We’re celebrating coaches and their impact on our participants and their communities. The incredible coaches and the meaningful relationships they foster have always been the heartbeat of First Tee.
Our team of trusted, trained and caring coaches and staff develop meaningful relationships with participants that prepare them for what’s next – on the course, at school and in daily life. First Tee coaches and mentors set our program apart and change the landscape of their communities every day.
First Tee has 150 chapters across the globe, and they are celebrating First Tee Week with events, storytelling and programming. Find your nearest chapter to learn more about enrolling your child, volunteering as a coach and more!
Dear Coach, you taught me…
Click on the photos below and read the first-hand stories of how coaches have impacted our participants, alumni, staff and supporters.
Carson Daly 1
Dear Coach Higgens (LMU),
Thank you for reminding us that golf, like life, is about discipline, humility, and grace. Your example of faith and leadership has left a lasting impact on me. I’ll always be grateful for what you taught us on & off the course.
Always, Carson Daly Friend of First Tee
Austin Smotherman 1
Dear Coach Angie,
Thank you for the life skills and lessons in golf you’ve taught me. From a young age I knew golf would be a part of my life forever.
Thank you, Austin Smotherman PGA TOUR Professional First Tee Ambassador
Kellie Wells_Brinkley_2400x1600
Dennis!
Thank you for scooping me up off the track when I fell and turning me into a fierce competitor and a serious professional. You told me you would make me the best in the world, and you held up your end of the bargain. Thank you for changing my life!
Kellie Wells Brinkley Friend of First Tee
Scott Langley
Dear Coach Helen Kurtin and Brian Fogt,
I just wanted to thank you for all the years of teaching me the fundamentals and teaching me to have a love for the game. You taught me golf, a lot about life along the way, and really helped foster in me a love for the game that I’ll always have. There’s no way that I would have ever become the player that I am without you, and so I wanted to take this moment just to say thank you for everything
Scott Langley Friend of First Tee
Grace Richards 1
Dear Coach Matt,
You taught me what it means to be a First Tee Coach. It was a pleasure to coach alongside you at camps & Girls Golf classes. The space you foster at class is magical, as you give participants the room to be themselves. It is obvious that you are a figure other coaches gravitate towards & look to as someone for advice as you are always there to offer a helping hand or step up to the challenge. Thank you for being the best coaching partner, for creating new engaging games and for always bringing your awesome laugh & big smile to class. First Tee – North Florida would not be the same without you.
Sincerely, Grace Richards First Tee – North Florida alumna
Chase Skrubis 1
Dear Coach Vic,
Thank you for so impactfully changing my life. You are so important to me and my family, and made me the human being I am today. Everyone deserves a mentor and friend like you!
Chase Skrubis First Tee – Connecticut alumnus
Addison Ferreras 1
Dear Coach Kyle,
You taught me to take care of myself in every aspect of my life. On the course, I’ve learned so much from you — course management, swing tips, and emotional management. But more importantly, I’ve learned from you to give myself grace. I don’t always have to be perfect, and you helped me realize that. I am so grateful to call you my coach.
Thank you, Addison Ferreras First Tee – Greater New Orleans participant
Jake Ruppert 1
Dear Coach Rocco,
You taught me how to handle adversity on and off the golf course and made me the person I am. Thank you for helping me with life skills, my game and etiquette needed to be respected in the game of golf. Your commitment to me and everybody in our chapter has improved my game and others in a very impactful way!
Jake Ruppert First Tee – Greater Philadelphia participant
DJ Johnson 1
Dear Coach Henry,
You taught me to relentlessly pursue my wildest dreams, aspirations, and goals. Throughout my 16 years in First Tee you have always inspired me to always remain positive, to utilize a plan, and to always lean on my team. Thank you for being such an integral part of my team and personal development. I am eternally grateful for the positive impact that you have had on my life and I hope to leave a similar mark on my community in the future.
DJ Johnson First Tee – East Baton Rouge Parish alumnus
Justin Hsieh 1
Dear Coach Brendan,
You taught me the values of First Tee, and what it means to be a volunteer coach and a mentor for others. I learned a lot from coaching aside you and being in your class. Thank you for teaching me all the life skills, values and all the golf techniques to make me a better golfer. You gave me and my brother helpful advice and guide us through challenges.
Justin Hsieh First Tee – Raritan Valley participant
Kaitlyn Hayes 1
Dear Coach Brandon,
You taught me that golf is so much more than the game — it’s about how we show up in life, how we honor those who have helped us grow, and how we pass on what we’ve learned to others.
Your belief in me and your willingness to challenge me — even when I didn’t agree — have helped shape who I am today. You made me see that what we practice on the course applies to every part of life. For that and everything else, I will always be grateful.
Kaitlyn Hayes First Tee – Lake County alumna
Lucas Le 1
Dear Coach Sterling,
You taught me how golf is a waiting game. It requires patience and practice. I know my current skills aren’t where I want them, but with time and dedication I know I’ll grow as a player. It’s taught me even the smallest changes, like in my grip, can make a huge difference. It’s also taught me to think for others. On the green, course, and real-life, I’ve grown as a person with all my core golf memories tied to you. Thank you coach.
Sincerely, Lucas Le First Tee – Greater Richmond participant
Parents believe coaches are essential to youth development
A finding with The Harris Poll shows parents turn to coaches to help build their kids’ character, self-confidence, determination and leadership.
Ninety-one percent of parents agree that sports coaching should inspire their child to excel both on and off the field.
