We live in a moment where change comes quickly, and as new opportunities come, so do new challenges. While this has been true for each generation, it reinforces the need for programs like First Tee. The sport of golf provides a perfect vehicle for young people to step into an environment that is supportive and allows them to grow and uncover their values.
There is much to celebrate from 2025, including Jim Nantz, one of golf’s most esteemed voices, becoming First Tee’s third-ever Honorary Chair.
In closing, I want to thank two longstanding supporters of First Tee who’ve made transformative gifts to First Tee, Charles Schwab and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. Simply put, First Tee’s mission would not happen without their support and the many other individuals, corporations and foundations who support First Tee’s mission each year.
Together, we’re not just building golfers; we’re developing the next generation of leaders and problem-solvers. Thank you.
Jay Monahan
Chairman, First Tee Board of Governors
Commissioner, PGA TOUR
Empowering Teens
Since 2020, we placed a special focus on teen retention, ensuring participants remain connected to our character-building curriculum during an often challenging period of adolescence. In addition to our Ace Program and
national events for teens, Chapters embrace this effort by offering:
- Social events that focus on fun and friendship – not just golf.
- Teen summits where participants dig deep to learn from interactive workshops on entrepreneurship, education and career preparation.
- Junior coaching opportunities, enabling teens to grow as leaders and give back.
First Tee Week
We launched our inaugural network-wide awareness campaign in 2025. With the theme “Dear Coach,” the weeklong event was an opportunity to highlight the incredible mentors who make First Tee’s mission possible. In addition to increased visibility provided by our corporate and media partners, it was a moment for First Tee Chapters to shine in their communities.
First Tee Chapters celebrated their coaches in fun and creative ways, including:
- First Tee – San Francisco’s “Thank You” wall.
- First Tee – Eastern Michigan went into the community, hosting a putting activation and providing drink coupons at a chain of local coffee shops.
- First Tee – Greater Richmond held a networking breakfast called “Tee Up & Connect.” The event brought together community leaders and golf enthusiasts to learn more about First Tee and how to get involved.
First Tee Week: Alumni Panel
At the PGA TOUR’s Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth featured U.S. National Development Program coach and former LPGA Tour player Tiffany Joh, former LPGA Tour player and media personality Cheyenne Woods and New Orleans Saints defensive end Cam Jordan. They discussed the impact of coaches in a conversation led by Golf Digest editor Max Adler.
College Scholarship Program
We welcomed 25 new scholars last year, bringing our total scholars to 121. In addition to providing financial assistance, Scholars are paired with a dedicated mentor, receive access to professional development opportunities and get assistance with 29 job/internship placement.
“This program is why I was able to land prestigious internships with global golf organizations around the world, and I am forever thankful for having a program like this that has allowed me to build and lay a foundation for a successful career.”
– Maleyna Gregorio
First Tee – Coachella Valley alumna
MBA student and collegiate golfer,
University of California, Riverside
Nicole Monsalve of First Tee – Miami was among the very first group to be selected as First Tee College Scholars in 2020. Now a graduate of Duke University, she works in global partnerships for the NFL.
Indiana University grad Benjamin Nganga interned at First Tee and Prudential as he pursued his business degree. The First Tee – Tennessee alumnus now works as an analyst at Baker Tilly in Chicago.
After her undergrad studies at Santa Clara University, First Tee — Central Coast alumna Claire Alford is pursuing her master’s in public health at Dartmouth’s Geisel School of Medicine with plans to attend medical school and work as a physician researcher.
Teen Opportunities
First Tee hosted seven national events in 2025 – from competitive golf tournaments to leadership programs and more.
- 312 Participants Served
- 83 Chapters Represented
- 61% Ethnically Diverse
- 55% Female
Game Changers Academy
Our longest running event celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2025.
“First Tee – San Diego was my home and safe haven as a youth and it is truly a blessing to coach and teach the same values and life skills to youth in our community. This year’s Game Changers Academy was a full-circle moment for me having attended the first one, 25 years ago. I had the privilege to serve as a coach and mentor for these outstanding participants who each demonstrated respect, confidence, kindheartedness and growth in independence away from their families and familiar faces.”
– Stephen Im
First Tee – San Diego alumnus
Supporting Competitive Golfers
While many First Tee participants see golf as a fun pastime, we’re also supporting thousands of competitive players through our programs each year.
Nearly a third of First Tee Chapters own or operate golf courses, and there are more than 600 PGA and LPGA certified coaches
in the First Tee Network.
The First Tee National Championship and the PURE Insurance Championship help keep serious golfers in the fold.
First Tee – Metropolitan New York alumna Megha Ganne won the 2025 U.S. Women’s Amateur at Bandon Dunes.
Austin Smotherman regained his PGA TOUR card. The First Tee – Greater Sacramento alumnus and First Tee Ambassador claimed two Korn Ferry Tour victories in 2025.
First Tee – Greater Seattle alumna Lauryn Nguyen won the NCAA Division I women’s golf national championship with Northwestern.
Our Alumni
In 2025, First Tee established a National Alumni Advisory Council composed of 20 accomplished alumni representing diverse career paths, from golf industry professionals to engineers, business leaders and more.
Council members will help drive alumni engagement – a key priority for First Tee as we look to assess the efficacy of our programs – and inspire current participants by showing what’s possible.
“I’m excited to continue being part of First Tee, the program where my golf journey began. I’m truly honored to be selected as co-chair of the First Tee Alumni Council and look forward to expanding our Alumni Network to foster lasting connections and meaningful opportunities.”
– Sara Diaz
First Tee – Greater San Antonio alumna
VP of Recruiting, Capstone Hospitality
Thank you!
First Tee’s Partners and Trustees provide ongoing support for our mission of empowering youth. First Tee would not be where it is today without the support of these individuals, corporations and foundations.
Founding Partners
Education Partner
Golf Publication Partner
