Category: Uncategorized

First Tee – Triangle’s Arianna Beverly reflects on the opportunities she’s earned through golf

When Arianna Beverly was six or seven years old, her dad signed her up for First Tee. She liked the little games well enough, but she wasn’t exactly serious about it. Then the world stopped, and golf became everything.

“COVID hit, and all we could do was play golf,” Arianna said. What started as a casual activity gradually became a lifelong passion.

Now a rising senior and member of the First Tee – Triangle community, Arianna just competed at the 2026 First Tee National Championship at Finley Golf Club in Chapel Hill — the same course where she recently attended a skills session as part of the PGA TOUR’s Pathway to Progression program. This week, she also stepped into a different kind of spotlight, moderating a conversation with player and golf personality Will Lowery at the championship’s welcome dinner.

A pathway opens

Arianna was invited to join Pathway to Progression at last year’s First Tee National Championship at the University of Notre Dame, where she played a practice round with Kenyatta Ramsey, vice president of player development at the PGA TOUR.

She won a qualifying tournament at Bally’s Golf Links in New York, “a very nice golf course, a different kind of experience,” she said. From there, the program brought her back to familiar ground: Finley Golf Club for sessions with coaches who helped with her swing, offered drills and talked through course management and the more technical aspects of the game. Through the program, she played her first AJGA tournament, a senior showcase in Las Vegas, and competed in a second AJGA event as well.

PURE Insurance Championship and Stewart Cink

If you ask Arianna about her favorite golf memory, there’s no hesitation.

“Playing at Pebble Beach. It was just the best experience of my life,” she said. “When I’m old and gray, I’ll still be reminding myself that I went to Pebble Beach and played with Stewart Cink.”

She competed at the 2025 PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach Golf Links, where she was paired with the PGA TOUR veteran. The experience left a lasting impression. “He still gives me little bits of advice,” she said. “I learned so much from him about course management. I was just pampered by everyone at that tournament.”

More than a golfer

Off the course, Arianna is vice president of her school’s Black Student Association, a National Honor Society member and a jewelry entrepreneur. She started making earrings during COVID as a creative outlet, inspired by a find on Pinterest and encouraged by her crafty family. As her skills improved, her dad convinced her to turn her hobby into a small business. Her Christmas gingerbread men and cupcake designs have been particularly popular.

Before she heads off to Japan on an upcoming school trip, Arianna is also looking ahead to the next chapter: college golf, ideally at an HBCU, and a degree in marketing.

The impact of First Tee

Through new environments and everything that comes with growing up, one thing has remained constant.

“First Tee has been the steadiest thing in my life,” Arianna said. “That’s something you need when you’re changing schools and meeting new people. I always know I have my friends at First Tee.”

She also credits the organization with something she didn’t expect when she first teed it up as a kid: social confidence.

As she prepares to graduate in 2027, Arianna sees golf not just as a sport but as the throughline of her life — past, present and future. “Through First Tee, I’ve fostered my love for the game. Everything I’ve done in the golf world has been because I found that love through First Tee. It’s going to get me into college, into the next chapter of my life, and I’m going to keep it throughout my adulthood because of what happened when I was six.”

Veronica Diaz shares how First Tee – Connecticut helped prepare her for a life of service

When Veronica Diaz joined First Tee – Connecticut around age 8, she found not only a sport, but a place to practice values like honesty, integrity and perseverance. Years later, those values are essential to her career in law enforcement.

Today, Veronica serves as an officer with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation Police Department, where her work spans patrol, investigations and community service. It’s a career that demands composure under pressure, accountability and genuine care for the people around her — qualities she traces directly back to her time with First Tee.

“The values of honesty, integrity, respect and perseverance are things I use every day as a police officer,” she said. “Golf teaches you accountability because there is no one else to blame for your score, and First Tee reinforced that mindset.”

She credits her First Tee Coach, Coach Lindsey, for teaching her the importance of showing respect, making confident eye contact and offering a firm handshake — small things that turned out to matter enormously. “Those simple lessons have never left me,” she said. “They are values I continue to carry with me today and pass on to others whenever I can.”

Veronica’s path from First Tee participant to law enforcement officer saw her through four years of high school golf, Division III collegiate golf, summers coaching in the program and a serious car accident that reshaped how she thinks about time and the people she shares it with. “It reminded me how quickly time can pass and how important it is to spend time doing the things you love with the people you care about most,” she said.

