Programs Archives

Finding balance: How First Tee is using technology to build character on and off the course

One of the best things about playing golf is the chance to unplug – to step away from screens and into nature, where players can breathe in fresh air, socialize with peers and get some exercise. But as the sport’s popularity grows, many golf courses are operating at or near capacity. Add in factors like weather and transportation, and it becomes clear: green grass golf isn’t always within reach, especially for kids.

That’s why meeting kids on their turf – in schools, online, and at community centers – has long been central to First Tee’s approach. It inspired the launch of the First Tee School Program and more recently, the First Tee app. While we believe time spent outdoors is time well spent, we also recognize that kids today need to build strong technology skills and learn how to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.

First Tee leaders Ben Jarvis, vice president of strategy and business enablement, and Ryan Graff, vice president of programs, regularly discuss both the opportunities and the challenges technology presents for young people, and for the adults supporting them.

What parents should know about kids and apps

“When evaluating apps for your child, start with privacy and data protection,” Ben said. Look for apps with clear, transparent policies that limit data collection. All of this information is available in the app store.

To see if an app is age appropriate, Ben recommends reading reviews from trusted sources like Common Sense Media and checking whether it offers parental control options – many kids’ apps do. Parents can also research app developers to see if they have a strong track record and good reputation.

Furthermore, there’s the matter of in-app purchase: “Check whether the app includes premium features that might lead to unexpected charges,” Ben said.

Ultimately, determine whether new apps fit into your family’s screen time philosophy. “Consider whether an app educates, inspires creativity, meaningful connection or develops skills rather than just capturing time and attention,” he said. “Our First Tee app, for example, reinforces life skills and golf concepts through interactive activities.”

Building digital skills – and character

Technology skills are non-negotiable, and today’s kids need more than just familiarity with devices. “Digital literacy is the ability to find, evaluate and analyze digital information critically, distinguishing between credible sources and misinformation,” Ben said.

Exposing kids to technology in a healthy way can help ensure they understand how to protect personal information and navigate digital spaces safely.

Equally important is helping kids develop healthy relationships with tech. “Families are searching for how to find a balance when it comes to technology,” Ryan said. “First Tee is impactful because it’s more than golf. Kids and teens learn valuable life skills to navigate the course but also other contexts such as school and extracurricular activities. We explore the values that are inherent to the sport, like honesty, good judgment and overcoming challenges – all of which are important in life and online.”

In addition, First Tee provides opportunities to help kids build social skills with coaches and their peers within class, so attending First Tee classes can be a support in developing this balance.

In a world filled with technology, there are lots of lessons we can learn from golf:

Focus and presence: Golf provides a space with fewer external distractions and the opportunity to focus and be present with the golf shot before you – a rarity in a world full of notifications.

Patience and delayed gratification: In an age of instant rewards, golf teaches that improvement comes through consistent effort over time.

Good judgment: Golf’s emphasis on integrity – calling penalties on oneself, playing by the rules – builds the ethical foundation that guides responsible technology use.

Face-to-face social skills: The in-person connections formed during golf provide interpersonal experiences that screens can’t replicate, building social confidence.

Emotional regulation: Managing frustration after a bad shot by learning the 4Rs (Relax, Replay, Ready Redo) builds emotional resilience that helps children navigate online challenges.

Strategic thinking: Golf can help build creative problem-solving abilities, like STAR (Stop, Think, Anticipate and Respond) that transfer to technological contexts.

Physical activity and nature connection: The experience of being outdoors and moving provides essential balance to screen time, contributing to physical health and mental wellness.

According to data from First Tee and The Harris Poll, 85% of parents believe character is a “lost value” in society, and 93% agree that kids can learn life skills through sports. “Our coaches are trained not just in golf, but in youth development,” Ryan said. “That’s what makes the experience so impactful.”

At First Tee, technology isn’t a replacement for these experiences; it’s an enhancement. As Ben puts it, “We’re preparing kids for a world full of digital tools. But more importantly, we’re helping them develop the character and confidence to use those tools with awareness, purpose and integrity.”

