Building Connections Through Golf and Community
On a bright summer day at the Mud Run Golf Course & Driving Range, more than 300 local children and teenagers gathered for the 8th Annual “Putting with Police” event. This community-driven initiative brought together young people and law enforcement officers in a fun and engaging environment, focused on fostering positive relationships and mutual understanding.
The event was organized by First Tee Greater Akron in collaboration with the City of Akron. It serves as a platform for meaningful interactions between youth and those who serve their communities. According to Jeff O’Brien, Executive Director of First Tee of Greater Akron, the event is all about creating connections in a welcoming and enjoyable setting.
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This year’s gathering welcomed 340 kids from various local summer programs, along with representatives from 10 different police agencies. Participants rotated through several golf stations, had the chance to interact with officers, enjoyed some refreshing treats, and explored police vehicles stationed around the driving range. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, learning, and shared experiences.
Deputy Police Chief Dave Laughlin of Akron emphasized the importance of building relationships with youth. “For us, the relationship with youth is key to our success, not just as a department, but as a city,” he said. His words resonated with Summit County Sheriff Kandy Fatheree, who added, “We respond to a lot of bad things. This is an opportunity to connect with kids in a positive way. It’s good for the soul, and it helps build trust.”
One participant, Brielle Rowles, expressed her excitement about meeting the officers and playing golf. “Everyone’s been really kind,” she said with a smile, highlighting the positive impact of the event.
The success of “Putting with Police” was also supported by Kaulig Giving and the Kaulig Companies Championship. Matt Kaulig, a contributor to 3News, announced a generous donation of over $10,000 to First Tee of Greater Akron. This contribution comes from proceeds raised at the annual PGA Tour Champions event held at Firestone Country Club, which benefits 25 local nonprofits.
Stacey Langal of Kaulig Giving praised the partnership, stating, “First Tee’s mission to empower kids through golf really aligns with what we care about. It’s a great partnership.”
Beyond the golf, the event provided a space for food, fun, and a strong sense of community. As Sheriff Fatheree put it, “We’ll feed them, play some golf, and send them home tired — officers included.” The event not only offered a unique experience for the participants but also reinforced the value of community engagement and collaboration between youth and law enforcement.
