Supplemental Participant Opportunities

First Tee and the Underrated Tour will take part in the Indigo & Gopher Matches, Ryder Cup-style event for 12 teens, in the Fall. The experience will provide teens the opportunity to meet new people in a friendly golf event and benefit from mentoring relationships with amateur players from the business world. Students will be nominated by Coaches at their respective location to participate.

September 11-13, 2026 at Ohoopee Match Club in Cobbtown, GA

The PGA TOUR launched its Pathway to Progression player development program, a comprehensive effort to achieve greater diversity in golf through an increased focus on developing talent from diverse and historically underrepresented groups.

Four participants from the First Tee National Championship field will have the opportunity to join the PGA TOUR Pathway to Progression and continue their golf journey.

The USGA has launched the U.S. National Development Program, creating a unified pathway to nurture the potential of America’s top players, starting in competitive junior golf and progressing to the pinnacles of the sport.

The U.S. National Team provides a pathway to success in golf by delivering competitive opportunities, support, and training that develops American golf talent and reduces any financial burdens.

Throughout the year, the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) will invite local chapters to participate in the Day in a Life Program during their local junior tournaments. The program gives kids and teens an introduction to a career path in golf aside from playing the game. It showcases the business side of golf in areas like Tournament Administration, Tournament Operations and Communications, while having fun watching the next generation of juniors compete in a national tournament.

Congaree Global Golf Initiative’s investment in each participant begins with a weeklong summer camp focused on college readiness and placement, continues as a support system throughout college, and evolves to mentorship from Congaree Ambassadors to help each participant graduate and have a successful start to their early careers.

CGGI Participants receive: network of top academic advisors and athletic coaches; advising through college recruitment, application and selection process; college and golf resume building; golf and fitness instruction; college and career mentoring.

Students will be nominated by Coaches at their respective location to participate annually at no cost. The Congaree Foundation covers all expenses, including airfare, transportation, lodging, and meals during the initial camp week.