Her nephew is now a First Tee participant through the Waterbury Police Activity League, the same PAL program that first connected Veronica to golf and the officers who inspired her career choice.

Reuniting at the Travelers Championship

This year, Veronica joined fellow First Tee alumni at a special meetup hosted during the Travelers Championship, made possible by the generous support of PGA TOUR Superstore. The gathering brought together alumni from across the First Tee network to reconnect, reflect and celebrate how far they’ve come.

“First Tee was such an important part of my childhood, so being able to reconnect with fellow alumni and see how everyone’s journeys have unfolded is special,” she said. “It’s also a great reminder of the impact the program has had on so many people.”

A message to the next generation

When asked what she’d say to a First Tee participant just starting out, Veronica’s answer was simple: Don’t be afraid if you don’t have everything figured out yet.

“The skills you’re learning through First Tee go far beyond golf and will help you no matter what path you choose,” she said. “Some of the experiences that shape your future may come from places you least expect. First Tee certainly did that for me.”

First Tee – Phoenix’s Ashley Shaw and First Tee – Tri-Valley’s Nakul Shrivastava claim 2026 First Tee National Championship 

 
Shrivastava and First Tee – Central Florida’s Sadie Goodman earned exemptions into the 2026 PURE Insurance Championship 
 

CHAPEL HILL, North Carolina (June 25, 2026) – First Tee has crowned two new national champions: Ashley Shaw of Litchfield Park, Arizona, and Nakul Shrivastava of San Ramon, California, won the girls’ and boys’ divisions respectively. The First Tee National Championship took place at the University of North Carolina’s Finley Golf Club, June 21-25, 2026. 

The event brought together First Tee’s elite golfers for an opportunity to showcase how the program has helped them build the confidence, perseverance and skills needed to play at the next level. 

Shaw shot 68-67-65 to finish 10-under for the tournament. A rising high school senior, she’s committed to play collegiate golf at the University of Georgia. Currently 67th in the AJGA rankings, she made her LPGA Tour debut at the 2024 Cognizant Founders Cup after earning an exemption into the tournament. Shaw has been involved with First Tee – Phoenix for more than eight years and serves as a volunteer coach and ambassador. 

“I’m so excited to be able to get the win,” Shaw said. “For me, staying patient and just knowing I could hit the shots and waiting for the putts to drop was the key, and I just let it happen and I was able to get quite a few birdies this week.” 

Shrivastava shot 66-64-67 to finish 13-under for the tournament. He recorded nine birdies in the second round, including six on the back nine. Shrivastava began playing golf with First Tee – Tri-Valley when he was 6. Now a rising high school junior, he has multiple Top 10 AJGA finishes. 

“I’m feeling pretty good, very excited that I got to win this, and it was a really good opportunity,” said Shrivastava. “No matter how nervous I got or doubted myself this week, I just remembered confidence is key, and I just persevered through that, and I played pretty well.” 

Both winners were awarded the Tattersall Cup in honor of First Tee Trustee Fred Tattersall, who generously supports the event. Photos from the tournament are available here. 

Based on their play, Shrivastava and Sadie Goodman of First Tee – Central Florida earned exemptions into the PURE Insurance Championship, a PGA TOUR Champions event that will take place at Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course in September. The event pairs golf legends with First Tee juniors for a week of mentorship and competition. Goodman was 4th in the girls’ division, making her the top finisher who has not previously played the PURE Insurance Championship. 

“Congratulations to Ashley and Nakul on their outstanding victories at the First Tee National Championship,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “These young people demonstrated exceptional golf skills, sportsmanship and resilience. Thanks to the University of North Carolina for hosting this year’s event and Fred Tattersall for making this event possible.” 

The First Tee National Championship is held annually at college golf courses across the nation, providing First Tee participants the opportunity to network with others from around the country. 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 championship is part of First Tee’s full slate of national participant opportunities, which is designed to help teens grow while keeping them engaged with the program. In addition to competitive golf opportunities, First Tee headquarters offers leadership programs, a girls empowerment event and a community service workshop. 

First Tee announces 23 new Scholars selected for academic excellence, leadership and service

In addition to financial support, First Tee Scholars receive mentorship and professional development opportunities

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (June 2, 2026) – Youth development organization First Tee is proud to announce its incoming class of Scholars, welcoming 23 exceptional young leaders into the First Tee College Scholarship Program. Selected from chapters across the country, the incoming Scholars represent the organization’s highest ideals, demonstrating outstanding commitment to academics, community service and the values they developed through years of First Tee participation. 

