Category: News Releases

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL. and RICHMOND, VA. (April 27, 2021) – CapTech, a leading technology consulting firm, and First Tee, a youth development organization that teaches life skills and helps kids and teens build their strength of character through golf, today announced a new partnership that will provide First Tee participants further support and access to technology and mentorship as they progress through the program.

As a Trustee, CapTech’s investment in First Tee will support curriculum enhancements, technology innovations, ongoing research and expanding diversity and inclusion initiatives for the growing network of 150 chapters. CapTech will also lend leadership and expertise to First Tee for its national participant opportunities, including the Innovators Forum, an event that empowers First Tee teens to raise awareness of global issues through the development of a meaningful service project in their communities.

“We are proud to support a world-class organization like First Tee that shares our passion for developing and empowering young people,” said CapTech Chairman Sandy Williamson. “We believe technology can help create a more diverse and inclusive future in which youth can confidently compete on a level playing field. CapTech is committed to leveraging our capabilities as innovators, engineers and strategists to accomplish this very important purpose.”

In addition to its commitment as a Trustee, CapTech is supporting First Tee — Greater Richmond in its creation of a state-of-the-art golf technology lab at the Belmont course, newly redesigned by Davis Love III’s company, Love Golf Design. With an emphasis on inclusivity, the lab will support training and development for youth of all skill levels through the innovative use of data, design and technology. A central goal of the lab is to use data available from golf training tools, mobile devices and third-party sources to connect and integrate functionality.

“We are thankful for partners like CapTech that provide support across a number of important areas for our organization,” said Greg McLaughlin, CEO of First Tee. “We are grateful that they have engaged on multiple fronts in support of our mission.”

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About PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation (“First Tee”)
First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Since its inception in 1997, First Tee has expanded to reach more than 3.6 million young people annually through its chapter network, in schools and at youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. President George W. Bush serves as Honorary Chair.

About CapTech
CapTech is a national consulting firm that helps clients grow efficient, successful businesses. We do so by bringing the data, systems, and ingenuity organizations need to stay ahead and transform what’s possible in a changing world.  Here, we’re master builders, creators, and problem solvers who find inspiration in the unknown and enjoy getting our hands dirty as we design solutions for each client. Across industries and business goals, we fuse technical depth and analytical prowess with creative savvy to ignite innovation and move business forward. This drive helps each organization use technology, management, and insight to turn ideas into action. Together, we create outcomes that exceed the expected — which is one of the reasons we’ve been on the Inc. 500/5000 list for over a decade. Learn more about CapTech at captechconsulting.com.

Media Contacts:
Jane Fader, First Tee
904-940-4330
[email protected]

Mary Everette Cann, CapTech
917-923-6673
[email protected]

Forty teens to be selected for annual Leadership Summit at West Creek Ranch in Montana this Summer

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. and ATLANTA, Ga. (March 24, 2021) − First Tee, a youth development organization helping kids and teens build their strength of character through golf, partnered with PGA TOUR Superstore to host a first-of-its-kind, annual leadership series over five weeks in February and March.

Teenagers across the country discovered personal values and leadership skills through interactive sessions facilitated by PGA TOUR Superstore general managers. The curriculum explored potential career fields based on interests to guide the participants as they navigate future collegiate and professional opportunities. The five-week series concluded with a virtual town hall featuring First Tee alumni and young professionals in medical, sports and communications fields.

“We are thankful to PGA TOUR Superstore for their support in helping create this incredible opportunity for so many teens to discover college and career pathways,” First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin said. “It’s important that First Tee provides opportunities where young people can explore their futures.”

Through a post-event participant survey, 95 percent of participants said they better understood their personal values and strengths, and 91 percent have set goals to work toward their interested career pathways.

“These events often become life-changing experiences for participants to expand their horizons, meet new people and learn more about themselves,” said Dick Sullivan, President & CEO, PGA TOUR Superstore. “We developed this curriculum to teach, help and encourage First Tee students as they advance through these development programs on their way to pursuing higher education opportunities.”

For participants like Nancy Rivera of San Jose, Calif., the Leadership Series was an opportunity to share a personal story about how First Tee values of giving back and respecting diversity have impacted her. Rivera is hoping to be the first in her family to attend college.

Experiencing national First Tee opportunities like the Leadership Series, she says, is playing a big role in making her collegiate dream that much closer to a reality. She has been a participant of First Tee – Silicon Valley since 2017. She is a student at University Preparatory Academy in San Jose where she is working on a plan to attend a four-year university or college in the fall of 2022.