Find a First Tee Chapter near you.

First Tee highlights the benefits of PE and playing sports

When life gets busy with school or as it gets cold outside, it can be harder to find time for fitness and extracurriculars. However, a report from First Tee and The Harris Poll found that 95% of parents say their child’s activities are effective for creating opportunities to learn life skills and build character. First Tee believes in developing experiences that are just as fun as they are meaningful, where kids feel excited to grow, safe to fail and better equipped for whatever comes their way next.

First Tee is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for all participants through year-round programming at 150 chapters, 11,000 schools and 1,400 community centers nationwide.

Here are a few benefits of PE programs and playing sports:

1. Improved physical fitness and health

First Tee is an activity-based program and during a class you might see students doing a wide range of activities, like playing tic-tac-toe putting or competing in a relay race. In addition to teaching golf and life skills, the First Tee curriculum is also designed to enhance players’ overall fitness. Each class begins with a set of warmups that improve motor skills through strength, flexibility and mobility, agility and coordination, balance and object control. As participants get older they will continue to improve their physical fitness through golf related activities, such as walking nine or 18 holes.

2. Strengthened interpersonal skills and peer relationships

Physical education and sports can help build a young person’s confidence and social interactions. A report from First Tee and The Harris poll found that among parents whose child plays sports, 92% said their child’s activities had a positive impact on their social health. The First Tee curriculum incorporates life skills into golf programming including the concept A-L-R, which stands for Ask – Listen – Respond, to teach youth about the importance of a greeting and basic communication. Students build an appreciation for the positive personal and social values associated with the game throughout lessons that build off of each other.

3. Improve student performance on and off the course

First Tee values the personal development of the participant. As participants learn more about who they are and what they are capable of, they are encouraged to begin to look towards the future and plan their own paths. First Tee lessons like FAIL, or First Attempt In Learning, help participants to identify their path to success. When youth are taught to embrace failure as a good and crucial step on the path to learning, they can choose to fail forward and recognize the learning opportunity that exists and the power they have to turn any individual failure around, both on the course and in the classroom.

Are you an advocate for the health of your children and your community? Learn more about bringing First Tee to your child’s elementary school.

About the First Tee National School Program

Currently introduced to more than 11,000 elementary schools, the First Tee National School Program creates an environment where young people are introduced to the lifelong sport while learning the basic golf motor skills and the inherent values of the game.

The Power of Connection: Building the Coach-Participant Relationship

By Kristin Westberg, Senior Director of Curriculum and Education

“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” ― Theodore Roosevelt

At First Tee, coaching involves far more than just teaching golf skills and life skills in a class; it’s about cultivating relationships that foster growth, build confidence and demonstrate resilience. But how can coaches create a foundation of trust that cultivates legitimate relationships with participants? Empowering Youth, one of the First Tee Coach Building Blocks, focuses on this aspect of development and is one key to building relationships that create impact.

Trust is the foundation

Eighty-three percent of parents wish their child had more access to trustworthy coaches. Trust forms the bedrock of any enduring coach-athlete relationship. It’s the glue that holds everything together, facilitates effective communication, skill development and overall progress. All First Tee coaches are background checked and formally trained to connect with participants, whether they’re passionate golfers or just trying something new. They prioritize building trust early on to establish a strong foundation that can lead to a lasting connection.

Positive role modeling

Ninety-two percent of parents say they hope their child has a coach who they would consider a role model. First Tee coaches serve as mentors and role models for participants. They lead by example and demonstrate the values they expect from participants. Kids are far more likely to do what you do, rather than what you say, and coaches recognize this as an opportunity to positively model both golf skills and life skills that can be applied on and off the course. Coaches are committed to Building Game Changers, work hard to embody the Key Commitments, set a positive example of pursuing goals, grow through challenge, collaborate with others, build positive self-identity and use good judgment. These behaviors help to build trust and foster connections with participants of all ages.