Young men and women from 20 First Tee chapters comprise this year’s Scholar class, including three collegiate golfers and four first-generation college students. They will arrive at universities across the country this fall, studying subjects including engineering, sports management, business, biology and more. On average, incoming Scholars have spent an average of 9.3 years with First Tee and boast a weighted GPA of 4.3. 

“The exceptional participants who make up this year’s Scholar class represent the very best of what First Tee stands for: a relentless commitment to excellence in the classroom, in their communities and to their character,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “The First Tee College Scholarship Program exists to ensure that these exceptional young leaders have the resources they need to reach their full potential, and we are grateful to the donors and corporate partners who make this program possible.” 

New Scholars will be invited to attend a Pre-College Retreat in Ponte Vedra Beach this summer, where they will meet their peers, network with professionals and attend workshops to help them prepare for their first semester of college. 

Launched in 2020, the First Tee College Scholarship Program provides selected alumni with financial support, mentorship and professional development opportunities designed to help them succeed in college and beyond. Scholars participate in workshops, gain access to an expansive professional network, and receive ongoing guidance as they navigate their college journeys.  

Candidates are selected based on academic achievement, dedication to service and commitment to their First Tee chapter and community. The program reflects First Tee’s broader mission of using golf to teach young people life skills that develop character, extending well beyond the course. 

In April, leaders from Chevron, a supporter of the First Tee College Scholarship program, surprised Carlie Matengula (left) and Aarya Shewale (center) with invitations to the program during The Chevron Championship.

The full list of incoming First Tee College Scholars is below. 

Name Chapter University Major 
Riley Albright Central Ohio Ohio State University Sports Management 
Natalie Chen Silicon Valley Stanford University Business 
Noelle Gagnon New Hampshire Connecticut College International Relations 
Lilyanna Hathaway Colorado Rocky Mountains Colorado Mesa University Marketing 
Justin Hsieh Raritan Valley Rutgers University Aerospace Engineering 
Nick Huang Greater Seattle Northwestern University Electrical Engineering 
Riley Jamison Tennessee Palm Beach Atlantic University Communications 
Joshua Ju Tennessee Vanderbilt University Pre-Medicine 
Carlie Matengula Greater Austin Howard University Political Science 
Jasmine McGhee Greater Chicago Cornell University Psychology 
Colby Palacio Raritan Valley Rutgers University Accounting 
Ishani Patel Metropolitan Oklahoma City University of Oklahoma Biomedical Engineering 
Kailyn Peterson Idaho Boise State University Nursing 
Jack Polansky Greater San Antonio Berry College Environmental Science 
Lula Rivera Greater Wilmington North Carolina State University Engineering 
Alexis Roth Greater Charlotte University of South Carolina Sports Management 
Isabella Russo Florida Gold Coast University of Central Florida Engineering 
Aarya Shewale Greater Houston Texas A&M University Aerospace Engineering 
Sydney Socha Toledo University of North Florida Business 
Anabella Van Cotthem San Diego University of California, Irvine Biology 
Weston Wakefield Central Arkansas Southern Nazarene University Kinesiology 
Ashton Washington Tampa Bay Florida A&M University Finance 
Bailey Webb Colorado Rocky Mountains Ohio State University International Business 

Since its inception, 120 First Tee Scholars have benefited from this comprehensive support system. The First Tee College Scholarship Program is made possible through the generosity of individual supporters and corporate partners. Learn more about supporting First Tee. 

From participant to coach: Libby Chamberlin’s First Tee story

This First Tee Week, we’re celebrating game-changing coaches like Libby Chamberlin. 

The youngest of three siblings, Libby watched her older brother and sister take classes at First Tee – Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky for as long as she can remember. She wanted in. The moment she turned 7 and was old enough to join, she was ready. 

“I was ecstatic,” she said. 

Her siblings eventually found passions elsewhere, but Libby kept coming back, through middle school, high school and eventually into a coaching role she’s now held for six years. What started as a little sister tagging along has become a career shaped by First Tee’s values and the coaches who modeled them. 

Ask Libby what kept her coming back year after year before she even fell in love with golf, and she’ll tell you: the coaches. 

Tom and Mellisa Briner helped found First Tee – Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky and helped shape Libby’s path. Swing instructor Bill Donaldson has been a constant presence throughout both her years as a participant and now as a fellow coach. 

“I want to give kids the same great experience with the program that I had,” she said. 

Game-planning for the future with Ace 

During her time as a participant, Libby was selected for two First Tee participant events: Game Changers Academy and Drive Your Future Academy. At both, she connected with participants from across the country and first learned about Ace. 

