National Opportunities:
First Tee doesn’t just get kids on the course, it offers them exciting opportunities for growth. With the help of our corporate partners, we host a series of events for our participants, allowing them to meet new people, play some golf, and achieve greatness. Descriptions and selected individuals are listed in the dropdown boxes below.
Golf & Leadership Events
First Tee Leadership Academy in Partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore | June 17-22
In partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore, First Tee Leadership Academy builds on the 5-week local Leadership Series and provides selected teens insight on how successful teams perform. This opportunity is only for chapter teens in PGA TOUR Superstore markets.
First Tee National Championship | June 23-27
The First Tee National Championship will be held at Clemson University, bringing together First Tee’s elite players for an opportunity to showcase how the program has helped build the strength of character needed to play at the collegiate or next level.
Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow, Jr | July 9-13
Participants selected to attend this five-day learning and empowerment academy will participate in important conversations around issues of identity, racism, diversity, equity and inclusion. The academy builds throughout the week into a final outreach project in collaboration with DE&I leadership in the local host community.
Participant Advisory Council | July 22-24
First Tee Participant Advisory Council (PAC) advises HQ on matters pertinent to all First Tee participants. It is critical for youth to be heard, and the PAC provides an important forum for youth to express themselves, voice their ideas, and provide input for projects or programs that impact the experience of all First Tee participants.
First Tee Leadership Summit in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore | August 5-9; August 12-16
The Leadership Summit is designed to strengthen the participants leadership skills through dynamic outdoor and team-building activities, preparing them to transfer those skills to other scenarios they will face in the future. The teens will also participate in collaborative workshops in which they will be influenced to challenge their conceptions of transformational leadership. This opportunity is only for chapter teens in PGA TOUR Superstore markets.
PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee | September 17-22
An official PGA TOUR Champions event at Pebble Beach Golf Links, the tournament pairs top participants from First Tee with a PGA TOUR Champions player and amateurs. To be selected, juniors are measured in both golf ability and their knowledge of the First Tee life skills curriculum. The tournament is televised on Golf Channel.
John Deere Drive Your Future Academy | October 10-14
This all-girls event focuses on leadership development, remaining active in the game of golf, learning the value/impact of volunteerism, and recognizing the importance of teamwork.
First Tee Innovators Forum | November 17-21
The Innovators Forum sets to empower First Tee teens to develop a meaningful service project in their communities focusing on raising awareness on global issues focusing on education, health, and sustainability.
Academic Recognition
First Tee College Scholarship Program
The Scholar Program is designed to provide further support, life skill development and mentorship of our alumni through their journey. Higher education continues to be a critical factor in unlocking opportunities for young people to thrive, and First Tee is committed to their success.
FTGH Selection Process:
Each year, First Tee – Greater Houston is invited to nominate a limited number of participants to apply for First Tee National Opportunities. These are once-in-a-lifetime experiences designed to support personal growth, leadership, and life skills development through golf. Our National Opportunities Selection Process typically begins in mid-January. Because each chapter is limited in the number of applicants they can submit, we have a selection process to help us identify the most eligible and prepared candidates.
Step 1: Initial Candidate Interest Video
Active ACE participants will receive an initial email by the end of September outlining the full selection process and instructions to complete Step 1.
Step 2: Selection Week Invitation
Following Step 1, FTGH staff will review all submissions and select the top candidates to move forward. These candidates will be invited to participate in the required FTGH National Opportunity Selection Week.
Step 3: FTGH National Opportunity Selection Week Overview
During National Opportunity Selection Week, candidates will participate in opportunity-specific interviews and evaluations scheduled throughout the week. Each National Opportunity follows its own format and timeline.
Selection Guidelines
- Participants must be active members of our ACE Program and be aged 14+ by the application deadline.
- Participants may only apply to a maximum of two (2) National Opportunities, even if they originally selected three (3) as their top choices.
- If a participant has previously attended a specific National Opportunity, they are not eligible to attend the same one again.
- Final candidates are selected based on a combination of their video questionnaire, interview performance, and involvement in First Tee (class attendance, session history, junior mentoring, etc.).
- FTGH selection allows a student to move forward in the nomination process. Final acceptance is determined by First Tee National, based on their own criteria.
Final Notes
We understand this may be your first time hearing about this process, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. The National Opportunities are highly competitive and valuable experiences that offer personal growth, leadership development, and the chance to represent First Tee – Greater Houston on a national stage.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Coach Nick at [email protected].