Category: Character Education

Meet the Winners of the Wells Fargo Succeeding Together Contest

Empowering kids through a lifetime of new challenges and continuous personal growth is at the heart of First Tee. One of our participant opportunities, the Wells Fargo Succeeding Together Contest, shines a light on a few extraordinary participants and their personal journeys to become better students, citizens and golfers in an effort to prepare for life. These top four winners have proven in their writing and through their actions that leadership is always possible, and if we build a community, it is always possible to succeed together.

Grand Prize Winner: Raymond Jin, First Tee of Greater Trenton

Raymond first became involved with First Tee through his mother’s friend. Nervous and a bit shy, Raymond was naturally reluctant. But it turned out to be one of the best decisions he’s ever made. “As I progressed through the program, First Tee completely changed me as a person. Before, I was a shy little boy hiding behind my parents’ back. Now, I’m able to interact and form lasting relationships with people from all walks of life. I now embrace unconventionality and uncertainty and thrive in new and unfamiliar situations. Because of First Tee, I am able to make a difference in the lives of young people and those in my community. I am passionate about working with people and mentoring.” Involved with First Tee of Greater Trenton for six years, Raymond now serves as a junior coach mentoring young kids in the program. Outside his time with First Tee, he also has a budding career as an amateur musician. Competing as a classically trained violinist, Raymond was a competitor on China’s Got Talent, and finished second in the junior division. He also is a concertmaster and member of the All-State Orchestra. He has had internships with New Jersey Assemblyman Daniel R. Benson is also a Scholastic Gold and Silver Key in photography. He’s currently a junior in high school and his immediate goals include getting into college majoring in managerial business or financial engineering, with the goal of opening up his own business to serve underserved communities through professional development initiatives. He values the foundations of mentorship provided to him at First Tee of Greater Trenton and the meaning it has brought to his life. “I now understand the value of discovering talent in unorthodox places. Today, my students are my chief source of inspiration and constant, tireless improvement as a student, athlete, artist, musician, leader, mentor and citizen in the 21st Century. My students’ struggles are my test of strength, and their willingness to learn and ceaseless energy are the only compensation I need for a lifetime of public service.” Read Raymond’s essay that earned him a spot in the Wells Fargo Pro-am.

Jalyn Robinson, First Tee of Greater Sacramento (First Prize Winner)

Jalyn didn’t start seriously thinking about golf until sixth grade. It was then that she learned about the inviting nature of First Tee. “My mom and I were drawn to First Tee because you didn’t have to have a history with golf to be part of the program; plus, it wasn’t just about the technicalities of the sport. We participated in fun challenges, games and events. I had the chance to make amazing friendships.” As Jalyn has progressed through the program, she steadily transitioned to a leader in the program and credits First Tee with giving her the opportunity to create meaningful, personal friendships that have withstood the test of time. Jalyn dreams of playing collegiate golf, but certainly understands the challenges that can bring. She has learned to embrace those difficult challenges. “First Tee taught me to embrace failures because they are going to happen. How you choose to deal with that failure is what will truly impact you. First Tee not only taught me how to embrace my failures on the course, but also how to analyze, learn and move on from tough experiences off the course.” Jalyn also credits her mother with the encouragement that has led her to success. “She has always given me a listening ear, caring heart and comfortable shoulder to cry on when things are difficult for me to handle. Because of her, my passion to be the change I want to see becomes vivid each day.”

Kayli Lucas, First Tee of Tennessee (First Prize Winner)

Kayli was first introduced to First Tee from a church friend in sixth grade. Before entering First Tee, Kayli was introverted and says she had low self-esteem. As she progressed through the life skills and golf curriculum, she felt her demeanor change. “I wanted to be adventurous and try new opportunities, but my confidence did not match my ambitions… I had finally found a place to grow and express my interests. The camaraderie among participants and coaches is unparalleled at First Tee. As I began to mature and find myself as a person, I was supported and guided by those around me, and simultaneously, I was able to do the same for others.” Gaining self-confidence changed Kayli’s life. “I initially did not pass ‘Par’ after my first time attending the course, but the process of retaking and passing ‘Par’ taught me that a lack of confidence was my only limitation – not the opinion of others. After this pivotal event in my life, I began to flourish and break out of my shell in all aspects. As a student, I embraced my unique qualities and began to excel in not only the classroom, but also in social settings. I began to confidently express myself and develop friendships with everyone I met. On the golf course, my game entered an entirely new level. My newfound confidence and work ethic advanced me to enter the ACE Program at the start of my freshman year of high school.” Kayli played on the varsity golf team throughout her high school career, leading them to the regional tournament for the first time in the school’s history. She will attend the University of Alabama in the fall, majoring in biology. Though she doesn’t yet know her long-term career goals, Kayli hopes to continue her journey with First Tee by turning to her peers and mentors for counsel when faced with challenging decisions.

