Safety is our Priority
First Tee is committed to Youth Safety. As part of our commitment, all employees, coaches, volunteers and board members will complete a background check before working with our youth. In addition, all employees, coaches, volunteers and board members will be required to complete the SafeSport training program.
In addition to every coach, staff member and volunteer being background checked and formally trained, First Tee also offers additional training opportunities for coaches to reach their highest potential by creating optimal learning environments for all ages. Higher-trained coaches lead to more impact by transforming youth golf classes into positive youth development programs.
Training Progression
Through formal training (virtual and in-person) our First Tee Coaches learn techniques to connect with all the participants who attend their classes including:
Age-Appropriate Expertise
Our coaches receive specialized training for different developmental stages, starting with expertise in working with younger children (ages 7-9) and progressing to understand the unique needs of tweens (ages 10-13) and teens (ages 14+).
Integrating Life Skills
Coaches learn how to seamlessly blend golf and character development, creating engaging lesson plans that teach important life skills alongside sport fundamentals. They’re trained to help children develop not just their swing, but also qualities like integrity, respect, and perseverance.
Handling Diverse Skill Levels
Our training equips coaches with strategies to effectively work with the varying abilities you often see in youth programs, ensuring every child feels supported and challenged at their own level.
Ongoing Mentorship and Development
Experienced coaches become mentors themselves, continuously improving their skills and helping maintain consistent, high-quality instruction across all First Tee locations. This creates a culture of continuous learning and professional growth.
New research confirms after participating in First Tee’s multi-level and multi-year coach development program, coaches are transformed over time from quality coaches to community advocates.
- 90% believe they are better at coaching
- 89% believe they are better at building relationships with youth
- 86% believe they are a mentor
What This Means for Your Family
This comprehensive approach ensures that your child will learn from coaches who understand child development, can adapt their teaching style to different ages and skill levels, and are equipped to help your child grow both as a golfer and as a person.
Experience the power of our Coaches, find a First Tee location near you.
Become a Coach or Volunteer
We need enthusiastic and caring individuals to sever as positive mentors and role models to kids and teens of various backgrounds.