“I am proud to be part of a group that promotes respect, appreciating diversity and provides tools on how to help and think of others,” Rivera said. “Respect is a big part of our daily lives, especially living in the Bay Area where we have a diverse community. I’ve learned what it means to truly, actively listen and see how listening involves asking follow-up questions to better understand the perspectives of others.

“So far we have worked together to organize food drives every week, supported different causes such as Black Lives Matter, and different organizations that help our environment.”

The Leadership Series was hosted in 27 communities across the country with PGA TOUR Superstores and First Tee chapters. Forty teens who completed the series will be selected in June for the first-ever First Tee Leadership Summit, which takes place this August at PGA TOUR Superstore Chairman and PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation Board Member Arthur M. Blank’s West Creek Ranch in Montana.

The 40 teens who will be selected for the First Tee Leadership Summit at West Creek Ranch in Montana this August will take part in interactive workshops and outdoor leadership trainings. The summit will include First Tee’s core competencies of building character, self-confidence and resilience as a part of the experience, combined with a robust curriculum of leadership and professional development. At the conclusion of the Summit, four students will be selected to be part of the First Tee College Scholarship Program thanks to PGA TOUR Superstore.

For more than a decade, PGA TOUR Superstore and Mr. Blank have championed First Tee’s mission through charitable and in-kind donations across the country. In September 2020, PGA TOUR Superstore announced a new grant that will help First Tee reach more children across the U.S. and strengthen its curriculum for teenage participants, including the development of this new Leadership Series and Summit.

The Leadership Series and Summit is one of several national opportunities provided by First Tee headquarters to inspire and equip teens on a deeper level as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities.

Photos and a pre-packaged video feature are available here. For more information on First Tee, visit www.firsttee.org.

First Tee to Launch Leadership Summit for 40 Teens in 2021

ST. AUGUSTINE and ATLANTA, September 23, 2020 – First Tee, a youth development organization that helps kids and teens build their strength of character through golf, is expanding its relationship with PGA TOUR Superstore, thanks to a $9.5 million grant from PGA TOUR Superstore and The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. The new grant will help First Tee reach more children across the U.S. and strengthen First Tee’s curriculum for teenage participants. PGA TOUR Superstore and The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation have supported First Tee for more than a decade, helping First Tee grow from reaching 260,000 kids in PGA TOUR Superstore markets in 2011 to more than 1.5 million young people in 2019. This new grant will help First Tee focus on the critical teenage years, where in the U.S. one in five public school children drop out before they finish high school. Beginning in 2021, more than 1,300 First Tee teenagers will have the opportunity to participate in an annual five-week leadership development program at PGA TOUR Superstores. Additionally, 40 teens from across First Tee will be selected annually for a week-long summit at West Creek Ranch in Montana, an inspiring retreat space owned by PGA TOUR Superstore owner, Arthur M. Blank and with an intended purpose of growth, education and coming together to make a difference. “We are committed to being a positive influence in our communities and truly believe in the purposeful impact sports can have in developing and supporting youth,” said Arthur M. Blank, Chairman, PGA TOUR Superstore and The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. “This is the embodiment of the First Tee’s mission and we are proud to support them. For more than a decade, we have built a strong partnership with the First Tee and will continue to work together to empower young people with core values such honesty, integrity and sportsmanship that will help them succeed throughout the course of their life. Currently reaching kids through programs at 150 chapters, 10,000 schools and 1,600 youth centers, First Tee is opening the door to more kids and teens across its network, especially inviting those who are in underserved communities, to have access to programs and new opportunities. By leveraging the relationship with PGA TOUR Superstore, the investment will also allow First Tee to provide continued support to chapters located in PGA TOUR Superstore markets nationwide. “We are grateful for leaders like Arthur Blank and his family of businesses who understand the power of investing in young people and their communities through First Tee,” said Jay Monahan, Commissioner, PGA TOUR and Chairman, Board of Governors, First Tee. “First Tee’s ability to connect with and empower the next generation in intentional and innovative ways is realized through partnerships like this one. Thank you to Mr. Blank and his store executives for investing in our future.” “The new leadership program and summit will provide game-changing opportunities for the young people involved, and we are grateful for the support of our chapters in PGA TOUR Superstore markets,” said Greg McLaughlin, Chief Executive Officer, First Tee. Mr. Blank, Chairman and owner of the PGA TOUR Superstore, has donated more than $3.6 million to First Tee since 2011. He is also owner of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons, MLS’ Atlanta United, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and three ranches in Montana, and co-founder of The Home Depot.