Maya Hunter, First Tee of Benton Harbor (First Prize Winner)

Maya began her First Tee journey at a very young age alongside her brother. Their local chapter had recently opened a location in their area. Even though Maya had never played golf before, her mother signed her up for a summer program. That summer program quickly turned into something more as she progressed through the program, falling in love with golf and the life lessons learned through First Tee. “The core values and everything else I learned positively impacted my life in many ways. Many of the lessons were easy to take into everyday life, like a simple confident handshake or earning and giving the respect we all deserve.” Maya recalls a time in her golf career where honesty was more important than winning. “Honesty is a true judge of character. If I can keep a reputation of honesty on the course and in life, which is quite hard sometimes, I believe I will be a step ahead of everyone at my level. I may not be physically better, but I am willing to make a hard decision to stay true to my moral code of honesty.” Maya will be entering her senior year of high school this fall. She hopes to win regionals and a state title and earn a full scholarship through a caddy program to a top university.
These four winners will attend the 2021 Wells Fargo Championship. As the Grand Prize Winner, Raymond will experience the thrill of playing golf with the PGA TOUR professional of his choice during the tournament’s pro-am. Thank you, Wells Fargo for your longstanding partnership and support of First Tee. Wells Fargo has renewed their commitment for the next five years to support First Tee’s youth development program. Thank you to all applicants, and congratulations to all finalists!

Four Steps to Prepare our Youth for Challenging Situations

In a world where social pressures are always on, where calm and confidence are hard to access, and where perseverance is a required superpower every day, our kids are growing in new environments that are demanding more from them, and therefore more from us. In these particularly difficult times, it is important as parents, coaches and educators that we encourage our kids and teens to talk through any concerns, fears and anxieties they may be feeling, as we strive to inspire them to face these challenges head-on.

Providing experiences that are just as fun as they are meaningful

Our caring coaches empower kids so they feel excited to grow, safe to fail, and better equipped for whatever comes their way next. Through fun and meaningful programs, our coaches introduce participants to STAR:

STOP and take a deep breath.

When you face a challenge in life, the first step in deciding how to overcome it is to STOP what you are doing or what you are getting ready to do. This allows you to pause and gives your mind a break.

THINK of all your choices.

The next step in good decision-making is to THINK of your choices. What are some of the choices you have in this situation? Take time to think of as many choices as possible.

ANTICIPATE what could happen.

The third step is to ANTICIPATE the consequences (good or bad) of each choice. When you anticipate the consequences of each choice, think how the choice will affect your ability to reach your goals.

RESPOND by selecting the best choice.

After you have identified all your choices and you have anticipated the consequences of each choice, the final step is to RESPOND by picking the best choice. What makes something the best choice? The best choice is the one that helps you get to your goal. What one person considers the best choice may differ from what another thinks is best. Empowering kids and teens through a lifetime of new challenges is at the heart of First Tee. With programs in all 50 states and select international locations, First Tee provides active learning experiences for youth that help build their inner strength, self-confidence and resilience. First Tee impacts more than 3.4 million youth each year, helping to strengthen their character through the game of golf.

Continuous Learning Never Looked So Fun

Top 5 First Tee Chapter Activities Amidst COVID-19

Like the rest of the world, we’re adjusting to our “new normal” and how we keep our participants engaged during this time of social distancing. Our chapters have stepped up to the challenge to provide fun and exciting digital activities to keep kids moving and empowered to take on whatever challenges come their way. We invite you and your family to join us in these character-building activities that can be done wherever you are! You can find these posts and many more on our First Tee social channels. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for more information.