Continuous improvement

Fifty-three percent of parents say having a trustworthy sports coach or mentor would increase their likelihood to commit long-term to the activity. First Tee coaches understand that building meaningful connections with participants is an ongoing process, and the First Tee curriculum exists to support them through that. First Tee offers a variety of eLearning courses and supplemental resources, as well as HQ led trainings to deepen their knowledge and develop new skills, such as understanding the stages of youth development or tips and tricks for tackling skill disparities. These practices improve the learning environment in a class and create opportunities to develop relationships and strengthen connections with participants.

Ninety percent of parents believe that coaches are the unsung heroes of youth development. A coach’s influence extends beyond the course and long after the round ends. Genuine connection matters when building the coach-participant relationship and even more when building game changers. At First Tee, we recognize that when participants know you care, they’ll care what you know and that’s when true learning and growth happens.

The statistics used throughout this story are from a new study between First Tee and Harris Poll. Visit the Character Gap research to learn more.

Q&A with a Coach

Sterling Simmons III is a First Tee alumnus and the player development instructor at First Tee – Greater Richmond. In that role, Sterling leads First Tee – Greater Richmond’s Player Development Academy, First Tee matches and oversees the organizations PGA Jr. League teams.

How did you get involved with First Tee?

My father took me to the First Tee Greater Richmond driving range when I was younger, and I met my first golf coach Craig Wood. I’ve stayed involved ever since.

Why do you continue to coach?

I enjoy being able to be a part of the development process for our participants, both on and off the golf course.

What have you learned from coaching at First Tee?

First Tee has taught me that each participant is unique in their own way and as a coach, you have to be able to adapt how you teach to match the participant.

What do you think new First Tee students should know?

The course of life and the golf course are very similar. You will be presented with obstacles and challenges along the way, but the ability to navigate and overcome adversity will help you in the future on both of these “courses.”

What do you think new/inquiring coaches should know?

You don’t have to be a great golfer to make an impact on a participant’s life.

How to prepare for your family’s first First Tee class

For kids and adults alike, trying new things is a great way to build self-confidence. But it can also be intimidating. While First Tee chapters aim to create welcoming environments, knowing more about what to expect may help your family feel more comfortable before its first class.

“First Tee welcomes all ages and skill level of golfers to classes,” said Lexie Milford, senior director of programs technology at First Tee. “Families should feel comfortable arriving to any First Tee location knowing their participant will be met by trained and caring adult coaches that are ready to lead them through a variety of fun activities.”

In addition to learning golf, First Tee’s curriculum is built around teaching kids to:

Pursue goals.
Grow through challenges.
Collaborate with others.
Build a positive self-identity.
Use good judgment.

First Tee coaches aim to create fun and colorful, hands-on experiences for kids, Milford said. Here is what parents and kids should know.

First Tee emphasizes safety and inclusivity

As a youth development organization, First Tee believes experiences are our greatest teacher and that they should be both fun and meaningful, where kids feel excited to grow, safe to fail and better equipped for whatever comes their way.

Just like trying a new sport can be scary for kids, deciding to entrust your child to a coach or organization can also be a significant decision for parents. As part of First Tee’s commitment to safety, all employees, coaches and volunteers must complete a background check before working with kids. Plus, all employees, coaches, volunteers and board members are required to complete the U.S. Center for SafeSport training program.

Additionally, while golf can have a reputation as an expensive and exclusive sport, First Tee aims to make it accessible to all families. Contact your local chapter if your child is interested in golf, but finances are a concern. First Tee also provides equipment and requires no special uniforms or shoes. For their first class, your child should wear something comfortable that makes them feel confident and allows them to move.

Talking to your child about trying new things

First Tee chapters cater to all kids, whether they are serious golfers, beginners and just play for fun. Even though you’ll find participants of all varying levels at First Tee, many kids are nervous during their first class. But it might be helpful to remind them that every golfer was a beginner once.

