HAMMOND | Like many former football players, Barry Tyler Jr. has developed a passion for golf.

But technically, Tyler hasn't retired from the gridiron.

"I'm Hammond High's line coach and head coach for the jayvee," said Tyler, who starred for the Wildcats before graduating in 2002.

"Coaching is about organization. And that has helped me here."

"Here" is Lost Marsh Golf Course in Hammond, where Tyler is the executive director of The First Tee of Hammond.

"First Tee is a non-profit organization that introduces to kids who would normally never get a chance to play," Tyler said.

First Tee was established nationally in 1997. The Hammond chapter was formed in 1999, and Tyler was one of its first students.

"I used to work here part-time when I was still in high school," Tyler said.

Another former First Tee student turned instructor is Tyler's long-time friend, Brandon White.

"I remember we used to come out here with our bikes when this was just a slag hill," White said.

The age range for First Tee students is 6-17, but there are some exceptions to the rule. Chicago 5-year-old Reese Wilson has since proven to Tyler, White and many others that she plays well beyond her years.

"She wins tournaments against 7- and 8-year-olds," White said. "For her age, she's one of the best players in the nation."

But Tyler says that grooming future Grand Slam threats isn't the primary goal of First Tee.

"We want to teach children life skills, and golf is a great place to start," Tyler said. "When you golf, you have to learn how to get along with one another in a competitive setting."

One of the first lessons is how to introduce yourself to other players in your foursome.

"When we first get kids, we have them all step up and say their names. Then usually after their done, we'll say, 'Okay, let's introduce ourselves again ... the right way,' meaning looking someone in the eye while talking to them."

And, of course, there's proper etiquette.

"Talking during someone's back-swing," White says of his pet peeve, "you never want to do that."

Mike Hepp is another First Tee instructor. Like Tyler, he has a football background ... Hepp was the head varsity coach for Lake Station during the 1990s.

"I had thoughts about getting back into (football), but I like working here," said Hepp -- many of his former players are still active amid the local semipro football scene.

"One time they asked me if I wanted to coach their team, but I said, 'You guys never listened to me before, what makes me think you'll listen to me now?' "