First Tee of Greater Philadelphia

First Tee of Greater Philadelphia is offering virtual classes taught by their experienced coaches.

First Tee of Greater Charlotte

First Tee of Greater Charlotte is offering daily programming that includes special guests ranging from professional golfers to participants.

First Tee of the Triangle

First Tee of the Triangle is featuring activities and ideas – like healthy habits – that incorporate the entire family!

First Tee of Cleveland

First Tee of Cleveland has added cooking classes to their social media, including Coach Brian and his special guest Rylee who participate in the “Fit to a Tee Culinary Class” together.

First Tee of Greater Knoxville

First Tee of Greater Knoxville is promoting the opportunity for participants in the area to rent out equipment for free so that they can practice at home. These times can be challenging, but know that we are all in this together and we will continue to serve as a resource to help your kids stay active, healthy and resilient.

Past, Present, Future: Success Knows No Gender

March is Women’s History Month – a time to celebrate the best and brightest leaders who have been and continue to be pioneers throughout the golf industry. These women have helped pave the way for future generations to play the game with confidence.

PAST: LPGA Founders

Photo Credit: LPGA.com The golf industry forever changed when 13 women came together with a dream of playing golf professionally. After the 1950 U.S. Open, in a time when golf was mainly focused on men, these women carved out their own pathway. Together, they created the Ladies Professional Golfers Association. Today, the LPGA has grown considerably and continues to provide an opportunity for women to follow their dreams and earn a living playing the game they love. As our First Tee participants continue to grow through our character-building program, our hope is that they can use golf as a platform to accomplish their dreams, just as these 13 courageous women did.

PRESENT: Dr. Condoleezza Rice

Dr. Condoleezza Rice has broken ground and knocked down barriers in her illustrious professional and philanthropic career. She was the first African-American woman to become Secretary of State, aiding the world in peace talks and international relations, and has devoted herself to education, serving at Stanford University in multiple roles since 1981. In 2012, Dr. Rice added another first when she became one of the first two female members admitted to Augusta National Golf Club, the home of the Masters tournament. Now, given her platform and prominence, she uses her energy to give back. Dr. Rice is a tireless advocate for youth in the game of golf, and has played a large part in the promotion of Drive Chip & Putt as well as the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, both of which have provided opportunities and encouragement for First Tee participants to follow their dreams. Anne N. Walker, director of women’s golf at Stanford University, spoke highly of her service. “If you look back on Condi’s life journey, she has never been known to take the easy path,” Walker says. “She thrives on challenge and intellectual curiosity. In golf, she found a lifelong sport where she is continuously challenged and learning. That combination, along with her love of competition, sports and a healthy lifestyle make Dr. Rice and golf a perfect union.”

FUTURE: Noor Ahmed

 Noor Ahmed (left) at the PURE Insurance Championship with Mark McNulty Noor Ahmed is a pioneer of the future. From beginning as a participant at First Tee of Greater Sacramento, Noor learned the values of self-confidence, having goals and preparing herself for anything that comes her way. A Muslim American who has worn her hijab since childhood, Noor was once shy and reserved. She found a home of acceptance with First Tee, away from those who criticized her based on appearance or religion. “I learned while standing on the first tee box how to shake hands with my playing partners, look them in the eye, say my name loudly and clearly, and to tell them it was nice to meet them,” Noor said during an interview with Golf Digest. “I know that it sounds so silly, but that was a huge accomplishment for me. Coach Angie [Dixon, with First Tee of Greater Sacramento] noticed me – the shy, introverted girl in the corner that no one saw before – and through her small action, she told me that I was a part of a group and that I was wanted.” Noor is a First Tee scholar, and used her self-confidence during her speech at the First Tee Congressional Breakfast in 2017. She has continued her education, currently enrolled as a history major at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She was also named as part of the 2019 Academic All-Big Ten team. Noor’s story of growth, acceptance and ultimate triumph is one that encourages other participants, coaches and leaders to be the best versions of themselves and ultimately impact countless lives along the way. It is never too late to inspire the next generation of leaders or serve as a mentor to the kids and teens in your community. Join us as we empower the next generation to have the confidence to take on whatever challenges come their way.