The seed was planted. 

In the spring of her junior year, Libby and her friend Abigail Laake decided to go for it together. They became the first participants at their chapter to complete Ace, meeting regularly with then-executive director Alicia Lawrence to work through it side by side. 

Libby remembers those meetings vividly — not just for the work, but for what they meant during a stressful stretch of senior year. 

“It was so helpful to have a mentor to consistently check in with,” she said. “I loved the way that the Ace experience encouraged me to create a game plan for life after graduation in all aspects of my life, like exploring ways to invest in my community and deciding how golf will fit into my life after I stop playing on a team. It provided me with an opportunity to explore who I am, what I want and what my long-term goals are.” 

A coach is born 

It was through volunteering in First Tee classes and serving as a role model for younger participants that Libby discovered her love for coaching.  

Alicia encouraged her to pursue it, and six years later, she’s still at it. Coaching part-time through college deepened her passion for working with young people and pointed her toward a career in youth development and education.  

She graduated from Transylvania University where she played golf while studying education and social change, developing a particular passion for literacy and learning outside traditional classroom settings. She’s currently pursuing a master’s degree in library sciences with a focus on public libraries and youth services. 

The thread running through all of it traces back her First Tee chapter and the coaches who showed up for her. Now a Level 3 coach herself, Libby is certified to teach the Ace curriculum. 

For any First Tee alumni thinking about getting involved again, Libby has a simple message: Reach out to your local chapter. 

“I know it can be hard to meet people post-grad,” she says. “Helping out with a First Tee class is a great way to dip your toes back in while also giving back to the community — and it’s a fun way to get back into golf yourself.” 

According to research from The Harris Poll and First Tee, 90% of parents believe coaches are the “unsung” heroes of youth development. But most parents also agree there’s a shortage of high-caliber coaches today. That’s why we’re honoring impactful coaches during First Tee Week, May 23-30, 2026. Learn more.

Coach Shayna: First Tee coaches are ‘building the future of the game and the character of the kids who will carry it forward’

Some people find golf. Golf found Coach Shayna before she could even see over the top of the flagstick. Growing up in Unionville, Missouri, Shayna was just 3 when her grandparents cut down a putter and packed her into their three-wheel Harley-Davidson golf cart, heading to their nine-hole course with sand greens.

“My grandparents were intentional about teaching me the game the right way,” she said. “They made sure I understood both the mechanics and the integrity behind golf.”

By 11, Coach Shayna was playing on real grass greens for the first time. By 13, she shot a 79 at the Timber Ridge Junior Golf Tournament in Memphis, Missouri — the best score of the day — with her Grandpa Gary, affectionately known as “Schoonie,” walking every hole beside her.

Blazing her own trail

Golf wasn’t always easy to access, especially for a girl growing up in rural America in that era. There were no First Tee programs nearby, no girls’ golf team at her school and no shortage of moments that tested her resolve. When she was excluded from a Father’s Day tournament because organizers believed there should be “no girls,” she didn’t walk away from the game. She found another way in.

Shayna earned a spot on her high school boys’ varsity golf team — and held her own in the top five all four years, competing weekly for the number one position. Golf was just one chapter in a standout athletic career that earned her 16 varsity letters across golf, softball, basketball and track. Her softball team was later inducted into the Missouri State Hall of Fame.

Finding her way back to golf

Coach Shayna stuck with softball through college, where she earned a degree in psychology before becoming a cosmetologist. Golf took a backseat as she moved to Florida and became a mom of five, but the love of the game never left.

“For years, I mostly daydreamed about it and occasionally hit balls in the yard,” she said. “But the desire to compete and be part of the golf community never left me.”

When Shayna began working with Dixon Golf, a tournament consulting company, the golf world started pulling her back in. The more she played, the more one organization kept coming to mind: First Tee.

“I knew firsthand how transformative starting young in golf could be,” she said.

About three years ago, she met First Tee – Gulf Coast executive director Marty Stanovich and signed on as a volunteer. In the fall of 2025, she achieved her goal of becoming head coach at Fort Walton Beach Golf Club.

The joy of coaching

Coach Shayna’s background is uniquely suited for the work. Her degree in developmental psychology, combined with raising five kids of her own, gives her a nuanced lens when working with young people.

“I know they are constantly growing,” she said. “They are resilient, perceptive and capable of more than they realize.”

