Toro's Future Leaders Forum tees off today

This morning, 50 students from The First Tee are descending on Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando. And while the thrill rides of the Happiest Place on Earth will certainly be a part of their agenda, it won't be the main part. That's reserved for the curriculum of the fourth annual Future Leaders Forum, presented by The Toro Co. in conjunction with The First Tee and Disney.

The program is designed to help students broaden their leadership skills, prepare them for college and help them explore potential careers in golf. And with Toro involved, you know that careers in golf course management and the job of superintendent will be front and center.

I was lucky enough to attend last year's event, and saw first-hand the in-depth look the participants got at the world of golf course management, including a presentation from Robert Waller, CGCS, the director of grounds operations for Marriott Golf, and an on-course demonstration of maintenance practices like bunker raking, greens mowing and cup-cutting (shown in the photo above) from Gary Myers, CGCS, the director of golf course operations for Walt Disney World, and his crew during a lull in their work surrounding the PGA Tour's Children's Miracle Network Classic, which is being played this weekend.

Participants will also take part in Disney's "Leadership Excellence: The Inside Track" program, see presentations by executives with the Disney Institute, Toro, the PGA of America and the Golf Channel, and will get a behind-the-scenes look at the Children's Miracle Network Classic. The attendees were selected based on a 350-word essay about goals, career aspirations and post-high school plans, involvement in school and community activities and letters of recommendation from school faculty and First Tee chapter executive directors.

"Now in its fourth year, the program has positively impacted the lives of young people, enabling them to explore opportunities they never imagined," said Mike Hoffman, Toro's chairman and CEO. "With a strong commitment to growing the game, Toro is truly excited to be a part of this leadership experience and to be connected with such a strong cast of participating organizations like Disney and The First Tee."

Comments

[Matt]

I was one of the kids that attended this weekend. It was a once in a life time experience where I learned skills that I will always remember for the rest of my life.

[Scott Hollister]

Glad you had a good experience, Matt, and thanks for checking out our blog!

Scott Hollister
GCM Editor

[Sarah Long]

This sounded like an awesome event. I am unfortunate I could not make it out there.