At First Tee – Chapter, we’re Building Game Changers by empowering kids and teens to be the best version of themselves.
By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with character-building, we create learning experiences that help kids uncover their inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience that they can carry to everything they do.
Our trained coaches not only provide an introduction to junior golf and an opportunity to enhance golf skills, but they also create a safe, supportive, and empowering environment to help your child prepare for life ahead, including friendships, school, college and even their careers.
Through our program, kids will learn skills that stay with them for life:
- Understanding and managing emotions
- Resolving conflicts
- Setting up step-by-step goals
- Planning for the future
- Appreciating diversity
- Golf fundamentals and advanced techniques
Advancing through the First Tee Program:
At each age group, participants engage with the 5 Key Commitments: Pursuing Goals, Growing through Challenge, Collaborating with Others, Building Positive Self-Identity, and Using Good Judgement, while focusing on mastering golf fundamentals and building upon a golf skill foundation as they advance within the program.
(Ages 5 & 6)
First Tee Program for ages 5 & 6 teaches the game of golf in a fun, safe, and empowering environment. At this age group, we are introducing and engaging participants with both golf and life skills.
Participants will get active and play golf with their peers to help them build inner strength, self-confidence, and enthusiasm for the game. Classes are designed to accommodate new and returning golfers of the same age. Participants will register and be grouped by age and will progress through the program as they “age up,” with lessons adjusted to challenge players at their skill level.
(Ages 7-9)
First Tee Program for ages 7-9 teaches the game of golf in a fun, safe, and empowering environment. At this age group, we are introducing and engaging participants with both golf and life skills.
Participants will get active and play golf with their peers to help them build inner strength, self-confidence, and enthusiasm for the game. Classes are designed to accommodate new and returning golfers of the same age. Participants will register and be grouped by age and will progress through the program as they “age up,” with lessons adjusted to challenge players at their skill level.
(Ages 10 & 11)
First Tee Program for ages 10-11 supports the exploration of both character and golf skills in active and collaborative ways.
The learning experiences in the course help to build inner strength, self-confidence, and an enthusiasm for the sport, while encouraging the development of positive Game Changing behaviors. Classes are designed to accommodate new and returning golfers of the same age. Participants will register and be grouped by age and will progress through the program as they “age up” with lessons adjusted to challenge players at their skill level.
(Ages 12 & 13)
First Tee Program for ages 12-13 focuses on the development of both golf and character skills. The lessons and activities in this program empower participants to explore both golf skills and character commitments appropriate for their stage of growth and development.
Coaches support the development of confidence in participants through additional opportunities for them to demonstrate mastery and growth in their golf skills and abilities. Classes are designed to accommodate new and returning golfers of the same age. Participants will register and be grouped by age and will progress through the program as they “age up,” with lessons adjusted to challenge players at their skill level.
(Ages 14+)
First Tee Program for ages 14+ places a greater emphasis on the personal development of participants. These lessons help participants elaborate on their understanding, applying what they have learned to new situations on and off the course to deepen their skills as they evaluate, reflect on, and provide evidence of their new understanding of life and golf skills.
As participants learn more about who they are and what they are capable of, they have the opportunity at First Tee to begin to look towards the future and plan their own paths. Classes are designed to accommodate new and returning golfers of the same age.
Research & Key Findings
Advantages to age-based programming:
- Children strongly prefer being with their own age group and to be in class with their friends.
- Kids learn more from a curriculum designed appropriately based on their cognitive development.
- Participants are more likely to stay with First Tee longer and engage in the opportunities we provide to older students (leadership opportunities, scholarships).
Age-Based Curriculum
What to Expect…
Which session should my participant sign up for?
Sign up for whichever class their age falls into at the start of the program session. Classes will be designed to accommodate both new and returning golfers of the same age.
How will current participants transition from their skill levels into the new age-based levels?
Participants will be in classes with their peers playing golf and participating in activity-based learning. The accomplishments of golfers who have achieved certification at previous levels will still be honored, and these participants can reach out for clarification on which classes to sign up for.
Are the core values still part of the curriculum?
Yes! The values will still be highlighted in lessons and their positive attributes will be referred to throughout the program. We do not plan to lose the valuable content that is applicable and supportive to positive youth development.
If there are any questions or concerns regarding the change to age-based programming, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected].