Category: News Releases

Parents call coaches the “unsung heroes of youth development.” First Tee will celebrate these mentors during its inaugural network-wide awareness campaign. 

Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. (March 11, 2025) – Leading nonprofit youth development organization First Tee is launching a weeklong national awareness campaign to celebrate the impact of its coaches. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, First Tee creates active learning experiences that build character like inner strength, self-confidence and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do. 

Kicking off at the Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas, from May 19-25, First Tee Week aims to engage communities across the country, encouraging them to celebrate the coaches who make a difference locally. Entitled “Dear Coach,” the campaign will feature a variety of in-person and online activities, including: 

• First Tee will launch a new creative campaign, including an updated PSA that speaks to the power of youth sports coaches to instill confidence, values and life skills in the kids they serve. 

• On Wednesday, May 21, First Tee will host a group of alumni at the PGA TOUR’s Charles Schwab Challenge, where they’ll hear from a panel on “The coach effect: The importance of coaches and the stories that shape us.” The panel will feature New Orleans Saints defensive end and First Tee – Phoenix alumnus Cameron Jordan alongside other First Tee alumni. 

• First Tee chapters across the country will host a variety of activations, including a fundraising tournament at Winged Foot (Metropolitan New York), meet the coach night (San Francisco), golf marathons (Greater Baltimore, West Michigan) and more. Find a First Tee chapter in your area. 

• First Tee’s corporate partners will celebrate First Tee Week in a variety of ways. “Dear Coach” content will appear at Topgolf and PGA TOUR Superstore locations across the country, with organizations like Golf Digest, the USGA and Morgan Stanley planning to highlight coach stories on their own channels. 

• First Tee has launched a digital experience at FirstTee.org/DearCoach and social content featuring stories from participants, alumni and notable supporters like former NFL player Larry Fitzgerald and PGA TOUR professional Wyndham Clark on the incredible relationships between coaches and participants. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn to engage. 

“Today’s kids and teens are facing new challenges, and parents are looking for character-building programs because they know strength of character is essential for overcoming obstacles,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “For nearly 30 years, our dedicated and trained coaches have set First Tee apart because we have developed a training system built on research-proven methods of positive youth development. We are excited to celebrate their contributions and raise awareness for their work during First Tee Week.” 

According to research from Harris Poll, 91% of parents agree that sports coaching should inspire their child to excel both on and off the field, and they believe coaches can impact their child’s ability to work well with others and be resilient in the face of challenges. 

First Tee’s network of 150 chapters engage more than 5,000 active, trained coaches who deliver a curriculum designed with input from youth development experts using golf as the platform. First Tee serves more than 3.1 million kids annually. 

Learn more about getting involved with First Tee. 

100 grants awarded to First Tee chapters since program’s inception, helping to strengthen the game

Reflecting a continued commitment to ensure the game of golf empowers the next generation, the United States Golf Association (USGA) has awarded its latest round of IDEA (inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility) grant funding to 28 First Tee chapters across the country.

As a founding partner of First Tee, the USGA directs $200,000 annually toward local programs that help build up young people and address the barriers that many face at this critical entry point into the game.

Since the grant program’s inception in 2021, the USGA has awarded 100 grants to more than 50 chapters, supporting initiatives that strengthen inclusion among participants, coaches and volunteers. In total, $810,000 has been awarded to date, with several chapters receiving funding year-over-year to sustain the growth that has been generated from grant activities.

“The work that so many First Tee chapters have done – and will continue to do – as a result of IDEA grant funding is inspiring and goes well beyond the golf course,” said USGA CEO Mike Whan. “It’s important that we not let up on these efforts and continue deliver resources toward the programs that help eliminate financial, language or accessibility barriers so that even more kids can enjoy our game.”

“Our chapters are reaching young people from underrepresented and underserved backgrounds, offering not only direct access to the game of golf but empowering them to become future leaders,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “Our network is stronger because of the USGA’s continued investment in our mission.”

The National Golf Foundation reports that 3.5 million youth currently play golf, marking a 40% increase in participation from 2019-23. Additionally, the junior segment is more diverse than the overall golf population, with higher percentages of females, people of color and adaptive golfers than ever before.

The means by which young people connect with the game varies greatly from community to community. First Tee chapters utilize funding to meet specific needs of the populations they currently serve, as well as hope to invite into the experience.

In 2024, chapters selected received up to $15,000. Notable activities supported by USGA funding include:

• Launch of adaptive golf programs by First Tee – Greater Richmond and First Tee – Central Ohio, who are working with community partners to host clinics and weekly sessions for disabled individuals and those on the autism spectrum.
• Removing cost as a barrier to entry by offering programming completely free of charge to all participants, a tactic First Tee – Tulsa and First Tee – Oakland have implemented.
• Increasing the number of participants in early career mentorship and workforce preparation programs, including First Tee – Pittsburgh’s Ready-to-Work mentorship program for high school students and First Tee – Central Carolina’s internship for students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
• Connecting youth from indigenous communities to the game through First Tee – South Dakota’s direct outreach on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, and First Tee – Four Corners hosting field trips at golf courses for students attending Title I schools on the Navajo Reservation.
• Onboarding additional schools to provide First Tee curriculum either during physical education classes or after school, allowing First Tee – Greater Seattle, First Tee – Triangle, First Tee – Connecticut, and First Tee – Southeast Wisconsin to bring the game directly to kids.
• First Tee – Greater Philadelphia transporting youths from schools in the city’s most underserved zip code to green-grass facilities.
• Recruiting Spanish-language instructors and volunteers to assist with programming in the predominantly Hispanic communities that First Tee – Washington D.C. and First Tee – Silicon Valley serve.