Listening to their concerns and celebrating small successes can go a long way. “In my house, we love a good challenge and make a big deal for my kids when they make it through a new activity or experience, regardless of the outcome,” Milford said.

With a curriculum that integrates life skills and character education, First Tee is about more than golf – which isn’t an easy sport, even for great players. Helping your child set small goals throughout their golf journey can be a good strategy to help them build confidence and teach them to enjoy a lifelong sport.

Find a Program Location Near You

Character Gap: A Report from First Tee and Harris Poll

Character is what you bring to everything you do. It’s what signifies to the world what’s inside of you. It outlasts genius and talent, yet propels both. It’s what we are admired for and remembered by. It’s what transforms piercing words to inspire you forward rather than tear you down. And it’s what allows you to walk away from failure determined, not defeated.

Yet a new study between First Tee and Harris polls finds that character is a lost value driven by a lack of regular opportunities to cultivate it.

Learn More

Prestigious Payne Fellowship will enable First Tee alumna Karrington Knight to help others

Karrington Knight has been interested in global politics since middle school. Now she’s getting ready to embark on a career that could take her all over the world.

An alumna of First Tee – Greater New Orleans, Knight recently received the competitive Donald M. Payne International Development Fellowship that will facilitate a career with the U.S. Agency for International Development, which aims to reduce poverty and promote democracy abroad.

Knight graduated last year from Rhodes College in Memphis, where she was a team captain of the golf team. She’s heading to the nation’s capital this fall for graduate school, where she’ll study international affairs with a concentration in democracy and government. Through the Fellowship, she’ll also spend one summer working at a congressional office in Washington, D.C. and another at a U.S. embassy abroad. Then she’ll spend at least five years in the USAID foreign service after graduation.

“In high school and in college I was able to have teachers and professors foster that passion of mine,” Knight said. “Now I’ve found exactly what I want to do. I’ll be able to go to South America and work in politics and with indigenous populations. It’s everything I’ve wanted all wrapped into one.”

As an undergraduate student, Knight minored in Spanish and wrote a thesis on indigenous political parties in Bolivia and Guatemala. She’s looking forward to working on the continent – especially after the COVID-19 pandemic dashed her plans to study abroad in 2020. And that’s not the only change she’s experienced in the last few years.

“My original plan was to attend law school after graduating, but something just didn’t feel right,” Knight explained. “I think a big part of planning is allowing yourself to take a step back and reevaluate your goals.”

One thing that’s for sure is golf will continue to play a role in Knight’s life. “It’s growing all over the world,” she said. “I would love to integrate golf into international development. There’s so much you can learn from golf, and it can bring people together.”

Knight first got into the sport when she was young and would ride in the cart with her dad. “He’d let me sit in his lap to drive,” she recalled. “After always going out with him, my parents put me in First Tee just to see if I’d take to it, and the rest is history.”

She’s still connected with First Tee – Greater New Orleans as chair of the chapter’s alumni committee. “I think it’s important to stay involved because First Tee gave me such a great foundation, not only for golf but just as a person,” she said. “Especially for Black girls, it’s important for them to see that golf might not be a very popular sport right now but it can be rewarding in the long run.”

As committee chair, Knight keeps in contact with other First Tee – Greater New Orleans alumni and serves as a liaison between them and the chapter. She also helps the chapter find alumni to speak at classes and events.

She’s happy to give back to the organization, she said. “First Tee has nurtured me at every stage of my life. It’s something where a lot of other youth organizations fall short. I just praise First Tee so much for seeing who I was as an individual and catering to what I needed at each stage of my life,” she said.

Learn more about the First Tee Alumni Network.

A Game for All

First Tee Chapters provide inclusive golf and character building programs for all kids and teens

By Megan Hart, First Tee HQ

About a quarter of Americans have a disability, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but as many organizations have redoubled their focus on diversity, equity and inclusion in recent years, this group can often go overlooked in discussions on the topic.

For 25 years, First Tee has shown up every day, determined to ensure that every kid and teen feel welcome and included. First Tee – Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky is just one example of our Chapters who promote inclusive programs.

