Trick Shot goes off with a BANG!

American Golf Trick Shot Specialist Dennis Walters brought his humorous, slapstick show to Clays Golf Centre last week. He drew a sizeable crowd and recounted tales of the past, including his aspirations to become a professional golfer on the PGA Tour. Tragically, after Dennis became paralysed his dream was no longer achievable – and this contributes to why Dennis’ show is so popular. Not only has he shown tremendous resolve and determination, but he’s found a way to do what he loves.

Dennis was in the UK not only to give entertainment to the masses – indeed it wasn’t just entertainment he almost gave me a heart attack when one of his shots sounded like a gun going off! He also came over to promote a charity very special to him. The First Tee is a nationwide initiative in the USA which extracts the best life teachings from the game of golf and interprets them in a fun, socially engaging environment. It gives children the opportunity to play and learn as individuals and as teams. It also takes golf away from an elitist perception, in fact the program targets children in less economically stable areas. By doing this children can receive much needed focus and life skills to take forward in their school and home life. The program is available to children from as young as 6 up to 16 and builds from one achievement to the next until the more advanced can actually try their hand at teaching some of the younger ones. The First Tee concept is one making its way around the world – a truly universal one, and has the backing of Jack Nicklaus, Paula Creamer and World Number One Golfer Luke Donald.

All of the life skills included in the program, such as perseverance and integrity are skills Dennis has been challenged with over the years, which is why it is a concept he holds so close. He wasn’t able to achieve his dream but hopes that children in the Wrexham area, especially living in some of the more socially deprived areas have the chance to broaden their horizons through the First Tee program.

To learn more about the First Tee concept visit http://www.thefirstteemanchester.org/

If you want to find out more about First Tee programmes running in the Wrexham area contact Dawn Roberts ([email protected])