First Tee Sandhills to Create Community Golf Hub for Local Kids in Cameron

Plans are underway for a nine-hole golf course and learning hub for First Tee Sandhills, on 34 acres near Cameron. The site will give kids across the Sandhills area a place to learn and play.

With this new space, youth participation is expected to jump by 140 percent, with special focus on kids who need it most.

"Our mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf," said Executive Director Courtney Stiles at a town hall meeting at Sandhills Community College, per the Sandhill Sentinel.

So far, they've reached 2,900 young players and given out 220 club sets. Volunteers put in 1,400 hours to make it happen. Kids from Carthage, Robbins, Sanford, and Spring Lake will soon have a place to call their own.

Richard Mandell Golf Architecture stepped up to design the site at no cost. Beyond golf, the grounds will offer walking paths and spots for hands-on science learning.

At 751 yards, the Par 3 course will sport pro-grade surfaces and raised putting areas. New players will find shorter, easier holes near the main building.

Everyone gets to use this space. From school groups to veterans, college students to neighbors. Experts keep watch over a small wetland spot, taking tips from wildlife officials.

The team wants local help to finish what they've started. "If you have a blank check, I won't say no, but I want to embrace the idea that we all work together to bring this to life because it's going to benefit future generations past us," Stiles said.