Dan McDonald, Daily Advertiser, Aug. 15, 2012  

Scott Poynot decided it was time for someone to take the first step, to get things rolling and to start the process which he hopes will lead to the beginning of The First Tee program in the Acadiana area.

"I’ve been standing on the sidelines, and I didn’t see anything happening," said Poynot, chief superintendent at Le Triomphe. "It’s something that I feel strongly about. We’ve got to do something to get kids involved with golf."

That’s the whole idea behind The First Tee, an international youth organization aimed at introducing golf and its inherent values to young people. The program has had over 6.5 million participants since its founding in 1997, and the international program with help from the PGA Tour recently announced an initiative to help guide 10 million young people into the game over the next five years.

Poynot is hoping that part of that anticipated growth happens right here, and he’s ready to devote his time and energy to make it a reality. But he needs help.

"If there’s one thing I have, it’s passion for the game, for kids and for the community," he said. "I’d like to help make an impact here for golf and for the community. I know some people have discussed it in the past, but I didn’t see anyone with the passion for it that I have, so I’m willing to do it."

Poynot knows something about the game. Apart from being one of the top authorities on golf course agronomy in the South, he also carries a 3.5 handicap and plays regularly in sanctioned tournaments. But he’s also been involved in area youth organizations and in coaching outside of golf, and realizes the value of engaging kids at a young age.

"There are a lot of courses that are struggling with getting their youth players involved," he said. "They don’t have enough today to keep them away from TV and computer screens. If we can get them involved, they’re going to be a lot more likely to stay with the game down the road."

The First Tee was begun precisely with that in mind, with the USGA, the PGA Tour, the PGA of America, the LPGA and the Masters Tournament forming a partnership to bring golf to young people who may not play the game because of a lack of facilities, a lack of resources or those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

But what started as a golf promotion turned into a program to help young people develop core values and learn life skills through their interaction with the game. Schools in all 50 states and several military installations around the world have now incorporated The First Tee into their programs.

That’s a big step from where Poynot is now, but he says it has to start somewhere "» and it may start at a 5,000-square-foot warehouse in Broussard adjacent to Arceneaux Park. Poynot has plans to turn the building into a youth center, and the surrounding acre and a half could easily handle a chipping and pitching area and a practice green.

"No matter what happens with The First Tee, my intention is to build up a chipping and putting green," he said. "But ideally, it would be part of that program."

Poynot already has local people like Don Wallace from the PGA Tour staff, Le Triomphe owner Mike Maraist and Chitimacha Louisiana Open chairman of the board Harry Patin involved in the formative stages. That’s not a surprise, since that group understands the importance of perpetuating the game. Besides, Poynot’s passion makes it hard to tell him "no."

"Donnie’s getting in touch with the people at First Tee and through the Tour," he said. "A lot of people would love to see The First Tee here "» the Louisiana Open puts monies into the program, and they’d love to see funds they raise stay in The First Tee locally."

Poynot also has a new information source available in James Dent, newly-hired assistant professional at Le Triomphe. Dent — the son of long-time PGA Tour member and trailblazer Jim Dent — came to Acadiana after serving as program director at The First Tee of Tampa Bay though his course at Rogers Park. He’d also been involved with The First Tee in Augusta, Ga.

"There were actually two sites in Tampa Bay," he said. "I’d been involved with a junior program called Urban Junior Golf before The First Tee, and four years ago Rogers Park was redone and was made into a second site. There’s no question that a program like that can happen here."

Dent has already had conversation with state and regional First Tee directors about what it would take to get the program going.

"They’re good at helping give a kick-start to new programs," he said. "It’s just a matter of letting them know that there are people here interested in getting it going."

It will take people and resources, though. Anyone interested in the program, whether becoming actively involved or through sponsorship, may contact Poynot at (337) 962-3590.

"The people are here to make this happen," Poynot said. "There are golfers who care about the game and have a passion for keeping it alive, and it’s going to take community involvement and corporate dollars to make it work. But there’s no question it can work here."

"Making the Turn" appears each Wednesday. Clubs, courses and individuals with information about local golf events may email Dan McDonald, editorial director at Golfballs.com, at danmcdonald@cox.net, FAX to (337) 857-8763 or call (337) 857-8754 and leave a message with phone number. Listen to the "Making the Turn" radio show each Wednesday from 8-9 a.m. on ESPN ¬Sports Radio 1420.

BASS OPEN

Entries are now being accepted for the Bill Bass Open, UL’s annual Homecoming golf tournament, and this year it will be easier than ever to enter the annual event that helps kick off Homecoming weekend.

The four-person scramble tournament, which raises funds for the Bill Bass Scholarship Fund and the Cajun golf team, is set for Friday, Oct. 5, at Les Vieux Chenes. LVC hosted the event for many years before its closure for renovations moved the tournament to Acadian Hills, and now that Acadian has ceased operation the popular event returns to Vieux Chenes. With UL hosting state rival Tulane in this year’s Homecoming game Oct. 6, tournament officials are anticipating that entries will hit the tournament’s 132-player capacity.

Entry forms are or will soon be available at area golf courses, golf outlets, the UL athletic complex and the UL alumni office. This year, players may also enter online through a secure network at www.louisianaalumni.org, which will be taking entries and payment beginning next week. Players may enter as four-person teams or as individuals, and more information on the tournament is available at (337) 857-8754.