The First Tee of Savannah Coming to Mary Calder Golf Course

Mary Calder Golf Course will undergo renovations to house The First Tee of Savannah.

By: WSAV Staff | WSAV-TV
Published: September 17, 2009

The First Tee of Savannah (TFTS), a youth development organization that teaches life skills through the game of golf, is partnering with International Paper Company to add another program location. Beginning September 16, 2009, TFTS, one of 204 Chapters nationally, will be adding a second location at the Mary Calder Golf Course located on the grounds of International Paper’s Savannah Mill. The course is currently managed by Alan Cale and CGL Management. “We are glad to be able to offer The First Tee of Savannah an opportunity to have a presence in this location.” TFTS has been headquartered at the Bacon Park Golf Course since 2004. This additional location will provide greater access to young people on the West side of Savannah, as well as surrounding counties.

“International Paper has a longstanding relationship with the Greater West Savannah communities and this is yet another chance for us to help provide important recreational and educational services to the community,”said Courtney Williams, International Paper communications manager.

Although programming will begin on September 16th, in order to conduct the full program, the course will undergo a $310,000 renovation which will include constructing a driving range, enlarging the putting green, adding a practice area and installing junior tees. A dedicated clubhouse will also be renovated to accommodate indoor programming and tutorials. TFTS has already raised more than half of the needed funds for the project. Through the generosity of the Wadsworth Golf Charities Foundation, founded by Brent and Jean Wadsworth, headquartered in Middleton, Ohio, TFTS will receive $150,000 towards the project. The remaining funds will be raised from grants, corporations, and individual contributions.
Leon McNair, Board President of the foundation and the staff, has worked diligently with TFTS to bring this project to realization. Michael Potts, Chairman of The First Tee’s Board of Directors says “We are very excited to have the opportunity to expand our program to the West side of Savannah. We believe it will give us a wider reach, and allow us to expand our impact on the lives of more young people.”