NICHOLASVILLE,Ky. — The Barbasol Championship is back in Nicholasville this week, and some golfers are starting their week by mentoring children within the community. 

Jake Mims has been golfing since he was 4 years old and has made giving back a priority. 

“It’s just very important for the kids to have someone there so that they can go through everything. All these kids recognize me when they come up. It just makes their day, It makes my day too, I love it,” Mims said.

Jake coaches for First Tee of Greater Lexington, a program that works to turn golf skills into life lessons. An organization his father, Kevin Mims, is the Executive Director. 

“We try to take all these values, the responsibility, integrity, confidence and say alright how can we use that in everything we’re doing in life,” Kevin Mims said.

Working with over 130 children in two different sessions at the Barbasol Championship, Kevin says it’s an opportunity to create more than just golfers.

“If it’s only about golf, I wouldn’t be doing it cause anybody you know can go play golf it’s not a big deal, but it’s about what golf teaches and so that’s what we try to do,” Kevin Mims said.

The sessions included an obstacle course, putting greens and working with a few pro golfers, an opportunity that Jake says leaves a positive impact on the children in his community. 

“Just seeing other people happy makes me happy, so try and get people better. It’s what I’m all about. Everyone have a good time,” Jake Mims said.

Creating game changers on and off the course, Kevin and Jake say they hope to make a difference in the sport and their community. 

The Barbasol Championship is a professional golf tournament held by the PGA and taking place in Nicholasville. The first round of competition begins on Thursday.