect example for local kids and opens their eyes to a possible career path. “Growing up playing at Douglass, I enjoyed learning golf with people that looked like me and being taught by older Black golfers,” said Pettigrew. “The community at Douglass is so strong and I’m proud to be a part of it.” When Pettigrew was a camp participant, the Indiana Golf Foundation provided transportation for camp participants from Douglass Park to Gongaware Golf Academy. Roger Lundy was her instructor and now she teaches alongside him. “My experience at camp was fun,” said Pettigrew. “I remember getting to play on the course barefoot. My group was tired of our golf shoes, so we took them off. I had never stepped on grass that soft before.” Pettigrew’s goal has always been to become a golf professional at Douglass Park, so being able to help give lessons through First Tee programming was an obvious next step.
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