Alumni Sightings: PGA Merchandise Show

We like to think of our First Tee alumni network as a big family. Last month, we had the opportunity to have a mini reunion where we reconnected with several alumni during the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Florida hearing more about where their journeys have landed them. With 81% of teens saying First Tee contributed to their personal transformation, these young adults represent the many alumni across the country and globe who are using the life skills they learned in the program to live out their dreams.

Paloma Santiago, First Tee of Greater Trenton

Paloma grew up in the New Jersey area, participating with the First Tee of Greater Trenton. She has continued to serve within the golf industry. After graduating from Methodist University and becoming a certified PGA Golf Professional, Paloma began serving as a Head Golf Professional in the New Jersey PGA section. Since 2017, Paloma has been the President of a non-profit golf organization she started called Live Golf. This non-profit is dedicated to supporting the community by exposing the game of golf, its values and opportunities primarily to youth and military in the community.

     

Jasmin Cunningham, First Tee of Metro Atlanta

Jasmin hasn’t strayed far from her roots at First Tee of Metro Atlanta. A Professional Golf Management graduate from University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Jasmin is now a Training & Curriculum Coordinator at First Tee headquarters. During her visit at the PGA Merchandise Show, Jasmin spent her time networking with PGA WORKS fellows. She also attended the We Are Golf  Diversity Roundtable Discussion, taking a deeper dive into the world of golf for minorities. They held discussions about how the industry can improve, providing unique perspectives on the topic.

     

Gavin Hogan, First Tee of Fort Worth

During Gavin’s time at First Tee of Fort Worth, he was an extremely active member. Hogan earned his ACE certification, the highest level a participant can achieve with First Tee. He also competed in the PURE Insurance Championship Impacting the First Tee in 2018 alongside PGA TOUR Champions professional Todd Hamilton. Gavin is currently a freshman at New Mexico State University, studying in the PGA Golf Management program with hopes of learning more about the various paths that golf can provide.       Are you a First Tee alum? Join our First Tee Alumni Network and stay connected with participants and professionals from around the country.

First Tee Teens Reach for their Dreams and Inspire us Along the Way

So often, we are energized by the stories we hear from our participants and alumni. From incredible feats on the course to taking their learned life skills and putting them into practice in their everyday lives, we love to see the impact that First Tee is making on youth around the world. As part of Black History Month, we are featuring just a handful of teens who are paving their own path in their communities. Prepare to be inspired. Mombo Ngu, First Tee of North Florida alumnus Mombo was one of the three applicants selected for the 2019 John Deere Power for Good Scholarship in large part due to the powerful impact she is making in the North Florida community. She has spent countless hours volunteering as an after-school math tutor, helping to host events at her church and actively donating clothing to the less-fortunate through a local non-profit, Clothes Closet. On top of receiving the $5,000 scholarship, she spent a week at TPC Deere Run during the John Deere Classic in Silvis, Ill, and participated in fun events and even met PGA TOUR professional Matthew Wolff. “Throughout my life, I have faced difficulties that I believed I couldn’t overcome,” said Ngu. “First Tee has always been a key factor that has helped guide me through it all. [The coaches and mentors] have taught me that giving back to the community is crucial, and to be a power for good for at least one person makes everything worthwhile.” Mombo has since put her scholarship to good use. She now attends the University of Florida pursuing a degree in medicine in hopes of becoming a doctor – yet another way she plans to give back. She even won an essay contest at UF for her speech about an important moment in her life. Listen to Mombo’s speech. Marcellus Dillard, First Tee of Greater Chicago alumnus  Marcellus recently competed as an amateur at Torrey Pines for an event in conjunction with the PGA TOUR’s Farmers Insurance Open. The 27-hole tournament was contested on the North Course on the Saturday of the tournament. Marcellus was the only amateur to compete in the Advocates Professional Golf Association event. Beyond the course, Marcellus is currently a junior at Florida A&M University majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. A member of the golf team, he’s had continued success in his three years. Just last month he helped lead his team to victory at the BCGCA Legends Invite by capping off with an impressive 2-under 70 to close out the final round. Drew Charter School and Participants from First Tee of Metro Atlanta The Drew Charter School golf team made headlines last year when they became the first all-black high school team to win the Georgia state golf championship. All members of the team are also participants at the First Tee of Metro Atlanta, and two of the coaches, Head Coach Jeff Dunovant and Assistant Coach Nyre Williams, are actively involved at the chapter serving as Director of Golf Operations and Program Director. The team took the country by storm, garnering national attention by some prominent athletes. The team was celebrated by PGA TOUR professional Harold Varner III, who made a donation to the program. Calvin Ridley, NFL wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons, arranged a party in the team’s honor. They were the talk of the town at this year’s TOUR Championship. Many of their participants are off doing great things. Solomon Dobbs is studying Computer Science at Morehouse College while competing on the golf team. Anthony “AJ” Ford played in the 2019 PURE Insurance Championship Impacting the First Tee, and the senior has recently signed for a full athletic scholarship to play at North Carolina A&T State University upon graduation. The team will look to make history – again – at this year’s state championship. “My First Tee coaches and mentors have taught me that winners are not only defined by their scores and finishes, but by what they do to enrich their own lives and the lives of others,” said Ford. “First Tee has been a blessing for youth like me who could have easily been lost without a wonderful organization to help shape their lives.” There are no limits to where First Tee can take you. If you have great stories about First Tee participants and alumni in your community, we would love to hear them. Please reach out to [email protected] to submit your impactful stories.

