Milwaukee Public Schools has seen remarkable growth in its golf program in recent years, largely thanks to its partnership with First Tee-Southeast Wisconsin, a non-profit youth development organization that introduces the game of golf and its inherent values to kids, with a focus on ensuring that all young people have an opportunity to play.
This is true of many of the students in the MPS Milwaukee City Conference, says David Miller, the golf coach at Golda Meir School, who estimates that approximately 85% of boys and 95% of girls in the program do not have their own equipment.
“The support we’ve received from First Tee has been invaluable in addressing this. The organization supplies nearly 100% of the necessary equipment, including golf bags, full sets of clubs, balls, shoes, and more,” said Miller. The items the student-athletes receive through the program are theirs to keep.
This collaboration has not only increased participation in the sport but has also fostered inclusivity and diversity within the teams, as well as provided resources for student-athletes beyond the course.
Golf has been a part of the Milwaukee City Conference for several years, but according to Miller, this past year marked the highest number of teams and total golfers for both boys and girls.
“We saw a record-breaking turnout of both boys and girls in our program compared to any previous year under my coaching,” said Miller, who started Golda Meir’s program in 2018. “It’s remarkable to witness participants from various backgrounds coming together to compete.
“We have a very diverse group of golfers this year who are really enjoying the experience. I don’t think it’s wrong to say we are the most inclusive and diverse group of high school golfers in the state.”
Miller believes interest in the sport has risen in recent years due to increased representation of people of color in professional golf.
“Additionally, there’s been a notable rise in the number of entertainers and athletes from diverse backgrounds, outside the realm of golf, who express their love for the game, discuss it, and actively promote it,” he noted.
Growth in playing the sport among MPS golfers would not be possible without support from the recreation department, school athletic departments and administration, and especially First Tee, which plays a crucial role in providing equipment and support for the teams.
Tom Gerke, Program Director and PGA Professional at First Tee-Southeast Wisconsin, remembers his first call from an MPS coach. “It was from Washington High School in 2016. He said, ‘I have eight kids that want to be on a golf team. We haven’t had a golf team since 1985. Can you help us? The kids don’t have clubs, and they don’t have the money for everything they need.’ So, I told him to come over, and we gave him 15-20 sets of clubs, plus balls and tees and everything.”
Once Miller started his teams at Golda Meir, he too reached out to Gerke and has since become Gerke’s main point of contact, serving as a ringleader of sorts for the Milwaukee City Conference.
“Upon meeting Tom, I was impressed by his dedication to expanding the game of golf. Tom’s qualifications and unwavering commitment to making golf accessible to all left a lasting impression on me,” Miller said.
Over the last few years, Gerke and Miller have collaborated to involve more coaches and teams, with First Tee generously supplying nearly 100% of the necessary equipment for starting or sustaining teams.
“We all know that golf equipment can be pretty expensive and I feel pretty strongly that these golf teams would not exist if it weren’t for our program, helping them out with equipment, training and clinics,” Gerke said.
This support has also been instrumental in maintaining the program’s inclusivity. Unlike many other schools that have to make cuts due to high interest or skill level, MPS does not cut team members who try out.
“All students are warmly welcomed, and no one is turned away,” Miller emphasized.
Miller says he’s found First Tee to be indispensable partners in their shared mission. Beyond the physical equipment, the organization has also provided a place to play and helped open doors to additional resources for the youth.
Last year, First Tee and MPS expanded their efforts to include clinics aimed at supporting both MPS coaches and golfers. The inaugural clinic, held at Noyes Park GC, home to First Tee-Southeast Wisconsin since 1999, attracted nearly 100 participants.
First Tee has been working with Milwaukee County Parks to make improvements at the 9-hole, par-3 course, which now serves as a perfect place to host camps and provide area youth with a free place to play golf, no matter what their skill level or experience. First Tee also hosts a specific program at Noyes on Tuesdays for MPS golf team members, and the course will become the home course for Miller’s girls’ team next season.
“Our relationship is built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to fostering the growth of golf within our community,” said Miller, who noted that many MPS golfers also actively engage in First Tee programs, taking advantage of workshops, lessons, and leadership opportunities offered.
The impact of the golf program extends beyond the course. The average GPA of Golda Meir’s golf team members is around 3.6, and every member of the team since 2018 has gone on to pursue higher education.
“I’m incredibly proud of the academic dedication displayed by my team at Golda,” said Miler. “This level of academic achievement is mirrored by several other teams within our program. We prioritize accommodating players when they need to miss practice or matches due to academic commitments.”
In addition, Miller shared that First Tee has assisted some of his golfers in securing summer jobs. Two have accepted local caddying positions, not only helping them earn money but also potentially paving the way for them to qualify for the Evans Scholarship, a full-tuition and housing college scholarship for high-achieving caddies with limited financial means.
Another student-athlete will be spending his summer giving back to the organization that’s helped deepen his love of the game.
Jacob Springer, a student at Golda Meir, became interested in golf three years ago, drawn to the sport by his personality and the opportunity to play with his father.
“The things I enjoy about golf are getting outside, the technical nature of the sport, and the people you get to connect with while you play,” he said.
This summer, he’ll get a heavy dose of all three in his role helping with First Tee’s summer programming. Springer is also considering pursuing caddying in the future, and contemplating the Evans Scholarship.
“I want to grow in my golfing abilities and become better and better at the sport. Although I don’t know if I will play on a team past college, I do hope to continue playing recreationally throughout my life,” he said.
As the MPS program continues to grow, there are plans to further refine the divisions and enhance the accommodations for different skill levels. Miller is optimistic about the future and hopes to increase participation in WIAA regional tournaments and propel teams or individuals to sectionals and even the state tournament.
“We’re committed to fostering the growth of golf within our community,” Miller said. “With the continued support of First Tee and the dedication of our coaches and administration, we are confident that we are moving in the right direction.”
Gerke shares this optimism, hoping to get more of the MPS team members involved in First Tee’s summer programs, where they will also benefit from the organization’s life skills curriculum and become eligible for First Tee national opportunities.
Gerke also envisions the possibility of students earning golf scholarships and becoming junior coaches, eventually coming full circle and helping to grow the game themselves, as volunteers or paid summer coaches.
“Knowing the impact we have had on the MPS golf program is rewarding, both as a PGA member to help grow the game and, as part of First Tee, to get the kids exposed to not only the sport, but also the life skills component and the additional opportunities beyond the course,” he said.
The MPS partnership is just one of many ways that First Tee-Southeast Wisconsin is empowering kids and teens through the game of golf.
And, when it comes to supporting its mission, there are many ways that you can get involved.
First Tee hosts various equipment drives throughout the year, and donations can be made year-round at the PGA Superstore in Brookfield. Another option is to call the organization at (414) 727-5290 and arrange to drop off equipment at their administrative office in West Allis.
“We look for golf clubs that aren’t too old and golf bags—particularly stand bags—plus balls, tees, and anything you would need to put into a golf bag for someone who is brand new to the game,” explained Gerke, noting the particular need for left-handed clubs.
In addition to equipment, the organization also welcomes donations of time — through volunteering and/or event participation — and money.