The Chapter partners with organizations like Els for Autism, Special Olympics of Hamilton County and SCRATCHgolf to serve players of all abilities and skill levels, proving golf is for everyone.

Thanks in part to the United States Golf Association’s IDEA Grant, the chapter has been able to expand its opportunities for all kids. The IDEA Grant was created to promote inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility efforts at the local golf level. This grant program awarded $200,000 from USGA to First Tee Chapters across the country in 2021.

“USGA’s support is a game changer for the youth in the communities that we serve,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “With these grants, our chapters are opening the door to even more youth, especially in underserved and underrepresented communities, to explore the possibilities in golf and beyond as they build their character and life lessons through the game.”

The USGA’s efforts to make golf more inclusive go far beyond its work with First Tee. The association will host the inaugural U.S. Adaptive Open at Pinehurst this July, which will feature the globe’s top golfers with disabilities, including those with limb impairments, intellectual and neurological impairments and seated golfers. Among the field is First Tee — Tampa Bay alum Joey Hill and First Tee — Triangle alum Zachary Duncan!

‘You just have to love the kids and find out what they need’

First Tee – Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky is focused on reaching children from all backgrounds and abilities, and with the help of the USGA and other organizations, they have found creative ways to become more accessible.

The Chapter will bring back programming for kids with autism this fall after it was put on hold by the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff first trained with Els for Autism in 2018.

Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky also partners with Special Olympics of Hamilton County to introduce participants to golf. The program attracted about 20 kids per year before the pandemic, and it’ll return this summer for a weekly series.

Three kids have transitioned from the Chapter’s Special Olympics program to its golf course program, and Executive Director Alicia Yund recalls seeing a Special Olympics participant return for a community field day hosted by the chapter.

“It was cool to see him thriving and see how all the other kids were in awe of him and his ability to hit the ball,” she said. “It’s great when all kids are included.”

Wendy Mockabee manages the School Program at First Tee – Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky, which integrates First Tee’s life skills program into elementary and middle schools in the community. One of the participating schools exclusively serves special needs students, and it’s been inspiring to see how teachers have adapted First Tee programming to meet the needs of the kids. For example, teachers attached a leaf blower to a golf club so children with mobility challenges could instead push a button to move the ball.

In addition, the chapter hosts programming for kids with life-threatening and chronic health challenges, including SCRATCHgolf. In partnership with Cincinnati Children’s Heart Institute and the Congenital Heart Alliance of Cincinnati, the chapter recently held a multiday camp for kids with heart defects, who are then provided scholarships for future programming.

“We’ve been very focused on making sure all kids have a safe space, an environment where we’re prepared to make any modifications necessary to make them feel welcome and part of First Tee community,” Yund said. “Weaving accessibility and inclusion into programming — outside of finding more volunteers — it’s not a daunting or taxing effort. You just need to love the kids and find out what they need.”

A number of First Tee chapters within the network offer youth development and programming for participants with disabilities. Contact your local chapter to learn more.

Find a Chapter

Kylie Porter Chooses Gratitude Despite Life’s Challenges

Kylie Porter (right) alongside fellow First Tee – Canton participant, Ava Kemp.

If you’ve ever met Kylie Porter from First Tee – Canton you would never know all that she has overcome. Kylie has been a fighter since the day she was born. As a newborn, Kylie was transported to the Akron Children’s Hospital NICU as a 4-pound twin. Her parents had a priest called to the hospital to give Kylie her last rights, as they were told she wouldn’t survive. And if by some miracle she was to survive, she would never walk and would experience cognitive delays.

Kylie beat the odds.

Despite the doctor’s diagnosis, she has become a remarkable, intelligent young lady who is grateful to play her favorite sport…golf. Kylie has been a part of First Tee – Canton for more than seven years, where she is known for her amazing smile, positive attitude and hard work. Her parents truly thought they would never see the day and credit First Tee for not only teaching Kylie how to play the game of golf but providing a space where she could develop her character and values such as honesty, respect and acceptance.

