The Life Skills Certification Process is how participants move through the different levels of the program: PLAYer, Par, Birdie, Eagle, and Ace. If you would like to know your child's current certification level, please email Cory at [email protected].
  • Target: 5 & 6 year olds do not need to certify to move to PLAYer. They are automatically enrolled when they turn 7.
  • PLAYer (required minimum age 7) – Tee it up for the first time and learn the game of golf and The First Tee’s Code of Conduct.
  • Par (recommended minimum age 9) – Focus on interpersonal and self-management skills on and off the course.
  • Birdie (recommended minimum age 11) – Emphasis on setting goals and making them a reality.
  • Eagle (recommended minimum age 13) – Learn resilience, conflict resolution, and future planning.
  • Ace (required minimum age 14 or entering 9th grade) – Put it all together and hone in on setting goals, career education, and giving back to the community.
To move to the next level, a participant must take part in a certification process, and pass, to advance. We will offer multiple days for certifications. At these designated certification days, participants will play 9 holes, with coach supervision, and take the Golf Skills and Life Skills assessment via written and skills exam. The 3rd component to the certification process is handing in a completed Yardage book. Participants receive Yardage books at the start of camp.
Certification days will be held Tuesday, August 3 and Thursday, August 5 at Blacklick Woods. You only need to attend one certification day. Certification days will begin at 9:00am, and end at about 1:00pm (a coach may advise you on an earlier pick up time).
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Why certify?

Moving through our programs at various certification levels ensure kids are receiving the full First Tee experience, and are continuing to hone their skills and challenge themselves as they age through the program. As participants enter higher levels, such as Birdie, they become eligible for numerous national opportunities. Recently, we have had Birdie participants take part in a leadership series with PGA TOUR Superstore, the John Deere Drive Your Future Academy, First Tee Leadership Summit, First Tee National Championship, and PURE Insurance Open.
If you have any questions regarding the certification process, please email Cory Tucker at [email protected].