First Tee Miami Golf program opens $2 million facility to youngsters

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  Youngsters at left play an indoor basketball game near a large model of the Melreese Golf Course on Saturay, Jan. 26, 2013. They are inside the new, nearly $2 million The First Tee Miami Learning Center. The youth golf and learning center is at at 1802 NW 37th Ave. in Miami. It includes functional training bays, play and art areas, and a spacious learning center where youngsters can get tutoring, do homework or other creative activities. The First Tee of Miami Learning Center is the result of public-private partnerships. MARSHA HALPER / Miami Herald Staff

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  Charlie DeLucca Jr. beams as he talks with sports writers about The First Tee Miami Learning Center on opening day of the center, Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013. DeLucca founded The First Tee and envisioned it as a place for education and golf training for youngsters. DeLucca and his son, Charlie DeLucca III, The First Tee Miami's executive director, worked together to secure the partnerships. MARSHA HALPER / Miami Herald Staff

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  Visitors enter the 5,500-square-foot golf and learning facility. MARSHA HALPER / Miami Herald Staff

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  Halia Braynon, 16, of North Miami, left, works on her golf swing with Coach Tony Morales. MARSHA HALPER / Miami Herald Staff

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  Michael Haramboure, 12, of Homestead, works on his long swings on Sat., Jan. 26, 2013. MARSHA HALPER / Miami Herald Staff

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  Friends and fellow golfers Jiana Blaha, 14, left, and Halia Braynon, 16, both of North Miami, chat at the piano inside The First Tee Miami Learning Center at Melreese Golf Course. MARSHA HALPER / Miami Herald Staff

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  Nickolas Parker, 10, center, offers golfing tips to his friend and fellow golfer Carlos Sanchez, 9. MARSHA HALPER / Miami Herald Staff

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  A sign inside golf fitness specialist Craig Lee's functional training bay at The First Tee Miami lists nine core values. MARSHA HALPER / Miami Herald Staff

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  Luis Haramboure, 13, of Homestead, gets guidance on form from Coach Tony Morales. Luis' brother, Michael Haramboure, 12, is at left. MARSHA HALPER / Miami Herald Staff