“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 2023 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.
2023 Schedule of Events
2023 Event Details
First Tee Future Entrepreneurs presented by Wells Fargo
Purpose
Wells Fargo is committed to community organizations like First Tee® that help to create a brighter future for young people. The First Tee Future Entrepreneurs presented by Wells Fargo celebrates promising First Tee alumni currently attending or who have graduated from an Historically Black College and University (HBCU) and provides them an opportunity for mentorship, networking, and personal and professional development.
2023 Event Information
Date: May 2-5, 2023
Location: Charlotte, NC
Host: Wells Fargo Championship
Selection Process and Application
Application Release: January 18, 2023
Application Deadline: March 8, 2023
Number of Participants Selected: 3
First Tee Leadership Academy in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore
Purpose
In partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore, First Tee Leadership Academy builds on the 5-week local Leadership Series and provides selected teens insight on how successful teams perform. The curriculum explores leadership concepts focusing on (1) building a successful team by recognizing values and identifying strengths/weaknesses, (2) leading a team by developing authentic relationships and empowering others, (3) supporting the team by developing awareness and acting with humility, and (4) assessing based on comprehending and identifying the teams need and supporting through innovation and advocacy. The academy provides an opportunity for teens to explore team dynamics that enhance their future performance as they collaborate with peers and adult mentors. Activity-based workshops are facilitated by leaders from the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United, Mercedes Benz Stadium, and Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation.
2023 Event Information
Date: June 19-24, 2023
Location: Atlanta, GA
Host: First Tee and PGA TOUR Superstore
Application Information
Applications Open: March 1, 2023
Applications Close: April 19, 2023
Number of Participants Selected: Up to 48
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.
2023 Event Information
Date: July 2 – 6, 2023
Location: Stanford, CA
Selection Process and Application
Application Release: February 1, 2023
Application Deadline: March 29, 2023
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.
2023 Event Information
Date: July 18 – 22, 2023
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Selection Process and Application
Participant Application Release: February 1, 2023
Participant Application Deadline: March 29, 2023
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 two 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
2023 Event Information
Virtual Meetings: TBD
In-Person Annual Meeting: July 25 – 27, 2023 in Jacksonville, FL
Selection Process and Application
Application Release: February 1, 2023
Application Deadline: March 29, 2023
Number of Participants Selected: 8
Number of Alumni Advisors: 2
Alumni Advisors: Information will be sent to Alumni in the August Alumni Network newsletter. If you have any alumni who would be interested in serving as an advisor, please have them sign up for the Alumni Network here to ensure they receive the information.
First Tee Leadership Summit in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore
Purpose
First Tee Leadership Summit in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore builds on the 5-week local Leadership Series and is designed for teens to explore leadership concepts including (1) building authentic relationships by developing awareness, (2) growing through challenge via positive risk taking, and (3) developing positive self-identity through dynamic outdoor and teambuilding activities. Set in the unforgettable backdrop of West Creek Ranch in Montana, each teen is challenged to build on their current strengths and values in an intimate setting which provides community building, inspiration and connection with their peers, adult mentors, and the outdoors. Activity-based workshops are facilitated by leaders from PGA TOUR Superstore headquarters, West Creek Ranch, and First Tee headquarters.
2023 Event Information
Date: Session 1 on July 31 – August 4, 2023 / Session 2 on August 7 – 11, 2023
Location: West Creek Ranch in Emigrant, Montana
Host: First Tee and PGA TOUR Superstore
Selection Process
This participant experience will be available to chapter teens in PGA TOUR Superstore markets who attend and complete the local leadership program at PGA TOUR Superstores. The First Tee Leadership Summit at West Creek Ranch will have two, week-long sessions in which 20 participants will be selected to attend each session.
Application Information
Application Release: March 1, 2023
Application Deadline: April 19, 2023
Number of Participants Selected: 20 per session (40 total)
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.
2023 Event Information
Date: September 19 – 24, 2023
Location: Pebble Beach, CA
Selection Process and Application
Application Release: February 1, 2023
Application Deadline: March 29, 2023
Number of Participants Selected: Up to 81
John Deere Drive Your Future Academy
Purpose
This all-girls event focuses on learning the value and impact of volunteerism, understanding the significance of values and skills learned through playing the game of golf, and recognizing the importance of building a strong network. The academy will take place in the city of San Francisco, where participants will be immersed in both its historic and modern culture, in addition to participating in workshops and playing golf with new mentors.
2023 Event Information
Date: October 5-9, 2023
Location: San Francisco, CA
Selection Process and Application
Application Release: May 17, 2023
Application Deadline: July 12, 2023
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.
2023 Event Information
Date: November 9 – 12, 2023
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Selection Process and Application
Application Release: May 17, 2023
Application Deadline: July 12, 2023
Number of Participants Selected: Up to 32