“Because of First Tee, I know I can reach my dreams and goals in the future.”
– Nikki, participant
First Tee doesn’t just get kids on the course; it offers exciting opportunities for growth. With the help of First Tee national corporate partners, more advanced participants can apply to attend these golf and leadership events. These events often become life-changing experiences. Youth meet new people, play golf, achieve greatness, and show our Nine Core Values in action.
We are pleased to announce the schedule of participant opportunities conducted by the home office. As one of the leading chapters in the network, it has been a great honor of ours to have many of our participants here in Seattle selected for these opportunities. And we hope YOU are the next one to be selected!
How to Apply:
1) Review the schedule and event details below.
2) Review the application and Eligibility Criteria for each 2024 event HERE and determine if you would qualify. Might be this year or might be in the future!
3) Send an email to Evan Johnsen with your intent to apply, and if you’re eligible, you’ll be provided with the application link and access code.
4) We will select our most qualified nominees and then provide instructions to complete the application.
2024 Schedule of Events
2024 Event Details
First Tee National Championship
Purpose
First Tee National Championship brings together First Tee’s top players for an opportunity to showcase how the program has helped build the strength of character needed to play under pressure at the collegiate and/or next level. First Tee National Championship is played at acclaimed college campuses, including Clemson University, Notre Dame and Stanford University, and is the only national event that is purely tournament golf.
2024 Event Information
Date: June 23 – 27, 2024
Location: Clemson, SC
Selection Process and Application
Application Release: January 16, 2024
Application Deadline: March 20, 2024
Participant Announcement: April 30, 2024
Number of Participants Selected: Up to 48
First Tee Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow, Jr.
Purpose
First Tee Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. is a five-day learning and empowerment academy. Participants selected to attend the academy will participate in important conversations around issues of identity, racism, diversity, equity and inclusion. First Tee invites its partner, RISE, a national leader in the sports community championing social justice and working to improve race relations, to facilitate engaging and interactive workshops paired with introspective activities and reflections led by our nationally trained First Tee coaches. The experience is designed to enlighten, inspire, encourage, and position our teens to be advocates for justice and social change in their current and future communities. First Tee Game Changers Academy is the ultimate tribute to Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., a fearless champion of change.
2024 Event Information
Date: July 9 – 13, 2024
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Selection Process and Application
Participant Application Release: January 16, 2024
Participant Application Deadline: March 20, 2024
Participant Announcement: May 14, 2024
Number of Participants Selected: Up to 72
Participant Advisory Council
Purpose
First Tee’s Participant Advisory Council (PAC) advises HQ on matters pertinent to all First Tee participants. 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.
The participants represent their chapter and others at PAC meetings and give honest and professional counsel to HQ on various program and strategic agenda topics.
Roles and Responsibilities:
- Attend quarterly meetings
- Up to three 1.5 to 2-hour virtual meetings
- Attend one 3-day in-person annual meeting at First Tee headquarters
- Complete surveys on an as-needed basis
- Provide a positive attitude and a supportive presence
- Assist as needed in pilot programs for curriculum evolution
- Provide honest feedback to all agenda topics
- All duties of the position must be performed in a professional and confidential manner
2024 Event Information
Virtual Meetings: TBD
In-Person Annual Meeting: July 22 – 24, 2024 in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Selection Process and Application
Application Release: January 16, 2024
Application Deadline: March 20, 2024
Participant Announcement: May 14, 2024
Number of Participants Selected: 8
Number of Alumni Advisors: 2
PURE Insurance Championship
Purpose
PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee showcases participants across the First Tee chapter network and celebrates their dedication to the game of golf and living out their character strengths and values as they strive to make an impact in their local communities. This tournament is an official PGA TOUR Champions event at Pebble Beach Golf Links on the Monterey Peninsula that pairs one junior with a PGA TOUR Champions player and two amateurs, providing life-changing mentoring opportunities. To be selected, juniors are measured on their playing ability as well as their personal growth and life skills learned through First Tee’s programs. The tournament is televised nationally on Golf Channel.
2024 Event Information
Date: September 17 – 22, 2024
Location: Pebble Beach, CA
Selection Process and Application
Application Release: January 16, 2024
Application Deadline: March 20, 2024
Participant Announcement: June 28, 2024
Number of Participants Selected: Up to 81
First Tee Drive Your Future Academy presented by John Deere
Purpose
First Tee Drive Your Future Academy presented by John Deere is a female empowerment event recognizing young women who are motivated to influence positive impact at their chapters, schools and communities. The five-day academy experience focuses on the importance of building a strong network and how to approach mentorship opportunities, navigating post-graduation and career planning, and appreciating the value/impact of volunteerism.
2024 Event Information
Date: October 10 – 14, 2024
Location: Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Selection Process and Application
Application Release: May 14, 2024
Application Deadline: July 17, 2024
Participant Announcement: August 20, 2024
Number of Participants Selected: 24
First Tee Innovators Forum
Purpose
First Tee Innovators Forum equips and empowers First Tee teens to develop a meaningful service project in their communities focused on education, health, human rights, or environmental sustainability. Selected participants have the opportunity to learn from industry leaders through interactive workshops and small group breakout sessions. By bringing together passionate participants from across the chapter network, First Tee Innovators Forum provides a distinctive enrichment experience, engaging teens who share a similar desire for learning and generating changes in their communities.
2024 Event Information
Date: November 17 – 21, 2024
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Selection Process and Application
Application Release: May 14, 2024
Application Deadline: July 17, 2024
Participant Announcement: September 10, 2024
Number of Participants Selected: Up to 32