
Courtesy of The First Tee of Metropolitan New York
The Fourth is excited to have the opportunity to learn more about The First Tee of Metropolitan New York. To share that knowledge with The Fourth Tee Community, we conducted a Q&A with Todd Bordonaro, Director of Instruction, The First Tee Coach and National Trainer for The First Tee of Metropolitan New York.
The Fourth Tee: Welcome to the Fourth Tee. Tell us, what is The First Tee?
Todd Bordonaro: The First Tee is a youth development organization that teaches young people life skills through the game of golf.
TFT: Where is The First Tee of Metropolitan New York located?
TB: We are headquartered in the Bronx. We have ten different locations throughout the tri-state area – that is, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
TFT: Is there a membership requirement? And, if so, what is it?
TB: There is no specific membership requirement. Once a child signs up for a The First Tee class he/she is automatically a member.
TFT: What are some of the key benefits of being a part of The First Tee of Metropolitan New York?
TB: The First Tee participants receive instruction from The First Tee Recognized Coaches and PGA Professionals. We offer a wide array of instructional and playing opportunities. Participants are entitled to reduced fees for playing and practicing at all our facilities.
TFT: What are the non-golf advantages of being part of The First Tee of Metropolitan New York?
TB: We offer mentoring, tutoring, SAT prep classes, an honor roll program and several The First Tee National opportunities.
TFT: Is it a year long program? Or is it seasonal?
TB: We run programs all year long. In the winter we have indoor fitness classes. We also offer programming at Chelsea Piers in Manhattan.
TFT: Tell us about the 2011 Summer Golf School program.
TB: Intended for juniors age 9 to 17, the Summer Golf School is designed for kids interested in strengthening their golf game, making new friends and having fun. All schools are divided into nine week-long sessions throughout the summer season. The daily school routine consists of PGA level golf instruction, skills and rules review and guided play on our 9-hole course.

Courtesy of The First Tee of Metropolitan New York
TFT: Is there an enrollment deadline?
TB: June 27 – August 22 (9 weeks).
TFT: Do kids get to compete with each other? Or is this just a learning program?
TB: Our Advanced program offers participants a chance to compete on the golf course 3 times per week.
TFT: What is the Players’ Golf Academy?
TB: The Player’s Golf Academy is an exclusive program targeted for the aspiring junior golfer. Designed for students who wish to improve their golf skill in a smaller class setting, The Academy offers one-on-one instruction and attention to technique and development. There are three levels to choose from: Apprentice, Pro and Super Pro.
TFT: Can you share with us some notable accomplishments of kids who have passed through your program?
TB: Many of our participants play on their high school and college golf teams. They have received scholarships and have been selected for national opportunities, including The First Tee Open at Pebble Beach, Life Skills and Leadership Academies and Future Leaders Forum. Of recent note, Paul Spano received the first ever The First Tee Outstanding Participant Award. This is a national award. Paul received a $20K scholarship. Last summer, Kuriko Tsukiyama was the youngest ever player to win the New Jersey Women’s Amateur Golf Championship. She was also selected to participate in this year’s First Tee Open at Pebble Beach.

Courtesy of The First Tee of Metropolitan New York
TFT: Kudos! Finally, tell us a little about your background. First, how long have you been in your current role as Director of Instruction at The First Tee of Metropolitan New York?
TB: I was the Program Director at Mosholu for 6 years. Last fall I was promoted to Director of Instruction for all ten of our locations. I am a class A member of the PGA of America, an authorized instructor of The Golfing Machine, a Recognized The First Tee Coach, National The First Tee Trainer and a Titleist Performance Institute Certified Golf Fitness Instructor. The Metropolitan PGA awarded me the 2009 Presidents Plaque for outstanding contributions in growing the game of golf.
TFT: Now, you are a member of the Professional Golfers Association?
TB: Yes I have been a PGA Member since 2007.
TFT: And is that only as a teaching professional? Or have you played on the PGA Tour?
TB: A teaching professional. I have not played on the PGA Tour but do play in local professional events conducted by the Metropolitan Section of the PGA and The Metropolitan Golf Association.
TFT: Recently, The Fourth Tee featured your youtube chipping lesson. Besides being the Director of Instruction for The First Tee of Metropolitan New York, do you also provide golf lessons to the average golfer? And, if so, how can our interested readers contact you?
TB: Yes, I provide instruction for golfers of all ages and abilities. I can be contacted through my website: www.toddbordonaro.com
TFT: Thank you for sharing the story of The First Tee of Metropolitan New York with our readers.
TB: You’re most welcome. Thank you.
To learn more about The First Tee of Metropolitan New York, visit: http://www.thefirstteemetny.org