Meet Scott Life: Executive director of First Tee – Canton

Patricia Faulhaber
·3 min read
Scott Life serves as executive director of First Tee - Canton, an organization that teaches not only golf but also life skills to youth.
Scott Life serves as executive director of First Tee - Canton, an organization that teaches not only golf but also life skills to youth.

Scott Life is the executive director of First Tee – Canton.

Life and his wife Laura live in Massillon and will be celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary in July. They have a daughter, Sophia, 22, who graduated from The Ohio State University last year and now works for Campus Crusade for Christ serving undergraduates at Ohio State. Their son, Tommy, 19, is also in Columbus finishing up his first year at Ohio State's Fisher College of Business.

The family has three dogs — Beau, 9, Wrigley, 8, and Stella, 7 — who keep them busy.

Life graduated from Sycamore High School in Cincinnati and Ohio State. He joined the First Tee – Canton in February.

“By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, we create active learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do,” Scott said. “... Everyone has been extremely supportive as I familiarize myself with the organization and our community partners. In 2022, First Tee – Canton celebrated its 20th anniversary. We continue to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf.”

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Scott Life serves as executive director of First Tee - Canton, an organization that teaches not only golf but also life skills to youth.
Scott Life serves as executive director of First Tee - Canton, an organization that teaches not only golf but also life skills to youth.

When did you start golfing and why?

I stepped onto my “first tee” at the age of 8. I enjoyed many sports as a kid – soccer, baseball, basketball and tennis. I was lucky to also be able to try golf at an early age and I was hooked right away.

I remember my first junior tournament and the thrill of teeing it up in competition. Golf is a sport you can enjoy for a lifetime, and we’re excited to be able to provide access to golf and the life lessons you can learn from the game to so many children in Stark County.

Where does the First Tee – Canton practice/play?

We have our very own golf course and indoor practice facility with simulators for participants to enjoy year-round access to golf. Our nine-hole par three course is perfect for introducing youth to the game of golf.

Since 2014, we have also managed the First Tee - Canton Junior Tour which gives children access to local courses like Pleasant View Golf Club, Arrowhead Golf Club, Sanctuary Golf Club, Raintree Golf, Tannenhauf Golf Club and Congress Lake Country Club.

Our goal for the First Tee - Canton Junior Tour is to grow the game of golf by providing junior golfers an opportunity to play competitive golf at a low cost.

How many trained coaches does the program usually have?

We have 12 trained golf coaches giving instruction to participants at our First Tee – Canton facility. Our trained coaches not only provide an introduction to junior golf and an opportunity to enhance golf skills, they also create a safe, supportive and empowering environment to help youth prepare for life ahead, including friendships, school, college and even their careers.

Beyond our certified coaches, we have 70 volunteers assisting with classes and events.

What are the life skills that the program teaches?

Through our program, kids will learn skills that stay with them for life:

  • Understanding and managing emotions

  • Resolving conflicts

  • Setting up step-by-step goals

  • Planning for the future

  • Appreciating diversity

  • Golf fundamentals and advanced techniques

Our focus is on building game changers. And if children happen to improve their golf skills and achieve lower golf scores, then that’s a bonus!

What does the First Tee program mean to you?

Providing a safe and positive environment for children to learn life lessons as well as the game of golf is extremely fulfilling. Here at First Tee – Canton, we strive to be a trusted partner in the community helping the youth of Stark County to reach their full potential.

Editor's note: Five questions with ... is a Sunday feature that showcases a member of the Stark County community. If you'd like to recommend someone to participate, send an email to newsroom@cantonrep.com.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Meet Scott Life: Executive director of First Tee – Canton