GLENVIEW, Ill. / CHICAGO, Ill. – The Western Golf Association (WGA) and First Tee — Greater Chicago, two of Chicago’s leading nonprofit organizations, have formed a partnership to broaden the scope and reach of their youth development and scholarship programs. The news was announced today during this week’s WGA-run BMW Championship, a PGA TOUR FedExCup Playoff event held at Olympia Fields Country Club in Olympia Fields, Illinois. The partnership aims to deepen both organizations’ impact by providing First Tee — Greater Chicago’s diverse group of youth participants direct access to Western Golf Association’s youth caddie programs and college scholarship opportunities. Headquartered in Chicago’s north suburbs, the WGA hosts championships for professionals and amateur golfers, promotes the use of youth caddies, and oversees the acclaimed Evans Scholars Foundation, which sends deserving caddies to college on full tuition and housing scholarships. Currently, 1,045 students are enrolled at 19 universities nationwide as Evans Scholars. While maintaining independent boards and staff, the organizations will share resources and collectively build out long-term programmatic supports needed to achieve meaningful impact in the greater Chicago community. “We could not be more excited to announce our new partnership with First Tee — Greater Chicago,” said John Kaczkowski, President and CEO of the Western Golf Association. “Both organizations have been committed to supporting and developing youth and educational efforts through the game of golf. Together, we’ll be better positioned to further advance our joint mission of inviting more young people in the Chicago area to come learn the game of golf – and probably a few new things about themselves, too.” First Tee — Greater Chicago is part of a network of 150 First Tee domestic and international chapters. Since 2000, First Tee — Greater Chicago has been serving tens of thousands of area youth annually through its on-course, in-school, and after-school programming. Based in Chicago, the organization aims to impact the lives of young people aged seven to 18 from all backgrounds by providing experiences that build character to empower kids through a lifetime of new challenges and continuous personal growth. “When there are opportunities to combine forces for good – like in this case – there is little doubt the young people and the community benefit,” said Greg McLaughlin, CEO of First Tee. “We are focused on the future and how we can continue to thoughtfully create opportunities to enrich our impact in these communities. We are thankful for this new strategic partnership, and trust that it will bring together two quality organizations to make an even better experience for Chicago-area youth.” “This partnership is about creating opportunity, especially for the youth we reach who are coming from underrepresented communities,” said Lea Jesse, Chief Executive Officer of First Tee — Greater Chicago. “It has been a tough year for Chicago, and we want to help more kids to build up their inner-strength, self-confidence, and resilience. This partnership with the Western Golf Association will have a lasting impact for our community, and specifically for the young people who will grow and translate their learnings into meaningful work experience and college scholarship opportunities as they transition into young adulthood.” A working group comprised of leaders from both organizations will be established to develop goals and benchmarks and build out the long-term measures of success.

The USGA has provided more than $26 million in funding to First Tee since 1997

LIBERTY CORNER, N.J. (Aug. 20, 2020) – The United States Golf Association (USGA) has provided $200,000 in grants to be allocated across 51 First Tee chapters throughout the United States in its ongoing commitment to making the game more accessible and welcoming for juniors. The grants are part of an annual $1.3 million investment in national junior golf programs. In addition to the grants, the association has pledged $125,000 to help First Tee develop innovative digital tools that enable stronger connections between juniors, parents, chapters and coaches, bringing the USGA’s total investment to $325,000 for 2020. Since 1997, the USGA has invested a total of more than $33 million among First Tee, LPGA*USGA Girls Golf, and Drive, Chip & Putt in an effort to provide greater access to golf for juniors and cultivate a lifelong passion for the game. The commitment to expanding participation is part of the USGA’s mission to champion and advance the game. “Year after year we are seeing the positive impact that First Tee and other junior programs are having in breaking down barriers and connecting communities through sports,” said Mike Davis, CEO of the USGA. “It is vital for golf’s long-term health that we continue to create pathways for all juniors to participate.” First Tee brings kids and teens to the game of golf and leverages it as a catalyst for personal growth through experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience. Through chapters in 150 communities and more than 10,000 schools and 1,200 after-school partnerships, First Tee reaches kids ages 5-18 from all backgrounds. Grant applications were available to First Tee chapters located within the 14 markets where USGA championships were scheduled to take place in 2020, as well as chapters affiliated with one of the association’s 59 Allied Golf Associations (AGAs). Located in all 50 states, AGAs serve millions of golfers at the recreational level by increasing engagement and participation, and improving the golfer experience. These 51 First Tee chapters have the potential to reach more than 1 million young people through programs on golf courses, as well as through schools and after-school partnerships. “The USGA’s commitment to investing in First Tee over the years continues to have a lasting impact on the game as well as countless young people in communities across our country,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “We are offering a meaningful and positive experience through golf that helps young people uncover who they are and grow personally. There is no better sport in which to do this, and we are thankful for the USGA’s confidence in our work.” The funding is part of the USGA’s annual $70 million investment in the game fueled by revenues generated by the U.S. Open. The 2020 grant recipients include:

