BARBARA TAYLOR
Blog: July/August 2012
THE FIRST TEE FROM SOUTH LOS ANGELES
GOES TO PEBBLE BEACH
The swing of a golf club has an electrifying power to either alter or change young lives , and the logistics of life’s journey, on and off the course. This theory is commensurate with the opinion of this blogger and the opinion of Bakari Bolden. Now you ask, “Who is Bakari Bolden?”
Bakari Bolden, 16, is a junior at Harvard-West Lake High School in Studio City, California, and a junior from The First Tee South Los Angeles Chapter at Maggie Hatahway golf course.
Bakari is known to be an excellent golfer, and on June 23, 2012 I personally had the opportunity to speak with him and learned that his lowest round score for 18 holes is 67. His average drives is 295 yards off the tee, with a handicap of +1.
In May 2012 Bakari Bolden was interviewed, by The First Tee World Golf Foundation’s national panel of judges that evaluates participants playing ability and comprehension of life skills, character, and education learned through their involvement with the First Tee program, for the opportunity to play in the Nature Valley First Tee Open at Pebble Beach.
More than 180 applications, nation wide, were submitted and Bakari was one out of the 80 selected, and the only one selected from South Los Angeles to play the First Tee Open at Pebble Beach, which is an opportunity of a life time.
Overall, 81 Juniors, age 16-18 will be teamed with 81 champion tour players, and 162 amateurs as they compete for the title at Pebble Beach Golf Links and Del Monte Golf Course. This official champions Tour event will be held July 6-8 2012, and televised internationally on the Golf Channel.
During my conversation with Bakari, he shared with me that at the age of 2-years-old his grandfather, who was an avid golfer, was the person who influenced and introduced him to the world of golf. For hours his grandfather would practice his swing in the house in front of the television–while looking at the golf channel– , and at the same time he would guide Bakari in mirroring his swings.
At the age of 3-years-old his grandfather (finally) took him to the golf for more, and more practice followed. At the ripe old age of 4½ Bakari entered and played his first competition.
As I continued to talk to this refreshing young man I could clearly see a sense of determination, and deeply feel a strong-willed individual, who is very confident, and a person who knows what he wants and what it takes to get there.
Bakari believes that we all strive for ideals, we all have a notion of what we want to be and accomplish in life and to quote him he emphatically told me that, “He is where he’s suppose to be”. He also states, that he will also continue to position himself, so that he can have choices. Kudos to this young man !!. The first Tee of South Los Angeles, and this blogger applaud Bakari Bolden, and we wish him luck.
You can rest assured that on July 6-8, 2012 my friend Jim May and I will be glued to the Golf Channel, eating tuna sandwiches, drinking ice tea and watching The First Tees at Pebble Beach.
Until next time,
Barbara Taylor
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ABOUT BARBARA TAYLOR
In April 2011, after taking a six-year hiatus from golf lessons, Taylor decided to return to the world of Golf. When she first took lessons, she found that the transition from playing a “B” level of tennis to learning to play golf was boring, and slow as hell, and as perilous as going over Niagara Falls without a barrel. So, she made a decision (that she thought was wise at the time) to give it up! Taylor’s returned to the game came with a whole new prospective, purpose, respect, and attitude…. And, yes maturity.
Unlike when she was playing tennis, Taylor had no desire to get caught-up in the competitive frenzy. She is into golf for the shear love of the fun, travel and social interactions that she has found so delightful in the golf environment and game. However, she does want to be taken seriously.
Taylor is currently being coached by the legendary Alton Duhon, at the renown Chester Washington Golf Course, in Los Angeles. The course is also the California Golf Home of Dr. Charles Sifford.
