Susan DuBeau wants us to know that you don’t need to be an expert golfer to volunteer at The First Tee of Greater Austin – she only took up golf four years ago herself, at the age of 66!
Working as a judicial assistant to a federal judge for 40 years, raising a family, and fighting major illness, Susan never felt she had the time to take up a sport. Once she regained her health, retired and saw her two children and five grandchildren grow however, she indulged a long-time interest in golf, watching tournaments on TV to get a feel for the game. It was while watching a tournament that she first learned about The First Tee through a national ad. Though she had no golf or teaching experience, she had volunteered her time before and believed in the First Tee’s mission. Susan started helping out in the Par program, and now helps Coach Charlotte with the Young Guns. She is also working on her golf game, though she wishes she had the benefit of First Tee training years ago!
She has learned teaching skills through our clinics and watching First Tee coaches and derives tremendous joy from her mentorship. “We teach children not just about golf”, says Susan, “…but how to be good human beings – how to interact with people”. She especially likes seeing the students’ confidence improve and helping them believe in themselves. “The look on their faces the first time they hit a good drive – that grin! – it keeps me young”!