Our One in Three Billion Story

PGA TOUR has given over $3 Billion in all-time charitable giving. This is a monumental milestone; one First Tee is thankful to be part of for more than twenty years. As we celebrate this achievement, we reflect on just a few of the ways PGA TOUR has made an impact.

Serving as Leadership for First Tee

Former PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem led the efforts to launch First Tee in 1997 and Monahan now continues that tradition, committing the resources of PGA TOUR’s global platform to further lift its mission. Commissioner Monahan and Former Commissioner Finchem currently serve as Chairman and Vice Chairman of First Tee.

Inspiration from the Greatest Players on TOUR

From Jason Day to Kevin Kisner, PGA TOUR players go the extra mile when it comes to inspiring our First Tee participants.  Experiences range from one-one interactions to youth clinics, but the results are the same: a lasting impressions that encourage our participants to reach for their dreams and goals.

International Expansion

This past December First Tee expanded our global impact with the launch of our sixth international chapter: First Tee of Australia. Like many of our other international chapters, PGA TOUR was instrumental in helping us expand so we can positively impact many more youth with programs that introduce them to core values and help prepare them for their future. It’s thanks to a collaboration between the Presidents Cup, Citi and PGA of Australia that our latest expansion in to Australia was possible.

Lifting Up Our Work & Impact

If you’ve ever tuned in to a PGA TOUR tournament, you may have seen one of our PSAs with Rickie Fowler, Sergio Garcia, Jimmy Walker or Scott Langley. Thanks to the PGA TOUR our message of impacting young people with programs that help build their strength of character through the game of golf has been seen by audiences nation-wide.

Community Support through our Chapters

With more than 150 First Tee chapters, many of the PGA TOUR tournaments across the country and world are directly supporting our local efforts to empower kids. Thank you, PGA TOUR, for your ongoing support and inspiration. We look forward to continuing to impact and empower young people through the game of golf. 3 billion is just the beginning!

Power of Relationships

Mentors can play a critical role in building the confidence of a young person and helping them feel empowered to pursue their goals. But mentoring relationships go beyond that. They are a shared opportunity for learning and growth. Mentoring not only greatly benefits the person you are teaching, but the experience will also have a positive impact on your life. During National Mentoring Month and all year-long, First Tee celebrates and recognizes our coaches, who often times are regarded by participants as mentors. Our coaches make a difference and empower kids every day to become the best version of themselves.
  • 84 percent of teens and 87 percent of alumni at First Tee said their relationships with their coaches were meaningful and grew stronger over time.
Benefits of Being a Mentor:
  • Enjoyment when spending time with someone you care about.
  • A sense of accomplishment when your mentee feels empowered and reaches milestones.
  • Personal growth and the opportunity to learn more about yourself and how to be an effective leader.
  • Knowing you are making an investment in your community and future leaders.
Without caring mentors, positive youth development just doesn’t happen. We believe that a meaningful, quality relationship between coach and participant is vital to our program.

