The Monmouth County Board of Commissioners, the Monmouth County Park System and First Tee – Jersey Shore announced a new partnership Oct. 2 to host youth golf programs at Bel-Aire Golf Course in Wall Township.

First Tee – Jersey Shore is a youth development organization that empowers kids and teens through the sport of golf — using the game as learning tool to enable kids to build strength of character through a lifetime of new challenges. Its curriculum is designed to provide active learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do.

In a press release announcing the partnership, Maureen McHugh, board chair of First Tee – Jersey Shore, noted that the popularity of golf has skyrocketed since the start of the pandemic.

“And we found ourselves without enough location space to meet the demand,” said McHugh. “The waitlists have been at least 150 kids each year.”

“First Tee – Jersey Shore needed a location to support the growing interest of kids and teens in golf,” said Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners Director Thomas Arnone. “The Board is happy to partner with this remarkable organization to provide a beautiful and safe location to learn the game at one of our award-winning golf courses.”

“As a small nonprofit working to provide access and opportunity to First Tee for as many Monmouth County families as possible, we are grateful for the support of the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners and the Monmouth County Park System,” said Tara Kelly, executive director of First Tee – Jersey Shore. “First Tee coaches are so thrilled to be welcomed into the wonderful golf learning spaces at Bel-Aire Golf Course this fall.”

“We are now able to open more slots and offer more access for kids and teens,” McHugh added. “We look forward to that waitlist number decreasing even more in the coming years thanks to this partnership and the support of Monmouth County leadership.”

“Our County Park System is honored to host First Tee – Jersey Shore programs,” said Commissioner Ross Licitra, liaison to the Monmouth County Park System. “We hope that the first tee participants enjoy their experience on the course and come back to play on it for years to come.”