The First Tee

The First Tee, a youth development organization, impacts the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. Supported by golf's major organizations, including the LPGA, Masters Tournament, PGA of America, PGA TOUR and USGA, The First Tee has reached more than 9 million young people since its inception in 1997 and reaches youth on golf courses, in schools and at other youth serving locations.

The First Tee was established by the World Golf Foundation in November 1997 as a not-for-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. Founding partners include the PGA TOUR, LPGA, PGA of America, USGA and the Masters Tournament. 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.

The First Tee has three primary channels of delivering its programming: a network of approximately 180 chapters; The First Tee National School Program which introduces golf to elementary-age students through physical education classes; and an after school program delivered by trained leaders at other youth service locations like YMCA and Boys and Girls Clubs.

The First Tee curriculum focuses on teaching character education and its "Nine Core Values" (honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy, and judgment). The First Tee chapters use a teaching curriculum developed by experts in the field of positive youth development and delivered by coaches. Through this experience, participants learn to transfer the values of golf to everyday life.

The Life Skills Experience includes six levels starting with Target, the introduction level which provides a fun and safe environment that creates curiosity about the game and recommended for ages five and up, to Ace, the advanced level which focuses on personal planning for golf, career, volunteerism and education for ages 14 and up. The other levels include: PLAYer, Par, Birdie and Eagle.

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