By Indiana Golf
Sam Roberts was hesitant to join the First Tee of Indiana program in middle school. Already an avid golfer and former Gongaware Academy participant, Sam assumed First Tee was for just for beginners. At his parent’s urging, Sam reluctantly attended his first class and was excited to learn that the program offered various levels for golfers to advance through to achieve Ace status, the ultimate goal. It is the highest level offered by the program, but not been achieved by any participant in Indiana.
“Sam had a preconceived notion that First Tee was for younger children who did not have any golf experience,” said Sam’s dad, Aaron Roberts. “But after his first class, he was hooked. He truly enjoyed how the program was structured and taught along with the one-on-one instruction.”
This was a goal Sam knew he could reach and nothing was going to stop him.
“I knew I wanted to do my best and be the best. As you work through each level of PLAYer, Par, Birdie, Eagle and Ace, it begins to fit together. Once you get to the Ace level, you finally see that all of the work you’ve been doing has a framework and it has led you to this point.”
First Tee exists to help kids build the strength of character by integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum. First Tee creates learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience that kids can carry throughout their lives.
Sam’s parents, as well as his coaches saw Sam’s confidence grow and his work ethic far exceeded that of just golf skills.
“First Tee afforded Sam many opportunities for personal growth, including areas such as public speaking, confidence and building relationships,” said Aaron. “As parents, watching your child flourish doing what they love is priceless.”
Sam also succeeded academically and was valedictorian of his Centerville High School class, before attending Indiana East University in the fall of 2020.
“Sam’s human traits reflect the Nine Core Values in his academics, family, religion, and work life,” said coach, Bob Van Pelt. “He has become a tremendous public speaker, actor, collegiate golfer, and an active member in his church. He’s exceptional.”
Sam spent roughly eight years advancing through all skill levels, including the final two years dedicated to achieving Ace Level status.
The Ace Level focuses on personal planning and reinforces skills such as self-management, goal setting, self-coaching, interpersonal communication, and resilience that were applied in earlier levels of the program. Using these skills, participants become Ace-certified by completing four projects that will help them build a foundation in higher education and for a career. Project topics include, Community Service, Career, College, and Golf.
“Ace teaches you to work through your thoughts and mindsets while playing a round of golf, your physicality, and your plans for the future with college and job opportunities,” said Sam. “For one of my projects, I had to interview three local business people and I formed meaningful connections with them that I still have today.”
Sam became the first and only participant to ever achieve Ace Level status in Indiana.
“It’s very humbling and nice to know the hard work you put into the program really does pay off,” said Sam. “Being the first is not something you hear often, and I’m very proud. I now consider myself to be an advocate for Indiana Golf and First Tee-Indiana.”
After completing the First Tee program, Sam went on to become a coach at First Tee of Indiana in Richmond, alongside his former coaches, Bob Van Pelt and Sam Witherby.
Sam’s favorite part about coaching has been seeing his players continuously improve.
“I’ve had beginner students who couldn’t make contact when they first joined the program. By the end of the summer, they could hit their driver 75 yards consistently. It’s been awesome to see them improve on the golf course and become even better people.”
Today, Sam continues to coach at First Tee of Indiana in Richmond, while also attending Indiana University East, plus compete on their men’s golf team. He has been a member of the Dean’s List every semester and was the 2020 recipient of the Male Lingle Scholar Award for outstanding freshman.
“To say we are proud of Sam is an understatement,” said Sam’s father, Aaron. “Sam makes us proud everyday just by being himself. His hard work gaining the Ace Level Status showed us his responsibility, work ethic and tenacity. Whatever Sam involves himself in, he gives 100 percent and he never gives up. We have the First Tee to thank for that.”
To learn more about the First Tee of Indiana visit: https://firstteeindiana.org/