IDEA Grant applications were open to all First Tee chapters in the United States, with preference given to those affiliated with one of the USGA’s 57 Allied Golf Associations (AGAs). Located in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, AGAs provide USGA resources and services at the community level – helping to increase engagement and participation and improving the golfer experience.

The full list of chapters awarded funding in 2024 includes:

Annually, the USGA invests more than $1.7 million toward junior golf programs, including First Tee; LPGA-USGA Girls Golf; Drive, Chip & Putt; and the AJGA as part of a long-standing organizational commitment to advancing the game of golf with exposure beginning at the junior level.

Clemson, South Carolina (June 27, 2024) – Norah Yang of Los Altos, California, and Trent Mierl of Austin, Texas, won the girls’ and boys’ divisions of the 4^th annual First Tee National Championship at the Walker Course at Clemson University. The event brought together First Tee’s elite golfers for an opportunity to showcase how the program has helped build the confidence, perseverance and skills needed to play at the next level. 

Yang finished the tournament 6-under-par and shot a final round 69 to clench the victory on the girls’ side. She is a rising high school senior with a 4.0 GPA. She’s been a volunteer coach at First Tee – Silicon Valley for three years and finished 3^rd at the 2023 PURE Insurance Championship, a PGA Tour Champions event that pairs First Tee juniors with professional players for a week of competition and mentorship at Pebble Beach.  

“It has been amazing playing at Clemson this week,” Yang said. “I have met so many amazing players from all the other chapters and had so many great experiences. Getting here and winning would not have been possible without First Tee and all the skills they have taught me.” 

Mierl, who will play golf at the University of Missouri next year, shot a blistering 65 in the final round to finish 9-under for the tournament. He’s been a member of First Tee for nine years and is a volunteer coach at his chapter. He’s the only player to compete in all four First Tee National Championships, with the inaugural event taking place in 2021, and said it was special to win in his final attempt. 

“I came up one shot short of the playoffs in the first National Championship,” he said. “I’ve met great people here and made so many great memories. This is my favorite junior golf event, and it feels like I came full circle in my final chance to win at the same golf course where I fell just short.” 

Both winners were awarded with the Tattersall Cup in honor of event chairman Fred Tattersall.  

Two players were also awarded exemptions to the 2024 PURE Insurance Championship. As First Tee juniors can only play in the PURE Insurance Championship once, this year’s exemptions went to Gianna Singh from First Tee – Greater Sacramento and Spencer Ives from First Tee – Naples/Collier. The tournament will be broadcast on Golf Channel, Sept. 20-22. 

Based on their play at the First Tee National Championship, two players will also earn spots in the PGA TOUR’s Pathways to Progression program, which aims to support talented golfers from backgrounds that are traditionally underrepresented in the sport. The PGA TOUR will announce the full roster for its Pathways program, including the two players who earned their spots at the First Tee National Championship, in the coming days.

“Congratulations to all of our participants in the field and especially to Trent and Norah for an outstanding performance in becoming the 2024 First Tee National Champions,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “This event plays an important role in helping these young people prepare for the next level. We are extremely proud of this event and of the teens who work hard on their game all year preparing. Thank you to Clemson University for hosting for the second time, we look forward to coming back again.”  

The First Tee National Championship is held annually at various college golf courses around the nation, providing First Tee participants the opportunity to network with others from across the country. Next year’s event will take place at Notre Dame University. 
  
The field included 24 boys and 24 girls, ages 14-18, who were selected based on their golf skills and competitive golf experience. A full list of results is available here.  
  
The National Championship is one of more than 10 national opportunities provided by First Tee headquarters to empower and motivate teens as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities.  

For the first time, this year’s tournament will be streamed on Gamekast with live scoring available on Golf Genius. 

Clemson, South Carolina – (June 21, 2024) – The Walker Course at Clemson University will host the First Tee National Championship next week, June 25-27, 2024, bringing together 48 of the organization’s top golfers for a 54-hole event designed to showcase how the program has helped them build the skills, positive attitude and perseverance needed to play collegiate golf. 

The field includes 24 boys and 24 girls, ages 14-18, who were selected based on their golf skills and competitive golf experience. Fourteen players in the field have already committed to college golf teams. First Tee held its inaugural National Championship at Clemson in 2021 and all six of the past winners are members of college golf teams. That includes 2023 winner Megan Meng of First Tee – Greater Trenton, who’s in the Top 10 in the AJGA Rankings and will begin her collegiate career at Northwestern this fall. 

