In addition to chapter events taking place across the country, First Tee alumni will celebrate First Tee Week with a meetup at the PGA TOUR’s Charles Schwab Challenge.
Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida (May 16, 2025) – The inaugural First Tee Week begins next week, uniting chapters, communities and corporate partners nationwide in a powerful celebration of the coaches who are shaping the next generation, both on and off the golf course.
Running May 19-25, the national campaign, themed “Dear Coach,” highlights the unsung heroes of youth development. By combining golf with a life skills curriculum, First Tee coaches empower kids and teens to build confidence, resilience and inner strength that lasts a lifetime.
To help quantify the impact of youth sports coaches, First Tee released new research in partnership with Harris Poll this month. Parents say coaches can impact their child’s ability to work well with others (89%), respect others (89%) and remain resilient in the face of challenges (88%).
Headlining First Tee Week will be “The Coach Effect,” an alumni panel at the Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas, featuring Cam Jordan of the New Orleans Saints and former LPGA TOUR players Tiffany Joh (now a USGA developmental coach) and Cheyenne Woods. The discussion will be moderated by Golf Digest editorial director Max Adler, with panelists sharing personal stories about the mentors who helped shape them.
First Tee Week chapter highlights include:
- First Tee – San Francisco is inviting parents to participate in classes so they can meet their kids’ coaches and learn more about First Tee’s key commitments.
- First Tee – Metropolitan New York will honor coaches during its fundraising event at Winged Foot Golf Club, emceed by Golf Channel’s Damon Hack.
- First Tee – Eastern Michigan is collaborating with a popular local coffee chain to offer a special First Tee Week boba tea and host “Thank you, Coach,” events at its various locations.
- First Tee – Delaware is hosting a coach and volunteer appreciation golf outing at Patriot’s Glen National Golf Club in memory of longtime coach, board member and friend, Karen Hart.
“For nearly 30 years, First Tee has been strengthening communities through our programs and the incredibly committed adults who come together in support of the next generation,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “First Tee Week is an opportunity to shine the light on our coaches who are the heartbeat of what we do. They help kids navigate life with confidence and character and First Tee would not have the impact it does without their involvement.”
First Tee Week is supported by corporate partners including Accenture, Bridgestone Golf, CapTech, Forbes, Golf Channel, Golf Digest, Harris Poll, Morgan Stanley, the PGA TOUR, PGA TOUR Superstore, PXG, Supreme Golf, Topgolf and the USGA.
With 150 chapters, more than 5,000 trained coaches and 3.1 million youth served annually, First Tee continues to be a leader in positive youth development through sports. First Tee Week is the first-ever national network-wide campaign for the organization.
There’s still time to get involved in First Tee Week. Find an event near you or share your “Dear Coach” story at FirstTee.org/DearCoach.