The work of First Tee would not be possible without our incredible partners. Their support as First Tee partners this year has made a meaningful difference in the lives of so many young people. Please enjoy this video highlighting their amazing impact all year.
Founding Trustees
Proud Media Partner
Education Patron
Proud Golf Publication Partner
Featured Partner
James Hardie has been a Trustee of First Tee since 2023. As part of their mission to Build a Better Future for All™, James Hardie is committed to strengthening the communities where they live and work, including Chicago and West Palm Beach, and extends to their support of the First Tee network through product donation opportunities for Chapters building and renovating golf and learning facilities.
This year at the James Hardie™ Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational at Broken Sound, First Tee alumni gathered for a regional meetup, connecting with peers, local leadership from First Tee – Florida Gold Coast, and headquarters staff. For the second consecutive year, alumni had the opportunity to participate in the Wednesday Pro-Am, with three alumni teeing it up alongside Pro Football Hall of Famers and PGA TOUR Champions players. The weekend culminated in an elevated experience at the 16th green skybox, where alumni took in the action as Hall of Famers and Champions Tour players competed in the tournament.
Trustees
Since our inception, Trustees have provided resources that allow First Tee to successfully advance our mission. Trustees make a significant impact on our ability to provide strategic direction to our growing network of 150 chapters, as well as curriculum enhancements, technology innovations, ongoing research, continuing adult education for coaches and chapter leaders, expanding diversity and inclusion initiatives, and college scholarships. First Tee Trustees are made up of individuals, corporations and foundations that pledge $1 million or more to our mission. Trustees can direct a portion of their gift to a local chapter(s) of their choice.
First Tee is honored to be supported by our Trustee, Accenture, in our mission to empower young people through the game of golf. Through our partnership, we can share the success stories of the program participants and acknowledge the impact First Tee alumni have on their communities.
Amazon Web Services joined First Tee as a Trustee in 2021. Their investment will further First Tee’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives, support STEM education for First Tee participants and fund the First Tee School Program in Title I schools. As part of wide-ranging support for First Tee, AWS will assist the organization in developing an online community for coaches, parents, and participants where they can access the First Tee curriculum and resources and connect with peers in the program. In addition, AWS is committed to support First Tee chapters by inviting Amazonians to volunteer with their local chapter.
CDW, a leading multi-brand provider of information technology solutions, joined First Tee as a Trustee in 2022. CDW believes that, in our connected world, every person should be able to experience the unlimited possibilities that technology unlocks. The company continues to advance digital equity through three critical areas: providing access to technology, supporting education, and building a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable workforce within the technology industry. CDW’s contributions to First Tee and First Tee chapters, including First Tee – Greater Detroit and First Tee – Greater Chicago, include delivering essential technology enhancements year-round to meet the evolving needs of coaches, kids, and families. Chief Marketing and Digital Officer, Anand Rao stated, “CDW’s support of First Tee aligns very well with the company’s aspiration to close the digital divide that persists in traditionally underserved communities. Empowering the communities where we live and work is part of who we are and reflects CDW’s long-standing commitment to making a positive impact.” Thanks to support from partners like CDW, First Tee has embarked on a multi-year re-investment to modernize and enhance the organization, including curriculum, brand and technology evolutions.
Charles Schwab has been a proud partner and supporter of First Tee since 1999.
Through the First Tee College Scholarship Program, Schwab’s commitment helps provide need and merit-based scholarships up to $5,000 to selected alumni. The program also includes professional development workshops, assistance with internship placement and adult mentors who help encourage and guide the scholars throughout their collegiate journey.
Thanks to Schwab grants, nine Texas chapters have invested in infrastructure and partnerships, mentorship and programs, allowing them to serve more young people and make a deeper impact with kids and families in their communities.
Charles Schwab support allows our Texas chapters to continue serving their communities, creating a space of belonging for every kid and teen – no matter what walk of life.
Chevron shares a deep connection to First Tee’s mission, having been a proud supporter of First Tee since 2011.
The Chevron and First Tee partnership has created a lasting and meaningful impact on the lives of millions of young people across the country.
Chevron believes that the best partnerships are built around shared values. Chevron’s foundation is built on the same core values of First Tee.
Over the past 10 years, Chevron has supported several First Tee Chapters with on-site activations and fundraising programs. At the PURE Insurance Championship benefitting First Tee, the Chevron Challenge has provided significant support to the First Tee College Scholarship Program. The impact of the program is best described by one of the Scholars: “Thank you for supporting me this past year in attaining higher education. As the first in my low-income family to attend college, I am entirely grateful.”
The Coca-Cola Company North America has been a proud partner and supporter of First Tee since 2005.
For the last several years, they have been a proud supporter of the First Tee end of year giving campaign. Through their matching gift initiative, we are able to reach new audiences and increase the awareness of the First Tee mission. Above and beyond supporting the First Tee headquarters, Coca – Cola continues to make a tremendous impact through the local First Tee of Metro Atlanta Chapter.
Gallagher joined the First Tee network as a Trustee in 2022, committed to helping the organization grow its impact and empower youth. As a global leader in insurance, risk management, and consulting services, Gallagher understands the importance of building resilience and confidence echoed within Gallagher’s own Gallagher Way, values that align with the heart of the First Tee curriculum.