“First Tee is more than just learning how to golf. At First Tee – Canton, I learned how important core values are to use everywhere. Not just in the sport of golf, but also in utilizing the values to help guide me in my everyday life. My favorite value is perseverance. In order to pursue your goals in life, you have to persevere and work hard towards your goals.”

Kylie has certainly made her mark at First Tee – Canton.

In 2019, the chapter honored Kylie with their first ever “Bill Hayes Perseverance Award.” In an effort to honor Mr. Hayes, a former volunteer who continued to serve despite his health issues, the award was created to recognize participants that also persevere in life. They believed that Kylie was a perfect fit to receive the first award.

Kylie recognizes how blessed she is and shares her story to advocate for other kids dealing with challenges in their life. Now 14 years old, Kylie has been diagnosed with Stickler syndrome, which contributes to severe hearing loss. However, she doesn’t let this stop her. Kylie uses her platform as a means to motivate young people and encourage them to find confidence despite their hearing loss. She uses social media to spread this message and share her story. Because of her efforts, Kylie was recently honored as a HearStrong Champion through the HearStrong Foundation.

She wants to inspire kids and teens with hearing loss and one day be an audiologist to help others like herself.

Kylie, you inspire us to learn and grow from our challenges.

In this season of thankfulness, we are grateful for our donors and supporters who help lift up our mission so we can reach young people like Kylie. This holiday season, when you donate to a First Tee chapter, they’re eligible for matching dollars, up to $1 for every $2 you donate, thanks to a matching grant program from Charles R. Schwab. Find a chapter to donate today and join our mission to empower young people to build their strength of character through golf.

Commonly Asked Questions about First Tee

First Tee builds experiences that build character. As a youth development organization, we believe experiences are our greatest teacher and that they should be both fun and meaningful, where kids feel excited to grow, safe to fail and better equipped for whatever comes their way. Whether you are looking to join our program or still considering your options, here are commonly asked questions to get you started.

How do you build character through golf?

We see golf as a metaphor for life. It’s not the score that counts, but what you learn along the way. Like in life, golf requires goal setting, working with others and digging deep when things get tough (perseverance). Golf is a perfect practice ground for learning skills that go far beyond the fairways.

What if my child has never picked up a golf club before?

We know it can feel intimidating to start something new. Everyone was a beginner once and our coaches are trained in creating a supportive environment to make kids feel comfortable and assure they have fun while learning about themselves and golf.

Do I need to provide golf equipment for kids?

Chapters provide access to all the equipment you will need. No need for special golf attire.

Will my child be participating in a safe environment?

First Tee and its chapters are committed to having a safe and welcoming environment for everyone involved in the organization. As part of our commitment, all employees, coaches and volunteers must complete a background check before working with our youth. Plus, all employees, coaches, volunteers, and board members are required to complete the U.S. Center for SafeSport training program.

Is there competition and physical activity?

Absolutely! First Tee is an activity-based program, so our lessons include movement that can range from games to walking/playing the course. As participants get older, they have the chance to compete at national events held across the country.

Is there a chapter near me?

We’re closer than you think. First Tee offers programs in all 50 states through First Tee chapters, School Programs, and after-school Community Programs. We also offer programs in a number of international locations.

What if I have financial concerns?

No worries—chapters offer full scholarships or reduced fee programming for those who need it.

Parents’ Guide

Flip through our parents’ guide to learn more about our wide ranging opportunities for kids and teens.

Get Involved

First Tee provides active learning experiences for youth that help build their inner strength, self-confidence and resilience. Find a chapter today!