With support from First Tee partner, Morgan Stanley, Coach Shayna recently reached another milestone – she attended First Tee’s Level 2 coach training in Tampa, where she learned more about the youth development organization’s Coach Philosophy.

“Being surrounded by others who care deeply about youth development and the game itself was energizing,” she said. “Learning together reinforced that coaching doesn’t have to be done alone.”

A message to future coaches

“My favorite part of coaching is all of it,” Coach Shayna said. “I love showing up, maximizing our time and creating an environment that is both fun and challenging. I see kids as intelligent, capable and full of possibility. My goal is to draw that potential out of them and empower them.”

For anyone on the fence about getting involved with First Tee, her advice is direct: Don’t wait.

It’s rewarding to impact not only children, but the broader community, she said. Almost every class, an older club member stops her or another First Tee coach to thank them for introducing the next generation to the sport they love.

“And that is what First Tee is really about — building the future of the game and the character of the kids who will carry it forward,” she said.

First Tee coaches shape character, build confidence and create supportive environments where every participant feels inspired to grow.

In collaboration with The Harris Poll, our research shows parents believe trained coaches are better equipped to teach new skills, demonstrate a dedication to safety and adapt to the needs of individual children.

Morgan Stanley donates $5,000 for each Eagle recorded at THE PLAYERS Championship to support First Tee’s coach training efforts. Over the last five years, First Tee has been able to send hundreds of coaches to valuable, in-person trainings, where they learn to teach golf and serve as crucial mentors for the next generation.

From the golf course to the spotlight: First Tee participant Cienna Collado brings her passion to TGL

First Tee – Florida Gold Coast participant Cienna Collado aspires to a career in entertainment, and she’s found a unique way to boost her resume that incorporates her love of golf.

Through her First Tee chapter, Cienna earned the opportunity to serve as a ball runner for TGL, professional golf’s newest innovation. Her responsibilities include handing players their golf balls, announcing club selections and retrieving balls after they’re hit. But it’s the unexpected moments that make the experience truly special.

“My most memorable moment was when I was working one of the L.A. matches and Shonda Rhimes was sitting behind me the whole time,” Cienna said. “I was absolutely freaking out because I love her show ‘Scandal.’ After the match I actually got to meet her and she was the sweetest person. It will definitely be a memory I remember for a long time.”

A First Tee journey rooted in values

Cienna’s path to TGL began with her family’s decision to join First Tee. When her private golf instructor joined the organization, her family was drawn to First Tee’s values and mission. “It has come to be one of the best decisions we have ever made,” she said.

Through the program, Cienna has learned lessons that extend far beyond the golf course. “First Tee has taught me the importance of integrity,” she explains. “Especially on the golf course, no one is there to hold you accountable except for yourself. Through golf I’ve learned how much the game is a reflection of life. No one is standing by me all the time to hold me accountable, I have to do that myself.”

Breaking barriers in entertainment

While golf plays a significant role in Cienna’s life, her true passion lies in TV and film production. She’s heavily involved in her school’s production academy, competing at district, state and national levels. In her own time, she creates vlogs, produces and directs content, acts, anchors, reports and even hosts a podcast.

Looking ahead, Cienna has a clear vision for her future: pursuing a career in the entertainment industry while using her platform to inspire the next generation of female golfers.

“There is a severe shortage of female golf representation for young girls to look up to,” she said. “Even if I don’t play on the LPGA Tour, golf is a part of me and my story. I plan to be in a position where I would get to share that story and make an impact on the younger generation of female golfers.”

From the SoFi Center to the golf course and behind the lens, Cienna is well on her way to creating the representation she wishes to see in the world.

Actor, avid golfer Michael Peña joins First Tee as Brand Ambassador

Peña will support First Tee’s efforts to bring its game-changing golf and life skills curriculum to young people from all backgrounds

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 20, 2026) – Youth development organization First Tee is proud to announce that actor Michael Peña has joined the organization as a Brand Ambassador. As a longtime golfer, Peña is enthusiastic about bringing the sport and its inherent values to families across the globe. 

Known for roles in films and television series including “Ant-Man,” “A Million Miles Away” and the recent hit series, “All Her Fault,” Peña has been a dedicated supporter of First Tee since 2023, when he first attended the organization’s annual Leadership Summit as a guest speaker. The Summit brings together teen participants from First Tee chapters across the country for leadership development, networking and golf. 