First Tee Chapter	USGA Championship Host Communities and Supporting USGA Allied Golf Associations
First Tee — Aiken	2020 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur, Carolinas Golf Association
First Tee — Central Arkansas	Arkansas State Golf Association
First Tee — Central Iowa	Iowa Golf Association
First Tee — Central Mississippi	Mississippi Golf Association
First Tee — Central Washington	2020 U.S. Amateur
First Tee — Coachella Valley	2021 U.S. Open, Southern California Golf Association
First Tee — Connecticut	2020 U.S. Open, 2020 U.S. Senior Women’s Open, Connecticut State Golf Association
First Tee — Eastern Michigan	2020 U.S. Senior Amateur, Golf Association of Michigan
First Tee — Fresno	Northern California Golf Association
First Tee — Greater Austin	Texas Golf Association
First Tee — Greater El Paso	Texas Golf Association
First Tee — Greater Philadelphia	2020 U.S. Amateur Four-Ball, Golf Association of Philadelphia
First Tee — Greater Portland	2020 U.S. Amateur, Oregon Golf Association
First Tee — Greater Richmond	2020 U.S. Mid-Amateur, Virginia State Golf Association
First Tee — Greater Sacramento	2021 U.S. Women’s Open, Northern California Golf Association
First Tee — Greater Trenton	2020 U.S. Amateur Four-Ball, New Jersey State Golf Association
First Tee — Greater Washington, D.C.	2020 U.S. Women’s Amateur, Maryland State Golf Association
First Tee — Greater Wilmington (N.C.)	Carolinas Golf Association
First Tee — Green Valley Ranch	2020 U.S. Girls’ Junior, Colorado Golf Association
First Tee — Howard County	2020 U.S. Women’s Amateur, Maryland State Golf Association
First Tee — Indiana	Indiana Golf Association
First Tee — Louisville	Kentucky Golf Association
First Tee — Lowcountry	2020 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur
First Tee — Massachusetts	Mass. Golf Association
First Tee — Metropolitan New York	2020 U.S. Open, 2020 U.S. Senior Women’s Open, Metropolitan Golf Association
First Tee — Mid-Michigan	Golf Association of Michigan
First Tee — Monterey County	2021 U.S. Women’s Open, Northern California Golf Association
First Tee — New Hampshire	New Hampshire Golf Association
First Tee — Northwest Florida	Florida State Golf Association
First Tee — Omaha	Nebraska Golf Association
First Tee — Pine Mountain	Kentucky Golf Association
First Tee — San Diego	2021 U.S. Open, Southern California Golf Association
First Tee — San Joaquin (Calif.)	2021 U.S. Women’s Open
First Tee — Siouxland	Iowa Golf Association
First Tee — Tennessee	Tennessee Golf Association
First Tee — Piney Woods	Texas Golf Association
First Tee — Phoenix	Arizona Golf Association
First Tee — Pikes Peak	2020 U.S. Girls’ Junior, Colorado Golf Association
First Tee — Roanoke Valley	2020 U.S. Mid-Amateur, Virginia State Golf Association
First Tee — San Francisco	2021 U.S. Women’s Open, Northern California Golf Association
First Tee — San Juan County, N.M.	Sun County Golf Association
First Tee — Sandhills	Carolinas Golf Association
First Tee — Silicon Valley	2021 U.S. Women’s Open, Northern California Golf Association
First Tee — South Dakota	South Dakota Golf Association
First Tee — Tri-Valley	2021 U.S. Women’s Open, Northern California Golf Association
First Tee — Triad	Carolinas Golf Association
First Tee — Twin Cities	2020 U.S. Junior Amateur, Minnesota Golf Association
First Tee — Upstate	2020 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur, Carolinas Golf Association
First Tee — Virginia Blue Ridge	2020 U.S. Mid-Amateur
First Tee — West Michigan	2020 U.S. Senior Amateur, Golf Association of Michigan
First Tee — West Virginia	West Virginia Golf Association

