First Tee – Greater Houston National Opportunity Selection Process
Each year, First Tee – Greater Houston is invited to nominate a limited number of participants to apply for First Tee National Opportunities—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: Candidate Identification
Participants who meet the general eligibility criteria will be considered for one of 24 interview spots. These initial selections are made by our chapter staff and coaches based on program involvement and engagement.
Step 2: Essay Submission
Potential candidates will receive a set of essay questions related to their experiences, goals, and involvement in First Tee. These responses will be scored and help determine who moves forward to the in-person interview stage. Important: If selected for an interview, participants must return their completed essay responses by the deadline provided.
Step 3: In-Person Interview
The top 24 participants will be invited to an in-person interview held at our Memorial Park location. During this interview:
- Participants will meet with a panel of three judges for a 15-minute session.
- They will be scored on appearance, communication skills, life and golf knowledge, and essay content.
- Participants are expected to dress as they would for a job interview.
Selection Guidelines
- Eligibility: Participants must be at least 14 years old by the date of the National Opportunity and have been active in our chapter for at least 2 years 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 essay scores, interview performance, and involvement in First Tee (class attendance, session history, junior mentoring, etc.).
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 Maya at [email protected].