Looking Back at 2020: The Power of Resilience

By Greg McLaughlin CEO, First Tee 2020 has created difficult situations for all of us, but the strength and resilience of our chapters, participants, coaches and volunteers also brought about many bright spots and accomplishments worth remembering. Today’s kids and teens are facing pressures that are different from previous generations, and it was important that we look in the mirror to ensure we are approaching our work with as much relevance and awareness of today’s families as possible. After more than a year’s worth of research and development, we have officially rolled out a revitalization of the First Tee brand to better serve kids in the world they live in today. We also launched the First Tee College Scholarship Program, a rigorous need and merit-based program that awarded nine scholarships including three first-generation scholars. Our inaugural class of students will be attending Harvard, Yale, Georgetown, Duke and other top institutions of higher learning. We are passionate about creating and upholding a culture of acceptance, breaking down barriers so kids and families feel like they belong no matter their background. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) efforts have been central to our work since inception, as we focus on underrepresented young people from underserved communities. We are proud of the DE&I efforts we have made thus far but believe we can and will do more. At First Tee, we empower kids and teens to build resilience, so they show up stronger as they take on all of life’s challenges. We are mentors, coming together every day with a unified mission to help kids be their best selves. If this year has taught us anything, it’s that our character-building programs are needed now more than ever. Together with our chapter network and community partners through the School and Community Programs, we overcame incredible obstacles this year. And together, we created new opportunities to help our chapters as we continue to focus on Building Game Changers.

Nathan Dryer, 18, donates Make-A-Wish to First Tee-Northern Michigan

By Sara Wright, PGA TOUR

Story also featured at PGATOUR.com here.

Integrity, responsibility and judgement are just a few of the character strengths that the First Tee aims to instill in its participants through the game of golf. And, for Nathan Dryer, a former participant and current assistant coach with the First Tee – Northern Michigan, he intends to pass along a few more – courage, generosity and selflessness. Nathan first started participating in the First Tee program at the age of 13, when he attended its advanced camp in Harbor Springs, Mich. He took to the program immediately and along with increasing his golf skills, he remembers being even more impressed with the amount of respect and courtesy the coaches showed him and how that increased his confidence and self-esteem. The experience led him to want to give back and eventually become an assistant coach with the local First Tee chapter. However, life would throw him a curveball along the way. In February 2018, at the age of 16, Nathan was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Hodgkin’s Lymphoma — formerly known as Hodgkin’s disease — is a cancer of the lymphatic system, an integral part of your immune system. Thankfully, recent advances in diagnosis and treatment have helped give people with this disease the chance for a full recovery and, although it is rare to be found in males so young, Nathan and his family were optimistic and started treatment immediately. By June of that same year, Nathan was cancer free and coaching at First Tee throughout the summer. “It’s not really a job for me,” Nathan said. “I love doing it.” And that’s why when Nathan was referred to his local Make-A-Wish Foundation in Michigan, his wish wasn’t to go on a dream vacation or meet his favorite athlete or celebrity, it was to give back to a program that has meant so much to him. “I wish to go, I wish to have, I wish to meet, I wish to be, or I wish to give,” said Make-A-Wish Michigan’s Communications and Public Relations Manager, Christy Schulte. ” Nathan chose to give.” Wishes to give normally fall in the smallest subset of wishes the Make-A-Wish program grants every year. But give they did. In fact, Nathan asked to give $5,000 to the First Tee – Northern Michigan to offset the lack of fundraising events the local chapter was able to host this year due to COVID-19. “I saw so many kids change and grow in the First Tee program, and to me, there’s nothing better than that feeling,” Nathan said. “I’m happy to be doing this.” Nathan’s selflessness and desire to give back are a testament to those around him, and has become fundamental in how he approaches most everything. As he enters his senior year in high school, he plans on joining the Air Force after graduation and serving his community and country in an even bigger way. His family, friends and First Tee – Northern Michigan couldn’t be prouder. “I have watched him develop and grow in terms of his character, his confidence, his willingness to take responsibility and his generosity,” said Nathan’s mother Aimee. “I am really proud.” The program director of the First Tee – Northern Michigan, Logan Paquet, agrees, adding, “He has represented the First Tee in such a humble and gracious way. It is truly outstanding.” If you feel compelled to support First Tee programming, please donate online here at https://firsttee.org/donate/.

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.

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.