 

Global youth development program will launch in 2021 with a goal to open regional chapters across Canada through 2023

PGA of Canada to lead the national training of coaches to introduce First Tee youth development curriculum; Golf Canada Foundation will drive the advancement of the First Tee – Canada local chapters

Launch of First Tee – Canada coincides with selection of Royal Montreal Golf Club as host of the 2024 Presidents Cup; Quebec chapter of First Tee – Canada will be a legacy of the biennial competition

Oakville, Ont. (August 10, 2020) – Golf Canada and First Tee announced today a new partnership to launch First Tee – Canada. First Tee’s Board Chairman, PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan, shared the news during a global announcement that Presidents Cup will return to Royal Montreal Golf Club in 2024.

Together, the partnership will bring First Tee’s youth development emphasis to strengthen Golf Canada’s junior golf activities that reach kids in schools and at golf facilities. The innovative First Tee curriculum will focus on empowering young people to build their strength of character through the game of golf. Golf Canada will serve as the national headquarters of First Tee – Canada. “Partnering with First Tee towards the 2021 launch of First Tee – Canada will provide Canadian youth and especially those in underrepresented groups access to affordable and meaningful character education programs through golf,” said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum. “Golf Canada and the PGA of Canada have developed a strong foundation for junior golf programing over the past twenty plus years through Future Links. We are excited going forward to partner with the globally recognized First Tee brand and work collaboratively with the Golf Canada Foundation to strengthen our youth development activities.” “Golf Canada has made a significant impact on the growth of the sport in Canada through their multi-faceted junior golf initiatives and was a natural fit for us to partner with the launch of  First Tee – Canada,” said Greg McLaughlin, CEO, First Tee. “Together, we will bring the First Tee youth development program nationwide and build on Golf Canada’s impressive grassroots success with programming that reaches kids via nearly 600 golf facilities and 4,100 participating schools.” The PGA of Canada will play a leading role in the training of coaches who will serve as mentors to the kids and teens in the program. Coaches will help bring the curriculum to life by introducing youth to fun and active experiences that help them build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience that can carry to everything they do. “We are proud that PGA of Canada professionals will play an important role in utilizing golf to teach First Tee core values of honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, judgement and courtesy,” said Kevin Thistle, CEO of PGA of Canada. “We look forward to supporting the development of youth and junior golfers through the coaching and mentorship of PGA of Canada professionals in alignment with the National Coaching Certification Program.” First Tee – Canada will target to launch multiple chapters in 2021 with a growth strategy to establish First Tee chapters in markets across Canada through 2023. The inaugural First Tee – Canada chapter launching in 2021 will be located in Victoria, British Columbia at the Bear Mountain Golf & Tennis Resort Community which is also home to Golf Canada’s National Training Centre. This was made possible by the support of the Matthews and Kusumoto families. Dan Matthews is a global Trustee and a member of the Board of Governors of the First Tee and a member of the Board of Directors of the Golf Canada Foundation.  A First Tee chapter in Quebec will also be launched shortly thereafter, continuing the incredible legacy of past Presidents Cups. With support from the Presidents Cup, First Tee has successfully launched global chapters in Australia (2019) and Korea (2015). Through its deep network of donors and trustees, Golf Canada Foundation will be a critical partner in supporting the launch and advancement of First Tee – Canada through its fundraising and philanthropic efforts. Canada’s Provincial Golf Associations will also play a role in the advancement of First Tee – Canada as chapters begin to form in markets across Canada. In addition, Golf Canada will continue to work with the NGCOA Canada (National Golf Course Owner’s Association) and other key industry stakeholders towards a more inclusive golf experience for Canadian youth. Since its inception in 1997, First Tee has impacted more than 15 million young people through its character-building programs on golf courses, in schools and at youth-serving locations. The First Tee network has grown to over 150 chapters and more than 1,200 program locations across the United States as well as six international chapters—Australia, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Morocco and Canada—delivering programs that help young people build character and develop life skills through the game of golf. A First Tee chapter out of Vancouver is operating independently out of Vancouver, and previously out of Montreal, prior to the launch of First Tee – Canada,. For more information on First Tee, visit thefirsttee.org.