In advance of this year’s competition, the event will feature a keynote address by First Tee – Greater Richmond alumnus Gavin Parker, PGA, who shares his love for the sport on his popular social media channels. Participants will also attend a careers in golf panel to learn more about working in the industry. 

“First Tee continues to play an important role in the development of teens, both on and off the course,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “Our National Championship is an opportunity for participants who want to take their game to the next level to showcase their skills. The week provides them with competition and an enriching opportunity to get them ready for playing in college and beyond.” 

For the first time, viewers can stream the First Tee National Championship on Gamekast. Scoring will also be available on Golf Genius. 

In addition to crowning a male and female tournament winner, one boy and one girl from the field will be awarded spots in the PGA TOUR’s Pathways to Progression program, a player development program that aims to achieve greater diversity in golf through an increased focus on developing talent from diverse and historically underrepresented groups.  

First Tee – Greater Austin’s Danica Lundgren earned a spot in the Pathways program at last year’s National Championship, held at Stanford University. She’s back in the tournament field this year before joining the Nebraska Cornhuskers women’s golf team this fall. 

Two exemptions to this year’s PURE Insurance Championship will also be up for grabs. The PGA TOUR Champions event pairs pro and junior players for a week of competition and mentorship at Pebble Beach each September. 

The First Tee National Championship is held annually at various college campuses around the nation, providing First Tee participants the opportunity to network with others from across the country and take in the college experience. Next year’s event will take place at the University of Notre Dame. 

The Championship is one of more than 10 national opportunities provided by First Tee headquarters to empower and motivate teens as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities. For more information on the tournament and First Tee, visit www.firsttee.org.  

View the full list of selected participants here.  

 Members of the First Tee College Scholarship Program receive financial support, mentorship and professional development opportunities. 

 Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. – (June 4, 2024) – First Tee is thrilled to welcome 24 new members to the First Tee College Scholarship Program. Entering its fifth year, the program recently celebrated its first graduating class, and now boasts 94 current or former members. Like those who have come before them, each of the new First Tee Scholars has shown dedication to school, extracurriculars, volunteerism and especially First Tee, averaging 9.5 years of involvement with the youth development organization. 

The 14 young women and 10 young men who comprise the 2024 Scholar class were selected from a pool of 150 applicants. They boast an average GPA of 4.0 and SAT score of 1350. Ten members of the new class are participants in the Ace Program, First Tee’s capstone experience. Four plan to play collegiate golf, including First Tee – West Virginia’s Argyle Downes, who will play Division I golf at Rutgers. 

Members of the First Tee College Scholarship program not only receive financial support, but they are also matched with an adult mentor and provided annual professional development opportunities. 

“Spring is an exciting time of the year when we welcome a new group of First Tee Scholars,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “The scholarship program has grown significantly since it launched in 2020 thanks to our generous donors and sponsors. We look forward to supporting our Scholars on their path to success.” 

Ten First Tee Scholars graduated from college this spring. Several plan to attend graduate or medical school, while others are starting careers with companies like AWS, BNP Paribas Bank, PwC, Procter & Gamble and the NFL. 

Participants across First Tee’s network submitted applications to be a part of the latest Scholar class. Following an online application process, finalists were selected by a committee for one-on-one interviews. In addition to academic performance, applicants were considered based on financial need, chapter involvement, community service and other criteria. 

Congratulations to the 2024 First Tee Scholars: 

Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. – (Feb. 5, 2024) – For more than 25 years, First Tee has been helping kids and teens learn important life skills through golf. A lot has changed during that time, and First Tee has grown to meet the needs of children and families. The nonprofit worked with Bridgespan to evaluate its curriculum in 2019, and over the last five years, has rolled out updated branding and technology, including new apps for First Tee coaches and participants. Now, the latest step in this evolution includes revisions to the Ace Program, First Tee’s capstone project for teens. 

Thinking about the future can be intimidating, especially for teens who do not know what it holds or where to start.​ Ace is all about helping high schoolers game-plan for the future, encouraging them to use the values they developed at First Tee as they uncover their strengths, passions and priorities. 

“Growing up, I always had the general idea that I wanted to do well in school and in golf, but the thought of juggling both areas felt overwhelming,” said First Tee – Silicon Valley alumna Michelle Xie, a former collegiate golfer who now works as a software engineer. “Taking the time during the Ace program to not only define my specific goals, but also define the steps to achieve those goals made everything feel so much more attainable and under my control.” 

To achieve Ace, participants must complete four major projects centered on community service, career planning, education and golf, which are then reviewed by a national committee. The process is guided by trained coaches who mentor each Ace candidate. Participants must complete a minimum 48 hours of community service to achieve Ace, with at least half that time dedicated to a cause outside of First Tee. 

Ace was revised with feedback from First Tee chapters across the country. The most significant change includes updates to the golf project. Participants can now choose between competitive and social tracks depending on their future aspirations. One of the program’s central tenets is the belief that there is not one path to success.  

“We have been proud of the Ace Program and the many graduates we have had over the years. With these updates, we feel the program will become even more relevant and accessible to teens,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. 

Ace is open to all First Tee high schoolers who have been involved with the organization for at least three years. It typically takes one to two years to complete.