MANITOBA — First Tee – Prairies and Golf Manitoba reached more than 7,300 youth through their Golf in Schools and Mobile Clinic programs from May to August, marking a milestone in the third year of their collaboration.
Led by Golf Manitoba’s program development interns Eryn Czirfusz and Aaron Dryburgh, and program and operations intern Gabriela Lerat, the 2026 season introduced young people across Manitoba and Northwest Ontario to golf through accessible, introductory programming.
The interns completed the PGA of Canada’s Community Golf Coach certification and First Tee Level 2 coach training before leading the programs, which bring golf instruction to schools and facilities across the region.
Bringing golf to schools and communities
Golf in Schools is a complimentary program offered to elementary schools across Manitoba. During school visits, the interns lead physical education classes through golf instruction using First Tee equipment and a school-based curriculum, giving students the opportunity to learn the sport in a familiar environment.
The Mobile Clinic program extends that access to golf facilities across Manitoba and Northwest Ontario that do not have a PGA of Canada professional available to lead junior programming.
Since First Tee – Prairies began supporting the initiatives in 2023, the programs have expanded each year, reaching more schools and introducing more students to golf. The partnership aims to make the sport accessible to youth while building awareness of First Tee’s school programming opportunities throughout the province.
To build on the season’s success, Golf Manitoba has agreed to sponsor a participating school interested in bringing the First Tee School Program to its students. Following a draw, Ecole Van Belleghem of Winnipeg will receive the program.
AVID GOLF helps extend learning beyond the classroom
Students also had an opportunity to continue their golf experience outside of school, thanks to a donation from Winnipeg-based AVID GOLF. The indoor golf facility provided one-hour simulator vouchers to students following their Golf in Schools visits, allowing them to bring their families and experience golf together over the summer.
“At AVID GOLF, we believe growing the game starts with giving young people the opportunity to experience golf in a fun and welcoming environment,” said Cody Brownlee, general manager of AVID GOLF. “We were happy to donate the simulator time to the Golf in Schools program and help remove some of the barriers that can prevent kids from being introduced to the sport.”
The donation supports First Tee – Canada’s mission to make golf more accessible while helping young people develop life skills and build confidence through the game.
First Tee – Prairies extends its gratitude to AVID GOLF for its support, as well as Golf Manitoba for its continued partnership and commitment to introducing more youth to golf.
