Category: Programs

First Tee highlights the benefits of PE and playing sports

When life gets busy with school or as it gets cold outside, it can be harder to find time for fitness and extracurriculars. However, a report from First Tee and The Harris Poll found that 95% of parents say their child’s activities are effective for creating opportunities to learn life skills and build character. First Tee believes in developing experiences 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.  

First Tee is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for all participants through year-round programming at 150 chapters, 11,000 schools and 1,400 community centers nationwide. 

Here are a few benefits of PE programs and playing sports:

1. Improved physical fitness and health

First Tee is an activity-based program and during a class you might see students doing a wide range of activities, like playing tic-tac-toe putting or competing in a relay race. In addition to teaching golf and life skills, the First Tee curriculum is also designed to enhance players’ overall fitness. Each class begins with a set of warmups that improve motor skills through strength, flexibility and mobility, agility and coordination, balance and object control. As participants get older they will continue to improve their physical fitness through golf related activities, such as walking nine or 18 holes.   


2. Strengthened interpersonal skills and peer relationships

Physical education and sports can help build a young person’s confidence and social interactions. A report from First Tee and The Harris poll found that among parents whose child plays sports, 92% said their child’s activities had a positive impact on their social health. The First Tee curriculum incorporates life skills into golf programming including the concept A-L-R, which stands for Ask – Listen – Respond, to teach youth about the importance of a greeting and basic communication. Students build an appreciation for the positive personal and social values associated with the game throughout lessons that build off of each other. 

3. Improve student performance on and off the course 

First Tee values the personal development of the participant. As participants learn more about who they are and what they are capable of, they are encouraged to begin to look towards the future and plan their own paths. First Tee lessons like FAIL, or First Attempt In Learning, help participants to identify their path to success. When youth are taught to embrace failure as a good and crucial step on the path to learning, they can choose to fail forward and recognize the learning opportunity that exists and the power they have to turn any individual failure around, both on the course and in the classroom.  

Are you an advocate for the health of your children and your community? Learn more about bringing First Tee to your child’s elementary school. 

About the First Tee National School Program

Currently introduced to more than 11,000 elementary schools, the First Tee National School Program creates an environment where young people are introduced to the lifelong sport while learning the basic golf motor skills and the inherent values of the game.

The Power of Connection: Building the Coach-Participant Relationship

By Kristin Westberg, Senior Director of Curriculum and Education

“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” ― Theodore Roosevelt

At First Tee, coaching involves far more than just teaching golf skills and life skills in a class; it’s about cultivating relationships that foster growth, build confidence and demonstrate resilience. But how can coaches create a foundation of trust that cultivates legitimate relationships with participants? Empowering Youth, one of the First Tee Coach Building Blocks, focuses on this aspect of development and is one key to building relationships that create impact.

Trust is the foundation

Eighty-three percent of parents wish their child had more access to trustworthy coaches. Trust forms the bedrock of any enduring coach-athlete relationship. It’s the glue that holds everything together, facilitates effective communication, skill development and overall progress. All First Tee coaches are background checked and formally trained to connect with participants, whether they’re passionate golfers or just trying something new.  They prioritize building trust early on to establish a strong foundation that can lead to a lasting connection.

Positive role modeling

Ninety-two percent of parents say they hope their child has a coach who they would consider a role model. First Tee coaches serve as mentors and role models for participants. They lead by example and demonstrate the values they expect from participants. Kids are far more likely to do what you do, rather than what you say, and coaches recognize this as an opportunity to positively model both golf skills and life skills that can be applied on and off the course. Coaches are committed to Building Game Changers, work hard to embody the Key Commitments, set a positive example of pursuing goals, grow through challenge, collaborate with others, build positive self-identity and use good judgment. These behaviors help to build trust and foster connections with participants of all ages.