As a Brand Ambassador, Peña will support First Tee’s efforts to reach kids from all communities with programming that uses golf as a vehicle to help young people build inner strength, self-confidence and resilience. Through First Tee’s network of 150 chapters, the organization serves young people ages 5-18 with programs that extend beyond the golf course and into participants’ homes, schools and communities. First Tee also offers robust scholarship and alumni programs. 

An accomplished golfer himself, Peña regularly competes in pro-am events and has witnessed firsthand how the game can positively impact its players. 

“Golf has been an important part of my life, teaching me patience, discipline and how to handle both success and failure,” Peña said. “I’m honored to become a Brand Ambassador and help First Tee reach even more young people with programs that will help them succeed on the golf course and beyond.” 

“Michael’s genuine passion for golf and his commitment to empowering young people make him an ideal Brand Ambassador as we work to reach more kids with our life-changing programs,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “Michael has inspired teens at our Leadership Summit with his authenticity and his message about the power of perseverance. We are grateful he is taking his valuable time and energy to support First Tee.”  

First Tee reaches more than 3 million young people annually through programming at chapters, schools and community centers. Peña joins three existing First Tee Brand Ambassadors: Actress and First Tee alumna Kathryn Newton and PGA TOUR players Alex Smalley and Austin Smotherman, who is also a First Tee alumnus. 

First Tee’s 2026 national events connect teens with mentors, experiences that shape their futures

Signature programs bring young people face-to-face with business leaders, professional athletes and life-changing opportunities

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 26, 2026) – First Tee is pleased to announce its 2026 lineup of national participant events, offering teens powerful opportunities to grow as leaders, athletes and changemakers. Through partnerships with leading companies, organizations and generous individuals, First Tee provides experiences that challenge young people to step outside their comfort zones and discover their potential in supportive environments.

These national events are part of First Tee’s broader commitment to keeping teens actively engaged during the critical adolescent years, a need underscored by research from First Tee and The Harris Poll showing that nearly 90% of parents believe character development deserves greater emphasis in today’s society. Through First Tee’s Ace capstone program, junior coach opportunities and immersive national events, First Tee builds essential life skills and creates lasting mentor connections that help teens navigate this pivotal stage of development.

2026 Participant Events include:

Leadership Series (March 2026): In partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore, this five-week program guides participants through discovering their unique leadership values and strengths. It is held at PGA TOUR Superstore locations across the country.

National Championship (June 21-25, 2026): The University of North Carolina’s Finley Golf Club will host First Tee’s top high school golfers as they demonstrate their character and competitive skills developed through the program.

Game Changers Academy (July 18-22, 2026): Now in its 26th year, this signature event returns to Minneapolis, challenging teens to celebrate their unique perspectives and create positive change in their communities.

Leadership Summit (Aug. 3-7 and 10-14, 2026): Leadership Series graduates can apply for this adventure-based learning experience at West Creek Ranch in Montana, where PGA TOUR Superstore executives mentor participants through activities like horseback riding and whitewater rafting, designed to strengthen their leadership capabilities.

PURE Insurance Championship (September 15-20, 2026): At the iconic Pebble Beach Golf Links, teens compete alongside PGA TOUR Champions players and connect with business leaders in an event broadcast on Golf Channel, blending elite golf with career mentorship.

Drive Your Future Academy (Oct. 8-12, 2026): In partnership with John Deere, this event brings young women to Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, to connect with accomplished female mentors from John Deere and other leading organizations and explore pathways for continued involvement in golf and leadership beyond high school.

Innovators Forum (Nov. 15-19, 2026): Participants collaborate with seasoned business and nonprofit leaders in Amelia Island, Florida, to design and launch community service initiatives that make a difference in their hometowns.

First Tee participant events provide opportunities for teens to pursue their interests, expand their horizons and grow as people. For some, these events represent their first time on an airplane, visiting a college campus or traveling on their own. This freedom gives teens the opportunity to use good judgment, grow through challenge and build positive self-identity.

“These events represent some of the most meaningful moments in our participants’ First Tee journey,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “We consistently hear from teens, parents and coaches that these experiences help crystallize what is possible for their futures. We are deeply grateful to AWS, John Deere, PGA TOUR Superstore, PURE Insurance, Topgolf and countless individual supporters who invest in these life-changing opportunities.”

First Tee’s national participant events serve more than 300 teens annually. Interested teens and parents should reach out to their local First Tee chapter for application information. The First Tee National Championship, Game Changers Academy and PURE Insurance Championship are currently accepting applications through March 18. High school seniors can also apply for the First Tee College Scholarship Program.

