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

Thanks to corporate partners and generous donors, First Tee is able to offer a variety of educational and leadership opportunities for participants and alumni each year. These events often become life-changing experiences for our teens as they further develop an awareness of the possibilities that surround them. Descriptions are listed in the dropdown boxes below.

Ask us about applying for any of the following opportunities.

Golf & Leadership Events

First Tee National Championship | June 22-26
The First Tee National Championship will be held at Clemson University, bringing together First Tee’s elite players for an opportunity to showcase how the program has helped build the strength of character needed to play at the collegiate or next level.

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
An official PGA TOUR Champions event at Pebble Beach Golf Links, the tournament pairs top participants from First Tee with a PGA TOUR Champions player and amateurs. To be selected, juniors are measured in both golf ability and their knowledge of the First Tee life skills curriculum. The tournament is televised on Golf Channel.

First Tee Innovators Forum | October 2-5
The Innovators Forum sets to empower First Tee teens to develop a meaningful service project in their communities focusing on raising awareness on global issues focusing on education, health, and sustainability.

First Tee Drive Your Future Academy presented by John Deere | November 6-10
This all-girls event focuses on leadership development, remaining active in the game of golf, learning the value/impact of volunteerism, and recognizing the importance of teamwork.

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.