Continuous improvement

Fifty-three percent of parents say having a trustworthy sports coach or mentor would increase their likelihood to commit long-term to the activity. First Tee coaches understand that building meaningful connections with participants is an ongoing process, and the First Tee curriculum exists to support them through that. First Tee offers a variety of eLearning courses and supplemental resources, as well as HQ led trainings to deepen their knowledge and develop new skills, such as understanding the stages of youth development or tips and tricks for tackling skill disparities. These practices  improve the learning environment in a class and create opportunities to develop relationships and strengthen connections with participants.

Ninety percent of parents believe that coaches are the unsung heroes of youth development. A coach’s influence extends beyond the course and long after the round ends. Genuine connection matters when building the coach-participant relationship and even more when building game changers. At First Tee, we recognize that when participants know you care, they’ll care what you know and that’s when true learning and growth happens.

The statistics used throughout this story are from a new study between First Tee and Harris Poll. Visit the Character Gap research to learn more.

Q&A with a Coach

Sterling Simmons III is a First Tee alumnus and the player development instructor at First Tee – Greater Richmond. In that role, Sterling leads First Tee – Greater Richmond’s Player Development Academy, First Tee matches and oversees the organizations PGA Jr. League teams.   

How did you get involved with First Tee?

My father took me to the First Tee Greater Richmond driving range when I was younger, and I met my first golf coach Craig Wood. I’ve stayed involved ever since.

Why do you continue to coach?

I enjoy being able to be a part of the development process for our participants, both on and off the golf course.

What have you learned from coaching at First Tee?

First Tee has taught me that each participant is unique in their own way and as a coach, you have to be able to adapt how you teach to match the participant.

What do you think new First Tee students should know?

The course of life and the golf course are very similar. You will be presented with obstacles and challenges along the way, but the ability to navigate and overcome adversity will help you in the future on both of these “courses.”

What do you think new/inquiring coaches should know?

You don’t have to be a great golfer to make an impact on a participant’s life.

How to prepare for your family’s first First Tee class 

For kids and adults alike, trying new things is a great way to build self-confidence. But it can also be intimidating. While First Tee chapters aim to create welcoming environments, knowing more about what to expect may help your family feel more comfortable before its first class. 

“First Tee welcomes all ages and skill level of golfers to classes,” said Lexie Milford, senior director of programs technology at First Tee. “Families should feel comfortable arriving to any First Tee location knowing their participant will be met by trained and caring adult coaches that are ready to lead them through a variety of fun activities.” 

In addition to learning golf, First Tee’s curriculum is built around teaching kids to: 

  • Pursue goals. 
  • Grow through challenges. 
  • Collaborate with others. 
  • Build a positive self-identity. 
  • Use good judgment. 

First Tee coaches aim to create fun and colorful, hands-on experiences for kids, Milford said. Here is what parents and kids should know. 

First Tee emphasizes safety and inclusivity 

As a youth development organization, First Tee believes experiences are our greatest teacher and that they should be both fun and meaningful, where kids feel excited to grow, safe to fail and better equipped for whatever comes their way. 

Just like trying a new sport can be scary for kids, deciding to entrust your child to a coach or organization can also be a significant decision for parents. As part of First Tee’s commitment to safety, all employees, coaches and volunteers must complete a background check before working with kids. Plus, all employees, coaches, volunteers and board members are required to complete the U.S. Center for SafeSport training program. 

Additionally, while golf can have a reputation as an expensive and exclusive sport, First Tee aims to make it accessible to all families. Contact your local chapter if your child is interested in golf, but finances are a concern. First Tee also provides equipment and requires no special uniforms or shoes. For their first class, your child should wear something comfortable that makes them feel confident and allows them to move.  

Talking to your child about trying new things 

First Tee chapters cater to all kids, whether they are serious golfers, beginners and just play for fun. Even though you’ll find participants of all varying levels at First Tee, many kids are nervous during their first class. But it might be helpful to remind them that every golfer was a beginner once. 

