Kim partnering with The First Tee to aid youth programs

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Kim (with The First Tee CEO Joe Louis Barrow) said that his involvement "is not just about succeeding in golf, but learning life goals."

AKRON, Ohio -- Most of the red, orange and tan caps were covered with autographs.

When Anthony Kim took the microphone for a Q&A session before a clinic at Firestone Country Club on Tuesday, though, all those kids who'd had their Sharpies out earlier in the day sat in rapt attention.

After all, in the 24-year-old Kim, the youngsters from The First Tee programs in Cleveland, Akron and Canton saw someone not very much older than they are who excels at the game they have grown to love.

They could learn from him as they fantasize of one day playing against him. Just as Kim was telling them he once dreamed about challenging Tiger Woods, as he will do at the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational later this week.

"I think the guy is actually playing here," Kim said with a playful grin. "So I don't want to say his name too loudly."

That's why The First Tee program has asked Kim to be the co-chair of its Young Ambassadors Council. In that capacity, he and the other members of the group will meet with First Tee participants at least four times a year to mentor them.

"As we see more and more of our young people seeking to play high school golf and college golf, and I'm sure some of them aspire to play on the PGA (TOUR) and the LPGA Tour, it's a delight to be able to have an association with a player like Anthony who can relate to them (and) some of the challenges that they're going to face ... and be able to share with them some of the challenges that he has faced and certainly overcome," said Joe Louis Barrow, the CEO of The First Tee.

Before he accepted the position, Kim visited The First Tee in Dallas, where he has made his home. He had considered several charities -- "I have a love for animals; I have a love for kids," Kim explained -- but after meeting the youngsters he was sold.

"I feel very fortunate I have now been involved with the First Tee, and I'm going to have more opportunities to meet some of the kids and help some of the kids that need maybe a little bit of a push or some guidance, because I know when I was that age, I needed it, and I had some great people help me," Kim said.

"Unfortunately, the First Tee wasn't around when I was nine, ten years old, but I sure wish it was. I've been able to meet quite a few of the kids that are part of the program, and I'll tell you what, they're they talk to you like adults, they know exactly what they want, they're goal oriented, and I think that's what you need to be successful in life and on the PGA TOUR."

In the last year, PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem has asked players to become more involved in their communities and charity efforts across the country. So Kim's decision to partner with the highly successful youth development program was a welcome one.

"It is gratifying to see a young player like Anthony Kim set an example and choose to give back to golf through The First Tee," Finchem said.

The questions Kim fielded Tuesday afternoon as grey clouds settled over Firestone were as interesting as many of the ones the two-time TOUR champ faces from reporters each week. His answers showcased his gift of gab as well as his more serious side.

Kim's favorite club? The putter "because that's the thing that lets me walk off the course at the end of the day," he said. What about the club he hits the worst? "Depends on what day it is," Kim said with a wry smile.

One youngster took the occasion to ask Kim if he ever got nervous. The answer was swift and candid.

"Absolutely," he said. "If I'm not nervous and I'm playing in a golf tournament, I'm probably not going to play very well. Every time I tee it up I have butterflies in my stomach. So if you get nervous, that's normal and you're probably going to end up playing better than if you didn't."

But has he ever wanted to just walk off the course? Kim the comedian quickly became Kim the philosopher.

"Every day," Kim said, remembering that 9 he made at the British Open. "I promise you I mean that. ... But you'll have the opportunity to shoot some better scores and you'll learn from your mistakes. And that's the most important thing."

Judging from the reaction of the kids on Tuesday, the Young Ambassadors Council already was working.