Make a difference today

Offered at more than 1,200 locations across the U.S. and in select international locations, our character building programs are delivered by coaches who are formally trained to empower youth. Check with your local chapter to see if becoming a coach is right for you and change the life of a participant… and yourself. Find a Location Near You

20 Things We’re Looking Forward to in 2020

We are already well into the first month of a new decade, and we are thrilled to experience all of the exciting and impactful events and initiatives 2020 has in store. Here are 20 things we’re looking forward to this year, in no particular order.
  1. Kicking off our inaugural First Tee National Championship hosted at Clemson University June 21-26, 2020
  2. Watching a participant demonstrate confidence as he or she plays alongside a PGA TOUR pro through the Wells Fargo Succeeding Together Contest
  3. Celebrating chapter anniversaries and the long lasting impact they’ve had in their communities
  4. Empowering girls to build their inner strength and set goals to prepare for their future during the John Deere Drive Your Future Academy
  5. Welcoming new schools and youth centers across the country which bring new opportunities and exposure to the game of golf through First Tee National School Program and DRIVE.
  6. Pairing veterans and First Tee participants in a Presidents Cup Style event at the Perfect Sense Unified Challenge
  7. Supporting participants with their collegiate aspirations with the John Deere Power For Good Scholarship Contest
  8. Launching the First Tee College Scholarship Program featuring a wrap-around experience to support alumni throughout their college career.
  9. Providing a life-changing experience for participants focused on building their character at the Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. Life Skills & Leadership Academy
  10. Enjoying an inside look at what it’s like working at one of the largest corporations in the world during Coca-Cola America’s Future.
  11. Playing golf on National Golf Day
  12. Celebrating those who reach the pinnacle of First Tee, through our ACE program.
  13. Participants demonstrating their values and character while competing on the national stage at Pebble Beach during the PURE Insurance Championship
  14. Bringing teens together at the Youth Leadership Summit
  15. Interacting with kids and families during the U.S. Open
  16. Golf’s return to the XXXII Olympic Summer Games
  17. Expanding our First Tee Alumni program
  18. Watching First Tee participants at Augusta National for the Drive, Chip & Putt competition
  19. Impacting millions of participants across the world.
  20. Empowering our youth and teaching kids honesty, confidence and goal-setting to ensure a brighter future.
 

Dedication and Hard Work Pays Off for 24 Participants Who Earn their Ace Certification, the Pinnacle of First Tee

Achieving Ace certification is the pinnacle of the First Tee program. For 24 First Tee participants, they put their life skills and core values to the test, earning the highest level of certification this year. These teens completed four major projects to earn the certification – Community Service, Career, Educational Opportunities and Golf – which were then submitted and reviewed by a national committee. It is a notable feat and the honorable culmination of hours of volunteering, goal-setting, preparation and practice. Gavin Hogan from First Tee of Fort Worth is one of these participants. Gavin was a member of his chapter’s Junior Advisory Committee, serving as Secretary of the group. He was in the program for more than 10 years and while in high school, was one of the chapter’s most frequent volunteers. He even designed some of the committee’s volunteer guidelines and policies. Gavin attended a number of the participant opportunities including the 2018 PURE Insurance Championship. He is currently a freshman at New Mexico State University, studying in the Professional Golf Management Program. Take a look at a few of the other Ace honorees who will continue their education at colleges across the country. Victoria Ladd, First Tee of the Triad Victoria is a freshman on the golf team at Western Carolina University Blake Brantley, First Tee of the Triad Blake will move on to play golf at Yale University Ayana Boyd, First Tee of Tennessee Ayana will attend University of Michigan Marlee Claassen, First Tee of Tennessee Marlee will attend Lipscomb University Gabrielle Edmonds-Andrews, First Tee of Tennessee Gabrielle will attend Xavier University Lincoln Haymaker, First Tee of Tennessee Lincoln will attend Manhattan College Justin Reed, First Tee of Tennessee Justin will attend Middle Tennessee State University Brandon Sudbury, First Tee of Tennessee Brandon will attend University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Emilie Williams, First Tee of Tennessee Emilie will attend The University of Arizona Click Here to learn more about how you can begin the path to success with the Ace certification.

