Why Golf?

First Tee National Championship | June 21-25
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 the University of North Carolina, Clemson University, Notre Dame and Stanford University, and is the only national event that is purely tournament golf.

Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow, Jr | July 18-22
First Tee Game Changers Academy is a transformative five-day learning and empowerment experience. Selected teens from across the U.S. will engage in meaningful discussions on self-awareness, inclusive leadership, and community building – skills they will carry with them throughout their lives. First Tee invites its partners to lead dynamic, interactive workshops, complemented by reflective activities guided by our nationally trained First Tee coaches.

PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee | September 15-20
The PURE Insurance Championship provides First Tee participants a national stage on which to showcase the skills and values they’ve learned at their chapter. Throughout the week, teens can network with peers, PGA TOUR Champions players and leaders from the business world who are competing in the amateur field, gaining exposure to the opportunities golf can provide both on and off the course. During the tournament, which is hosted at iconic Pebble Beach Golf Links, each teen is paired with a golf legend who provides mentorship as they compete for the pro-junior title. First Tee and title sponsor PURE Insurance are committed to ensuring teens from underserved communities have access to this event. Golf resume, personal growth through First Tee and socioeconomic need are all considerations in determining the field.

First Tee Drive Your Future Academy presented by John Deere | October 8-12
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.

First Tee Innovators Forum | November 15-19
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. 

First Tee College Scholarship Program

This program awards participants who excel in academics, leadership, character development, and chapter and community involvement. Thanks to our generous donors, First Tee is proud to offer up to a $20,000 scholarship, mentoring throughout the college experience, professional development workshops and assistance in securing internships and jobs through the First Tee College Scholarship Program. Applications close March 1th, 2026.