First Tee is a nonprofit youth development organization that empowers young people through the game of golf, helping them develop inner strength, confidence and life skills they’ll use on and off the course.

Building bridges: How First Tee chapters create lasting impact through community partnerships

When First Tee chapters set out to serve young people, they don’t do it alone. The 2025 Barbara A. Douglas and Dr. William J. Powell Community Award winners demonstrate how strategic community partnerships can transform lives and strengthen entire communities. 

These three chapters share the common understanding that meaningful impact requires more than programming. It requires building authentic relationships with schools, community organizations and local institutions that share First Tee’s commitment to youth development. 

Meeting youth where they are 

First Tee – Greater Richmond has mastered the art of bringing golf and life skills directly into students’ daily lives. Through their partnership with Henrico County Public Schools, the chapter hosts over 25 Title I field trips each school year. But they’ve taken accessibility even further with Anna Julia Cooper School, a charter school in Richmond’s East End. What started as a pilot program in 2023 now allows middle school students to select golf as an elective and travel to First Tee’s facilities for immersive curriculum delivery. 

The results speak volumes: In 2024, First Tee – Greater Richmond reached more than 70,000 kids and teens, with female participation growing to 42% and over 60% of participants representing ethnically diverse backgrounds. 

Leading with representation 

First Tee – Birmingham understands that inclusion starts with who’s leading the program. The chapter has intentionally built a leadership structure that reflects the communities it serves, with a diverse board and coaching staff, partnering with HBCUs like Miles College to build this pipeline. It outpaces the First Tee network average, with more than 40% of participants coming from underserved communities, as defined by the Distressed Communities Index. 

Through community partnerships with Birmingham City Schools, i3 Academy and the Birmingham Housing Authority, the chapter brings programming directly to students who need it most. Full program scholarships for families who qualify for free and reduced lunch ensure that financial barriers never prevent participation. 

Scaling through strategic collaboration 

Under the leadership of executive director Henry Pointer, the first African American PGA Professional from Louisiana, First Tee – East Baton Rouge Parish has increased participation by over 110% in just three years. 

“Most of our community programs are located in underrepresented areas of the city,” Pointer said. “The fact that I grew up in a community such as that gave me the opportunity to play a part in impacting kids in those areas is a huge benefit to me.” 

Its partnership with Baton Rouge Recreation and Parks provides access to five public golf courses, office space and paid staff at no cost to First Tee. But BREC benefits too: First Tee provides valuable data that helps it gain and maintain accreditations. 

The chapter’s comprehensive partnership portfolio includes the 100 Black Men, Empower 225, four YMCA locations, the Louisiana National Guard summer youth camp and the Baton Rouge Youth Coalition. 

The power of sustainable partnerships 

What sets these chapters apart isn’t just the number of partnerships they’ve formed but the intentionality behind them. They seek organizations with similar missions, build relationships that benefit all parties and commit to ongoing engagement. 

Community partnerships don’t just expand reach but deepen impact, one young person at a time. The Barbara A. Douglas and Dr. William J. Powell Community Award is presented in partnership with Golf Digest, which will make donations to support the efforts of all three winning chapters. 

Alex Nguyen’s First Tee journey goes well beyond graduation

For First Tee – Sandhills alumnus Alex Nguyen, the path from learning life skills on the golf course to exploring career opportunities in cloud computing might seem unexpected, but it’s a testament to how First Tee’s foundation prepares young people for success.

Alex’s professional journey has taken him from serving as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army to pursuing an MBA, interning at Amazon and now navigating an exciting transition into the tech industry.

Through the First Tee Alumni Network, he recently attended AWS re:Invent, the world’s largest cloud computing conference, an experience that proved invaluable as he works toward his goal of becoming a program manager who bridges the gap between innovation and the operational frameworks needed to bring them to life.

Expanding what’s possible

Attending re:Invent, an opportunity made possible by First Tee Trustee AWS, helped Alex expand his horizons. “My time at re:Invent allowed me to explore roles and functions I previously knew little about or thought might be unobtainable,” he said.

Learning directly from AWS employees about their journeys in tech helped Alex refine his approach to his own career transition, particularly valuable as he pivots from military service to the private sector. Currently studying for his MBA at Duke University, Alex gained practical insights into how to communicate his value to potential employers, he said.

When asked to describe re:Invent in three words, Alex chose “insightful, exciting, immersive,” a fitting summary for a conference that brings together tens of thousands of technology professionals, innovators and industry leaders. But among the packed schedule of sessions and exhibits, some of Alex’s most memorable moments happened in familiar territory: on the golf course.

