Why Golf?

Experiences are our greatest teacher. First Tee believes in developing the ones that are just as fun as they are meaningful, where kids feel excited to grow, safe to fail, and better equipped for whatever comes their way next. Through our personal growth and junior golf programs, we see kids’ build self confidence, inspiring more active participation in leadership opportunities and events, community involvement, and college scholarships.

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.

Ask your chapter about applying for any of the following opportunities.

Golf & Leadership Events

First Tee Future Entrepreneurs presented by Wells Fargo | May 3-5
Wells Fargo is committed to community organizations like First Tee that help to create a brighter future for young people. In its inaugural year, the First Tee Future Entrepreneurs presented by Wells Fargo celebrates promising First Tee alumni going to attend or from Historically Black College and Universities (HBCUs) and provides them an opportunity for mentorship, networking, personal and professional development.

First Tee National Championship | July 2-6
The First Tee National Championship brings 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. The winners of each  division will be awarded with the Tattersall Cup named after First Tee Trustee, Fred Tattersall. Each winner will earn an exemption into the PGA TOUR Champions’ PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee at Pebble Beach Golf Links.

First Tee National Championship is a 54-hole stroke-play event featuring a Girls and Boys division for high school participants ages 14-18.

Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow, Jr | July 18-22
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 25-27
The purpose of the Participant Advisory Council (PAC) is to advise First Tee Headquarters’ decision-makers on matters pertinent to First Tee participants. It is critical for youth to be heard, and as such, in this space within the PAC, we will be creating opportunities for youth to express themselves, voice their ideas, and provide input for projects or programs that will impact the experience of all First Tee participants. The PAC will consist of a diverse group of 8 current First Tee participants, along with 2 alumni who will serve as advisors for the program.

The participants will represent their chapter and others at PAC meetings and give honest and professional counsel to Headquarters on various agenda topics.  Participants will communicate effectively, giving accurate information and explanation of details, and allow all members of the group to communicate ideas.

First Tee Leadership Summit in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore | Session 1 on July 31-August 4, Session 2 on August 7-11
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.

John Deere Drive Your Future Academy | June 6-10
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.

PURE Insurance Championship Impacting the First Tee | September 19-24
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.

Drive Your Future Academy presented by John Deere | October 5-9
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 9-12
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.