WHOOP contributions to First Tee build on shared commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and support for empowering youth through golf
BOSTON, October 8, 2021 – WHOOP, the human performance company, and First Tee, a youth development organization that helps kids and teens build their strength of character through golf, announced a multi-year partnership that will support diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives across First Tee’s network as well as support First Tee — Massachusetts with transportation and equipment needs for participants.
“First Tee empowers children and teens with self-confidence and resilience through the game of golf.” said WHOOP Founder and CEO Will Ahmed. “The organization’s focus aligns with the WHOOP mission to unlock human performance. We’re honored to support First Tee as it creates such transformational experiences for kids.”
First Tee began in 1997 and has been proven to have a lasting impact beyond skills learned on the course. After joining a First Tee chapter, program participants demonstrate their ability to transfer life skills, such as problem solving, goal setting and self-management, to school and life. Today, First Tee reaches more than 3.7 million youth ages 5-18 annually across 1,200 programming locations, over 9,000 schools and over 1,300 youth-serving locations, empowering participants to build their confidence to take on new challenges and opportunities.
“We are grateful for partners like WHOOP who share our values and passion for empowering youth through golf,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “With support of our dedicated partners, we are expanding our reach, especially inviting those who are in underserved communities to have access to programs and new opportunities.”
In addition to supporting First Tee nationally and First Tee — Massachusetts, WHOOP has made its industry-leading wearable technology available at a discount to over 20,000 First Tee volunteers so they may optimize their health and wellness goals on and off the course.
For WHOOP, this new partnership with First Tee builds on the company’s established connection to the sport of golf. WHOOP is the official fitness wearable of the PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour and is currently worn by top golfers such as Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas and Nelly and Jess Korda. Howard University Athletics also named WHOOP as the official performance partner for their women’s and men’s golf teams’ inaugural season. This new commitment to First Tee allows even more athletes and students to benefit from the organization’s programming and aligns with the WHOOP mission to unlock human potential.
To learn more about First Tee, please visit https://firsttee.org/.