Celebrating an Impactful Year: A Message from President of First Tee, Greg McLaughlin

As 2019 draws to a close, I can’t help but be proud of the millions of lives that have been impacted this year through First Tee. Whether it’s on a golf course, in school or at a community center, we are helping young people build their strength of character and empowering them to pursue their goals. This year marks our 22nd year helping kids and teens develop character through the game of golf. It takes a strong network of chapters and support from our partners, donors, staff and volunteers, to ensure we reach young people with our life-changing programs. Thank you for your contributions to our mission to help us reach tomorrow’s leaders. Here are some of our favorite moments from the year. We look forward to making many more in 2020. Warm regards, Greg McLaughlin President, First Tee

First Tee’s Top 5 Moments from 2019

1. Expanding Across the Globe

This year, First Tee expanded by four new chapters! With support from partners like Citi and the Royal Moroccan Golf Federation, First Tee expanded to Australia, Morocco, North Coast (Calif), and West Texas.

2. U.S. Open Junior Experience featuring First Tee

First Tee experienced the U.S. Open like never before. Our interactive venue welcomed kids and families to learn more about our fun and educational programs. From celebrity drop-ins to the announcement of a $15,000 grant from USGA for local First Tee chapters, we made a huge impact and had a great time along the way.

3. PURE Insurance Championship Impacting The First Tee

This year’s PURE Insurance Championship was a huge success! Sportsmanship and teamwork were out in full force as participants, family and friends came out to support the 78 junior players. It was the trip of a lifetime for First Tee teens who competed, including Ashley Menne from First Tee of Phoenix and Sam Sommerhauser from First Tee of Greater Sacramento who won the female and male pro-junior titles.

4. THE PLAYERS Kids Zone presented by First Tee

First Tee returned to THE PLAYERS Championship with a larger-than-life set-up representing the hub for family fun at the tournament. The tent featured activities like a putting challenge, golf simulator and digital photo booth to document all of the smiles. THE PLAYERS 2019 Champion Rory McIlroy, along with Tommy Fleetwood, helped kick-off the week with clinic for 100 local First Tee participants.

5. Charles Schwab Announced $5 Million Grant to Impact First Tee Chapters in Texas

Charles Schwab announced his donation of $5 million to nine First Tee chapters in Texas in the form of a challenge grant. Over the next three years, Charles Schwab will match donations to the chapters to expand programs and deepen their impact statewide.  We can’t wait to see the continued support and success of our First Tee Texas chapters.

Golf is Fun. Here’s Why:

Each year, millions of youth participate in First Tee programming. How have we hooked them on the sport of golf? Golf is fun!

5 Ways we make golf fun

1. Friends & social Experiences

Kids participate as a class where they meet others from all walks of life. They’re even taught how to properly introduce themselves to each other to help break down barriers and start having fun together! Many participants find lifelong friends [like alumni Kyle DiGiacobbe and Beau Zastrow] through The First Tee.

2. We’re outside

It’s rare you’ll find us in the classroom. We are in the business of doing, not telling. Participants are taught the game of golf through experience based learning, out on the golf course or driving range. Life skills and values are taught through games and activities. Speaking of games….

3. Creative Games

Ever heard of zoo golf or golf tic-tac-toe? You probably have if you’re involved with First Tee! Our coaches come up with fun and exciting games to introduce golf concepts to kids. In fact, you’ll often see foam noodles and hula hoops during a lesson.

4. Fun Golf Coaches

Our coaches are fun! They care about kids and through required training through our Coach Program, they understand how to keep kids attention. Our golf coaches are experts in making young people feel comfortable and assure they have a positive, non-intimidating experience.

5. We make the game less intimidating

We teach participants the 3 tips for having fun:

  1. Be patient
  2. Be positive
  3. Ask for help

 

Get Started

Offered are more than 1,200 locations, the First Tee program was developed by experts in the field of positive youth development and is delivered by trained coaches. Our mission is to help prepare kids and teens from all backgrounds for success in all areas of life. Chapters offer full scholarship or reduced fee programming for those with financial need.

Find a Chapter