“Golf provides the perfect medium for having meaningful conversations and to dive deep into the experiences of AWS partners and fellow First Tee alumni,” Alex said. The golf outing and networking reception at TPC Las Vegas gave him the chance to connect with professionals in an environment where the life skills he learned at First Tee – like communication, confidence and building relationships – came into play.

“Connecting with First Tee alumni who are at various stages in their career and education was a blast,” he said, highlighting the lasting community that First Tee creates.

Enduring values and connections

Alex said First Tee lessons like integrity, perseverance, respect and judgment all carried into his military service and continue to guide him today. Now he’s following his dreams using strategies he learned at First Tee. “Whether it was planning for grad school or preparing for a career transition into tech, I use the framework taught to me by my First Tee coaches and mentors to break down a vision into sets of actionable goals,” he said.

For Alex, staying engaged with First Tee as an alumnus was a natural choice. “First Tee was a constant for me growing up,” he said. But beyond nostalgia, he’s found that the alumni community continues to offer real value, including connections to other young professionals who share similar values. Alex’s experience at re:Invent is just one example of how First Tee’s alumni program creates opportunities that extend far beyond the golf course.

How the stages of youth development inform golf instruction at First Tee 

You can play for a lifetime and never master golf. It’s what keeps many players coming back to the game: the search for the perfect drive, pitch, chip or putt.  

While golfers of all age will attest that there’s always room for improvement, young players can benefit from starting small and learning the sport in ways that are appropriate for their age and stage of development, helping them build confidence and setting them up for success in the long run. 

Featuring fun games, colorful landscapes and nontraditional equipment, this might mean a First Tee class will look different from a typical golf lesson, especially for younger players. But they’re designed to teach golf fundamentals, keep kids engaged and teach valuable life lessons that can be applied off the course. 

“At First Tee, we believe that meaningful learning happens when instruction aligns with a child’s developmental stage,” said Kristin Westberg, senior director of training and evaluation. “The shift to age-based learning in our curriculum wasn’t just a structural update; it was a strategic decision rooted in research and our commitment to youth development.” 

“By meeting kids where they are cognitively, socially and emotionally, we’re not only teaching golf more effectively, but we are also helping young people build confidence, character and resilience that lasts far beyond the course,” Westberg said. 

Here’s how the stages of youth development inform our programs: 

Age 7-9 

As the parents of our youngest participants know, there may be moments in these classes where kids aren’t holding golf clubs but practicing more familiar skills that can eventually translate to the course. For example, rolling a ball can help teach kids about distance control on the green, while playing catch can help improve hand-eye coordination. 

 At this age, kids are learning how to be friends, manage emotions and follow directions. That’s why First Tee coaches aim to keep kids moving, offer positive encouragement and provide clear instructions. 

Age 10-11 

During this stage, kids are often improving their fine motor skills and learning to stay on task. It’s also when the concept of “personal best” typically starts to resonate. When working with this age group, First Tee coaches refrain from comparing participants to one another, but rather compare a participant’s past and present performances. 

Through games and activities, kids are learning more complex golf concepts, like pre- and post-shot routine and club selection, but most participants are still focused on having fun and making friends. 

Age 12-13 

Most participants in this age group have chosen golf as their sport, and they’ll typically start picking up new golf skills more quickly. Because this group is advancing rapidly, parents may see skill disparities develop among players, but First Tee coaches are trained to make classes fun and engaging for all skill levels. 

While players in this age group have typically made serious strides in terms of distance response, target awareness, body balance and other golf fundamentals, they’re often facing more social challenges. This age group tends to be more conscious about what others think of them, which is why First Tee coaches are trained to encourage participation in all activities and cultivate strong and supportive relationships. 

Age 14+ 

Compared to younger players, teens are typically seeking guidance, suggestions and alternatives instead of detailed instruction, and this is reflected in First Tee’s class format. Coaches aim to create opportunities for teens to use real-life problem-solving skills, make their own decisions and support their peers. 

Many First Tee Chapters offer junior coaching opportunities for teens to work with younger players, giving them a taste of responsibility and an appreciation for volunteerism. Many chapters also offer competitive playing opportunities, junior advisory boards and other ways to keep teens engaged with the program. 

In conjunction with sponsors, First Tee headquarters offers a variety of national participant opportunities for teens, including leadership events and golf tournaments, as well as the First Tee College Scholarship Program. 

Learn more about First Tee’s Coach Philosophy.