The First Tee

First Tee, a youth development organization, impacts the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. First Tee has reached more than 15 million young people since its inception in 1997 and reaches youth on golf courses, in schools and at other youth serving locations.

History

First Tee was established by the World Golf Foundation [1] in November 1997 as a non-profit organization 501(c)(3). The initial focus was on creating affordable access for those not previously exposed to the game of golf. It has since broadened its focus to that of a youth development organization that teaches life skills using golf as a platform.[2] Former President George H.W. Bush served as honorary chairman from 1997-2010 at which he moved to an emeritus role. In 2011, his son and former President George W. Bush stepped into the role and became the honorary chairman.[3]

First Tee has three primary channels of delivering its programming: a network of approximately 150 chapters delivering programs at golf program locations; First Tee National School Program which introduces golf to elementary age students through physical education classes; and First Tee DRiVE, an after school program delivered by trained leaders at other youth service locations like YMCA and Boys and Girls Clubs.

Chapters

Chapters deliver character education programs at more than 1,200 locations. Each lesson introduces kids ages 5-18, life skills that can be applied on and off the golf course, like how to manage emotions, resolve conflict, communicate, and set goals using golf as the platform.  Kids progress through the program by advancing their golf skills knowledge, and by demonstrating First Tee’s Nine Core Values and life skills. Coaches are formally trained in positive youth development. They’re experts in creating fun learning environments that empower kids to leverage what the program offers. More than 1,000 PGA & LPGA teaching professionals and 25,000 volunteers come together around the idea of helping kids develop character through First Tee.

Participant Opportunities

Teenagers who advance in First Tee chapter programs have the opportunity to participate in national leadership events. The events often become life-changing experiences for participants to expand their horizons, meet new people and learn more about themselves.

First Tee also offers college scholarships that reward their youth participants based on participation, accomplishments, academics, and leadership skills. The Scholars Program recognizes outstanding high school seniors and provides a gateway for a successful future with higher education. Since 2003, First Tee has provided more than $10.6 million in scholarships to help fund participants’ education.

PURE Insurance Championship Impacting the First Tee

The PURE Insurance Championship Impacting the First Tee is a unique event played annually in September at the iconic Pebble Beach Golf Links and Poppy Hills Golf Club. It is the only event of its kind that pairs juniors from First Tee to play alongside amateurs and legends of the game of golf. This PGA TOUR Champions event is televised nationally on the Golf Channel.

PURE Insurance became the title sponsor of this incredible 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. [4]

First Tee National School Program

Elementary students learn the basic skills of golf and core values through fun and safe activities during PE. First Tee provides age-appropriate curriculum and equipment (oversized, colorful clubs and colored tennis balls) as well as training so that teachers can confidently deliver the program during regularly-scheduled physical education class. Teachers routinely provide anecdotal feedback that the program successfully engages their students and the professional development they (teachers) receive as part of training is valuable and they use it in other lessons throughout the year. Research shows once young people have the opportunity to put hands on a club and experience golf (in any setting, including PE), their interest and desire to play increases substantially.

First Tee DRIVE Program

First Tee DRIVE is a fun, engaging opportunity for kids to learn the game of golf and Nine Core Values at their local youth center. The program is delivered to kids through partnerships with Ys, Boys & Girls Clubs, Big Brothers & Big Sisters, and as part of elementary school extended-day offerings. The program modifies sports kids may be familiar with—like baseball, football, bowling and tennis—to teach the game of golf and introduce the four basic golf shots: putt, chip, pitch and full swing, along with Nine Core Values.

References
  1. "First Tee Overview - a World Golf Foundation Initiative". Worldgolffoundation.org. Retrieved 2010-09-13.
  2. Poe, Barry (2010-06-23). "First Tee: More than just a game". Siouxcityjournal.com. Retrieved 2010-09-13.
  3. "Golf Week". Golf Week. Retrieved 2011-02-18.
  4. "First Tee Open at Pebble Beach". The First Tee. Retrieved 2011-08-09.
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