Listening to their concerns and celebrating small successes can go a long way. “In my house, we love a good challenge and make a big deal for my kids when they make it through a new activity or experience, regardless of the outcome,” Milford said. 

With a curriculum that integrates life skills and character education, First Tee is about more than golf – which isn’t an easy sport, even for great players. Helping your child set small goals throughout their golf journey can be a good strategy to help them build confidence and teach them to enjoy a lifelong sport. 

Find a Program Location Near You

A Game for All

First Tee Chapters provide inclusive golf and character building programs for all kids and teens 

By Megan Hart, First Tee HQ 

About a quarter of Americans have a disability, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but as many organizations have redoubled their focus on diversity, equity and inclusion in recent years, this group can often go overlooked in discussions on the topic. 

For 25 years, First Tee has shown up every day, determined to ensure that every kid and teen feel welcome and included. First Tee – Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky is just one example of our Chapters who promote inclusive programs.  

The Chapter partners with organizations like Els for Autism, Special Olympics of Hamilton County and SCRATCHgolf to serve players of all abilities and skill levels, proving golf is for everyone. 

Thanks in part to the United States Golf Association’s IDEA Grant, the chapter has been able to expand its opportunities for all kids. The IDEA Grant was created to promote inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility efforts at the local golf level. This grant program awarded $200,000 from USGA to First Tee Chapters across the country in 2021. 

“USGA’s support is a game changer for the youth in the communities that we serve,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “With these grants, our chapters are opening the door to even more youth, especially in underserved and underrepresented communities, to explore the possibilities in golf and beyond as they build their character and life lessons through the game.” 

The USGA’s efforts to make golf more inclusive go far beyond its work with First Tee. The association will host the inaugural U.S. Adaptive Open at Pinehurst this July, which will feature the globe’s top golfers with disabilities, including those with limb impairments, intellectual and neurological impairments and seated golfers. Among the field is First Tee — Tampa Bay alum Joey Hill and First Tee — Triangle alum Zachary Duncan! 

‘You just have to love the kids and find out what they need’ 

First Tee – Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky is focused on reaching children from all backgrounds and abilities, and with the help of the USGA and other organizations, they have found creative ways to become more accessible. 

The Chapter will bring back programming for kids with autism this fall after it was put on hold by the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff first trained with Els for Autism in 2018.  

Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky also partners with Special Olympics of Hamilton County to introduce participants to golf. The program attracted about 20 kids per year before the pandemic, and it’ll return this summer for a weekly series.  

Three kids have transitioned from the Chapter’s Special Olympics program to its golf course program, and Executive Director Alicia Yund recalls seeing a Special Olympics participant return for a community field day hosted by the chapter. 

“It was cool to see him thriving and see how all the other kids were in awe of him and his ability to hit the ball,” she said. “It’s great when all kids are included.” 

Wendy Mockabee manages the School Program at First Tee – Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky, which integrates First Tee’s life skills program into elementary and middle schools in the community. One of the participating schools exclusively serves special needs students, and it’s been inspiring to see how teachers have adapted First Tee programming to meet the needs of the kids. For example, teachers attached a leaf blower to a golf club so children with mobility challenges could instead push a button to move the ball. 

In addition, the chapter hosts programming for kids with life-threatening and chronic health challenges, including SCRATCHgolf. In partnership with Cincinnati Children’s Heart Institute and the Congenital Heart Alliance of Cincinnati, the chapter recently held a multiday camp for kids with heart defects, who are then provided scholarships for future programming. 

“We’ve been very focused on making sure all kids have a safe space, an environment where we’re prepared to make any modifications necessary to make them feel welcome and part of First Tee community,” Yund said. “Weaving accessibility and inclusion into programming — outside of finding more volunteers — it’s not a daunting or taxing effort. You just need to love the kids and find out what they need.” 

A number of First Tee chapters within the network offer youth development and programming for participants with disabilities. Contact your local chapter to learn more. 

Find a Chapter