First Tee

First Tee is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that teaches children life skills through purposed golf lessons. By integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, First Tee attempts to build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience in participating children. First Tee reaches more than 3.6 million youth annually through programs delivered at chapter program locations, in schools and at youth centers across the country and select international locations.

PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan serves as Chairman of the Board of Governors, which is composed of business leaders who have a connection to and passion for First Tee’s mission. Former President George W. Bush[1] serves as the Honorary Chair; he succeeded his father, former President George H. W. Bush, who served from 1997-2010.

History

First Tee was founded in 1997. Led by PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem, the organization emerged as a partnership among the leading golf organizations including the PGA TOUR, PGA of America, LPGA, USGA and the Masters Tournament Foundation. Under the umbrella of the World Golf Foundation until 2019, its original mission was to make golf affordable and accessible for all children.

Within the first few years of operating, it became clear that the organization could do more than provide affordability and accessibility. Thus, the design of the values-based curriculum was born, positioning First Tee to integrate life skills and values alongside learning the game. This was a game changer – for the kids, and for First Tee.

In 2019, First Tee made the transition to a new nonprofit entity, PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation, to more closely align with the PGA TOUR and its players, tournaments, media partners and sponsors. The Founding Partners continue to support First Tee in many ways today, including financial contributions and partnerships to help expand the mission even further.

Chapters

First Tee chapters give children ages 5-18 a safe place to grow with coaches trained to help them navigate challenges during golf lessons as well as off the course. Participants progress through the program over time, deepening their understanding of life skills and golf development. The integrated approach helps them build confidence and resilience skills over time. More than 400 PGA & LPGA teaching professionals and 15,000 volunteers come together around the idea of helping kids develop character through First Tee.

Chapters offer full scholarships or reduced fee programming for those with financial need.

Participant Opportunities

With First Tee, teens have the opportunity to participate in national leadership events. From being mentored by PGA TOUR Champions players at Pebble Beach to an all-girl event sponsored by John Deere, the national participant events often become life-changing experiences for participants to expand their horizons, meet new people and learn more about themselves.

The PURE Insurance Championship Impacting the First Tee is one of the national participant events. This opportunity is for First Tee teen participants to meet, play and be mentored by PGA TOUR Champions players and amateurs from the business world. This PGA TOUR Champions event is played annually in September at the iconic Pebble Beach Golf Links and Poppy Hills Golf Club and is televised nationally on the Golf Channel.

PURE Insurance became the title sponsor of this event in 2017. Prior to that Nature Valley served as the title sponsor from 2011-2016; Home Care & Hospice in 2010, it went unsponsored in 2009; and Walmart served as the title sponsor from 2004-2008.

First Tee College Scholarship Program

First Tee launched an enhanced College Scholarship Program in 2020. This program extends First Tee's impact to alumni by providing support throughout their post-graduate career. Scholars are paired with a dedicated, trained adult mentor who help encourage and guide them throughout the college experience, including virtual and in-person meetups. The program also provides scholarships up to $5,000 per year for four years, plus professional development workshops held in-person throughout the year. In addition, scholars receive assistance with internships and full-time employment placement post-graduation. Since 2003, First Tee has provided more than $10.6 million in scholarships to help fund participants’ education.

First Tee School Program

Since 2004, First Tee has been integrating our program into PE classes in schools across the country. First Tee has trained educators at more than 10,000 elementary schools across the nation to teach First Tee curriculum, expanding its impact by integrating life skills and values with the game of golf and motor skills.

This program aligns with national physical education standards developed by the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) and is designed to allow physical educators the ability to adjust lessons to fit their specific teaching situations in terms of class size, time, and facility type.

First Tee and its chapters work with the school to identify funding opportunities, such as sponsors or donations.

First Tee Community Program

First Tee Community Program is a fun, engaging opportunity for kids to learn the game of golf and core values at their local youth center. The program partners with youth centers like the YMCA and Boys and Girls Club to bring the program to life and introduce golf using games that are flexible to the ages and abilities of the kids involved.

The Community Program gives youth development professionals and volunteer leaders the tools to get started. It adapts to any setting, class time, and class size. First Tee provides training, equipment and lesson plans. Youth leaders also have access to First Tee’s online community for additional support, resources, and connection with peers.

Safety

First Tee and its chapters are committed to having a safe and welcoming environment for everyone involved in the organization. As part of their commitment, all employees, coaches and volunteers are required to complete a background check before working with youth participants. Plus, all employees, coaches, volunteers, and board members are required to complete the SafeSport training program.

References
  1. "President George W. Bush: The First Tee's Honorary Chair Talks to Golf Channel". First Tee. 2013-10-28. Retrieved 2020-11-10.
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