Why Golf?

Experiences are our greatest teacher. First Tee believes in developing the ones that are just as fun as they are meaningful, where kids feel excited to grow, safe to fail, and better equipped for whatever comes their way next. Through our personal growth and junior golf programs, we see kids’ build self confidence, inspiring more active participation in leadership opportunities and events, community involvement, and college scholarships.

National Opportunities

First Tee doesn’t just get kids on the course, it offers them exciting opportunities for growth. With the help of our corporate partners, we host a series of events for our participants, allowing them to meet new people, play some golf,  and achieve greatness. Descriptions and selected individuals are listed in the dropdown boxes below.

Ask your chapter about applying for any of the following opportunities.

Golf & Leadership Events

First Tee National Championship | June 22-26
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 the only national event that is purely tournament golf. This year, 2 participants will have the opportunity to join the PGA TOUR Pathway to Progression and continue their golf journey.

Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow, Jr | July 8-12
Participants selected to attend this five-day learning and empowerment academy will participate in important conversations around issues of identity, racism, diversity, equity and inclusion. The academy builds throughout the week into a final outreach project in collaboration with DE&I leadership in the local host community.

PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee | September 16-21
This tournament is an official PGA TOUR Champions event at Pebble Beach Golf Links 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. 

First Tee Innovators Forum | October 2-5
This event 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. 

First Tee Drive Your Future Academy presented by John Deere | November 6-10
This 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.

 

Academic Recognition

First Tee College Scholarship Program

The Scholar Program is designed to provide further support, life skill development and mentorship of our alumni through their journey. Higher education continues to be a critical factor in unlocking opportunities for young people to thrive, and First Tee is committed to their success.