Dear First Tee Students,

Congratulations on being an outstanding member of First Tee – Greater Seattle! You should be very proud, as it takes a lot of time, dedication, and practice to develop the skills and maturity it takes to reach this point. You represent so much of what the program is about, including advanced golf skills, setting a positive example for others, exhibiting healthy habits, and setting goals and plans for your future.

At some point in your journey, you may have an interest in joining the Ace level, in which case we hope to provide some details here that will help in the next steps. As with all levels in the program, there is no hurry or pressure to progress from one to the next. Development is a journey, and in golf especially, where each experience can present new challenges and lessons learned, regardless of where or with whom you are playing.

Since there is just one Ace class, we will have an application process to determine our top candidates for entry in the fall session. If you are not selected, don’t worry. If your application is not accepted for this upcoming season, and you will remain eligible, be sure to set some goals and build up your resume in the meantime!

About the Ace program

The Ace level is made up of 18 members of First Tee – Greater Seattle who demonstrate outstanding leadership, respect, and stewardship for the game of golf and the community. Currently, the profile of Ace members include 18 high school golfers, all age 15-18. Experience in First Tee ranges from 3 to 10 years, with an average of about 6 years. This year, Ace members have been selected for 7 different national opportunities with First Tee, including the Life Skills & Leadership Academy and the Pure Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach.

Following the summer of their senior year in high school, approximately 6 members of the Ace program move on and officially become alumni of the First Tee. That means that 6 spots are open for new members.

The Ace program is centered around leadership, planning for the future, and success on and off the golf course. The primary four pillars include: 1) enjoy golf for life, 2) plan for life and career possibilities, 3) give back to community, and 4) explore educational opportunities (i.e., college or other). Jefferson Park GC is the default meeting location for the Ace group, but weekly classes are held at various locations throughout King County, with experiential learning as the means to developing applicable skills in the aforementioned categories. Course play is an important component of the class, and typically at several different local golf courses per season.

Ace members serve an important role in the chapter. Aside from their regular class meetings, Ace members are often invited to help with special events, volunteer, coach, speak to groups like the board of directors, and serve as an ambassador of the program. Ace members hold a position on the Junior Advisory Board, which includes the planning and execution of the seasonal equipment sales and also serving as the chapter’s student governing body. Ace members may wish to run for a JAB director position as well, of which all roles will be up for election/re-election each summer. In any capacity, and whether in a role with First Tee or otherwise, Ace members are expected to maintain a high level of integrity on and off the golf course.

Ace Application Guidelines

 Eligibility

  • Age 15+
  • Entering sophomore, junior, or senior year in high school.
  • Eagle Certified and/or minimum 2 years enrolled with regular attendance.
  • Chapter Involvement
    • Coaching & volunteering
    • Junior Advisory Board
    • Special events
    • National opportunities
  • Golf Experience
    • High school team
    • Tournaments
  • Leadership Roles
    • First Tee
    • School
    • Internships, jobs, etc.

Skills Required

  • Mastery of the Core Values
    • Respect
    • Courtesy
    • Responsibility
    • Honesty
    • Sportsmanship
    • Confidence
    • Judgment
    • Perseverance
    • Integrity
  • Golf
    • Maintain pace of 4 hours per less for 18 holes.
    • Care for the course: fix ball marks, divots, and leave facility better than you found it.
    • Keep a positive attitude and be a good golf partner, regardless of how you are playing.
    • At a minimum, meet Eagle Certification standards.
    • Active GHIN handicap and some tournament experience preferred.
  • Communication
    • Able to communicate effectively via text, email, and web-based programs.
    • Proficiency in planning and anticipating attendance.
  • Embrace the Mission
    • Golf is more than a game
    • Our goal is to develop our character through the game of golf
    • Appreciate diversity and always show respect for yourself, others, and your surroundings
    • Aim to become a “PLAYer for Life” (Play, Learn, Appreciate Your game)

We look forward to reviewing your application!

Ace Application

  • Basic Information

  • MM slash DD slash YYYY

  • Credentials

    Please keep each section brief - 100 words or less! Shorthand is ok. For instance, in the golf section you could say: "Varsity golf, Harbor High School. Qualified for WJGA districts 2018."
  • Approximate date on which you first participated with First Tee - Greater Seattle.
    MM slash DD slash YYYY
  • High school. tournaments, lessons, clinics, etc.
  • Meetings, prep days and events with the JAB.
  • Coaching, volunteering, internships, etc.
  • Jobs, internships, student body, sports teams, church, etc.
  • Anything else you would like to include?

  • About Me

  • Which core value best describes you, and why?
  • What do you most hope to gain by joining the Ace program?
  • What lesson has impacted you the most at First Tee? Consider what you have learned and how you apply it.
  • What is one area of significant adversity you have faced in your life, and how have you worked through it?
  • When you graduate and become an alumni, what indelible mark will you have left at the chapter? What will be your legacy?

  • References

    Please list one FT Coach and an Ace member who could serve as your "sponsors", and would recommend you to the Ace level.