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 4.7 million young people since its inception in 1997 and reaches youth on golf courses, in schools and on military instillations.

History

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 more than 200 chapters; The First Tee National School Program which introduces golf to elementary aged students through physical education classes; and a military affiliate program that delivers the program to youth at military installations in the United States and 20 international bases.

The First Tee Life Skills Experience

The First Tee curriculum focuses on teaching character education and it's "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.

Chapters and Locations

The First Tee has approximately 200 chapters across the U.S. and in six international locations (Vancouver, Montreal, Ireland, Manchester UK, Singapore and New Zealand).

Participant Opportunities

The First Tee has several events for participants in the program. The Life Skills and Leadership Academy and PLAYer Advanced Academy are week long programs where juniors enhance their life skills, improve their golfing ability, and build leadership qualities. The Future Leaders Forum held in Florida offers high school participants to be immersed in the business world of golf. The three-day program takes juniors behind the scenes of Disney World and a PGA Tour event. The First Tee Open at Pebble Beach is an official Champions Tour event in which 78 junior participants are paired with a Champions Tour Professional and two amateurs in a week long tournament at the world renowned Pebble Beach Golf Links (see section of The First Tee Open at Pebble Beach). These opportunities The First Tee offers allows participants to put the life skills and core values learned through the program into action.The First Tee also offers 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. Participants can also apply for the Coca-Cola America’s Future scholarship. Five semi-finalists are interviewed by Coca-Cola executives to select the scholarship recipient. A third program is the RBS Achievers of the Year. Ten participants are rewarded to help fund their education after high school. These recipients are awarded based on their amazing achievements while undergoing difficult circumstances in their lives.

First Tee Open at Pebble Beach

Created in 2004, The First Tee Open is a unique event featuring The First Tee participants and amateurs competing side-by-side with Champions Tour players at the renowned Pebble Beach Golf Links and Del Monte Golf Course. Originally held Labor Day weekend, in 2011 the tournament moved to July. The tournament is televised nationally on the Golf Channel.

Wal-mart was the title sponsor from 2004-2008. It went unsponsored in 2009, followed by Home Care & Hospice in 2010 and in 2011 Nature Valley signed on for multi-year agreement as title sponsor.

External links

• The First Tee Official Website http://www.thefirsttee.org
• The First Tee Official Facebook Page http://www.facebook.com/thefirsttee
• The First Tee Official YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/thefirsttee