Gallagher is proud to get behind First Tee’s mission to empower children and teens through golf,” said Chris Mead, Gallagher CMO. This partnership extends to local communities, with Gallagher’s team actively engaging with chapters nationwide to provide mentorship and support.
Gallagher has provided a medley of support for First Tee, including their Alumni Summit presented by Gallagher, Golf Day at Gallagher Way, and providing support for local First Tee chapters.
Mastercard, the official payment system of the PGA TOUR, has been a proud partner and supporter of First Tee since 2002. Throughout twenty-one years of consecutive giving, Mastercard has supported First Tee and First Tee chapters including First Tee – Metropolitan New York and First Tee – Connecticut in expanding programs, growing our presence in schools and developing partnerships with after-school program locations to reach young people from all backgrounds.
Morell Studios has enjoyed over 40 years of experience providing custom awards for the golf industry and corporations. They feature a variety of framing options including real wood cherry, gold or silver metallic and oak and mahogany finishes.
PGA TOUR Superstore has been a proud partner of First Tee’s mission since 2008. Their support extends to several different initiatives, including a leadership summit in Montana, the First Tee Scholarship program, teen retention initiatives and the First Tee School Program. In addition to supporting our national efforts, the PGA TOUR Superstore supports over 31 local communities in which they serve, including a PGA TOUR Superstore leadership Series.
This year, more than 1,300 First Tee teenagers will have the opportunity to participate in an annual five-week leadership development program at PGA TOUR Superstores. Additionally, 40 teens from across First Tee will be selected annually for a week-long summit at West Creek Ranch in Montana, an inspiring retreat space owned by PGA TOUR Superstore owner, Arthur M. Blank and with an intended purpose of growth, education and coming together to make a difference.
TaylorMade Golf and First Tee are celebrating 20 years of partnering in support of young people, their families and their communities. For the last two decades, TaylorMade has provided resources and access to equipment and accessories that have helped thousands of young golfers on their journey with the game.
In 2021, they will expand their support efforts to reach the children of active military personnel and veterans. This underscores TaylorMade’s commitment to our nation’s youth and the brave men and women in uniform.
“A majority of the military kids attending our program had one of their parents deployed. Coming to First Tee was highlight of their day. Many of the kids never touched a golf club before and once they came, they didn’t want to go home.” – Jill Brown, Executive Director, First Tee -Augusta
The Toro Company has been a proud supporter of First Tee since 1998, providing ongoing support of participant programming through several national and local initiatives, as well as equipment and irrigation for facility maintenance.
Over the last 23 years, Toro has supported chapter grants including, STEM Links Field trips, Live Green Environmental and Course Improvement events, and most recently COVID relief assistance. Over a five-year period, Toro co-sponsored The Future Leaders Forum, a unique educational experience that brought 250 students from across the country to Walt Disney World for a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into hosting a professional golf event and exposure to careers in golf. In addition to programmatic support, Toro graciously donates new golf course maintenance equipment annually to deserving chapters that are solely responsible for golf course operations and maintenance. This donation helps ensure that First Tee participants experience golf on a well-maintained course.
Ninety percent of our alumni consider themselves lifelong golfers and 96% of teens credit First Tee for improving their golf skills. Thanks to Toro’s 23-year partnership , we are able to continue creating experiences through the game of golf that build inner strength, self-confidence and resilience in millions of youth across the country.
First Tee alumni will have the opportunity to incorporate their learnings and leadership development into a career in the sciences. By joining together with the First Tee College Scholarship Program, TruGreen will help support selected alumni with scholarships up to $5,000 per year for four years. Scholars will receive assistance with internships and full-time employment placement post-graduation. The program also pairs First Tee scholars with dedicated adult mentors who help encourage and guide them throughout the college experience.
TruGreen associates will serve as mentors and contribute to professional development and educational sessions, helping to share industry knowledge and science-based expertise with the scholars.
“At TruGreen, we’re committed to our mission to Live Life Outside through the local expertise we offer our customers along with our contributions to local communities,” said John Cowles, President & CEO of TruGreen. “Our partnership with First Tee allows us to support deserving students across the country as they pursue their dreams of higher education while sharing our love of the outdoors with the next generation of leaders.”
Wells Fargo has been a proud supporter of First Tee since 2012 as well as the title sponsor of the Wells Fargo Championship on the PGA TOUR.
First Tee’s Future Entrepreneurs presented by Wells Fargo celebrates promising First Tee alumni currently attending or who have graduated from a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) and provides them an opportunity for mentorship, networking, and personal and professional development.
Three First Tee alumni have been selected for the 2023 First Tee Future Entrepreneurs event and as part of their experience with Wells Fargo, they will be playing in the Wells Fargo Championship Wednesday Pro-Am at Quail Hollow.
Learn more about these exceptional First Tee alumni here
Impact Partners
Impact Partners support First Tee through custom promotion and activation. They have the opportunity to direct up to half of their gift to a Chapter(s) of their choice to deepen their local or regional impact.
Inspired Partners
Inspired Partners help raise awareness and support for First Tee’s mission. They engage in partner-led efforts to amplify our message and connect with local communities.
Network Partners
Chapter Network Partners support the mission of First Tee by contributing financial support, providing in-kind donations, and offering discounted services to First Tee HQ and chapters. Our Chapter Network Partners assist with day to day operational support, enhance participant events, and provide fundraising opportunities.
