First Tee – Phoenix & First Tee – Tucson have collaborated with State Forty Eight to create a fun merch line. There are various types of apparel and accessories to choose from including hats, tank tops, shirts, hoodies, golf towels and more! We can’t wait to see our members & supporters rep their favorite local Chapter!
PHOENIX, AZ, May 23, 2025 – First Tee — Phoenix has officially launched Inspira, a new initiative created to help more Latino youth gain access to programs that build confidence, develop leadership skills, and foster growth through the game of golf. The initiative was celebrated at a community launch event held on May 21, where local leaders, partners, and families came together to spotlight the importance of creating inclusive spaces where young people can grow and succeed.
For more than 20 years, First Tee — Phoenix has used the sport of golf as a tool to teach life skills and values like confidence, respect, and perseverance. Inspira builds on this foundation with culturally responsive outreach that removes barriers such as cost, awareness, and representation to make First Tee — Phoenix programs more accessible for Latino families.
“This initiative is about belonging,” said Erin McDonough, CEO of First Tee — Phoenix. “Latino youth deserve access to the same opportunities that help build character, leadership, and long-term success. Inspira is our commitment to making that happen.”
First Tee — Phoenix recognizes that golf has often felt out of reach for many Latino families. Cultural disconnects, financial barriers, and limited exposure have contributed to this underrepresentation.
Latino students in Arizona represented nearly 50% of the public student population throughout the 2023–2024 school year, yet they remain underrepresented in extracurricular and leadership development programs. Through Inspira, First Tee — Phoenix responds to this gap by offering:
First Tee — Phoenix currently reaches nearly 100,000 elementary and middle school students through its school-based PE program, and serves more than 2,000 youth and teens through its on-course curriculum at 16 golf facilities across Maricopa County. With Inspira, the organization is expanding these efforts to ensure more Latino families feel welcomed, supported, and connected.
Ana Lozano, a parent whose children have participated in First Tee — Phoenix programs, shared, “My kids didn’t just learn how to golf. They became more confident and respectful. Programs like this make a difference not only in their lives but in our whole family.”
First Tee — Phoenix invites community leaders, donors, and partners to support the growth of Inspira and help provide meaningful opportunities for the next generation of leaders.
First Tee — Phoenix is a youth development organization that empowers young people through the game of golf. By combining life skills and character education with accessible golf instruction, First Tee helps kids and teens gain the tools they need to thrive in school and life. Learn more at www.firstteephoenix.org or firstteephoenix.org/inspira
For English-language inquiries, please contact:
Jessica Dailleboust – [email protected]
For Spanish-language inquiries, please contact:
Lisbeth Arescurenaga – [email protected]
Betsaida Arrizon – [email protected]
Since 1999, the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation has contributed more than $25 million to First Tee, supporting youth development across the U.S. through the game of golf
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. and ATLANTA, GA. (June 20, 2025) – First Tee today announced a landmark $10 million grant from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, which reaffirms PGA TOUR Superstore’s strong commitment to the youth development organization. The gift marks a milestone in the organizations’ ongoing relationship, which began more than 25 years ago with an investment in First Tee – Metro Atlanta. With the growing popularity of youth golf – 3.7 million juniors hit the links in 2024, according to the National Golf Foundation – this grant helps ensure that youth from all backgrounds have access to the sport and its inherent values.
Arthur M. Blank, owner and chairman of the Blank Family of Businesses and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, joined First Tee as a National Trustee in 2011. Since then, support from Blank’s PGA TOUR Superstore and family foundation has helped fuel the growth of First Tee’s character-building programs across the country, which now reach more than 3 million youth annually on golf courses, schools and community centers. The new grant will help First Tee reach more youth across the U.S. and strengthen First Tee’s curriculum for teenage participants.
“Junior golf is the fastest-growing segment of the sport, and that’s no coincidence. It’s a testament to the power of First Tee, which has made the game more accessible and enjoyable for young people, helping them experience golf in new and fun ways,” said Arthur Blank, owner and chairman, Blank Family of Businesses. “The innovative and engaging experiences that First Tee provides help kids build self-confidence and inner strength, qualities that will serve them throughout their lives. We’re proud of our deep partnership with the First Tee and are committed to the purposeful impact sports can have in developing and supporting youth.”
“We are grateful to Mr. Blank and his family of businesses for their continued support of First Tee,” said Jay Monahan, PGA TOUR Commissioner and Chair of First Tee Board of Governors. “Arthur’s vision and commitment reflect a deep understanding that investing in First Tee is truly an investment in the future. Through this transformative gift, Arthur is helping open doors for young people nationwide – empowering them to grow as golfers and as people.”
The new grant extends programming established by a $9.5 million grant in 2020 and will support First Tee’s efforts to keep teens engaged with the organization, where they have access to safe spaces, educational opportunities and positive role models during a traditionally challenging time in adolescence. The grant will be deployed in several ways:
“This incredible partnership with the Blank Family of Businesses reflects our shared commitment to using golf as a vehicle for positive youth development,” said Greg McLaughlin, CEO of First Tee. “We are grateful to Arthur Blank, who has been a longtime, committed supporter of First Tee. This transformative investment will allow us to introduce more youth to golf, keep them engaged with First Tee and teach them essential life skills like leadership and teamwork.”
This week the Blank Family of Businesses welcomed 48 First Tee teens from across the country to Atlanta where they learned about what it takes to lead a successful organization. The weeklong program included visits to PGA TOUR Superstore headquarters, the Atlanta United training ground, the Atlanta Falcons practice facility and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, where the new grant will be officially celebrated this afternoon with a check presentation and remarks from the foundation’s president, Fay Twersky, and managing director, Youth Development, Daniel Shoy, Jr., PGA TOUR Superstore’s vice president, Partnerships & Community Relations Ralph Stokes and First Tee’s senior director, Philanthropy Amanda Zedrick.
First Tee’s evidence-based program combines golf instruction with a life skills curriculum, reaching youth ages 7-18 at golf courses, schools and community centers across the globe. The organization impacts more than 3 million young people annually.
The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation has contributed more than $25 million to First Tee to date. In 2022, First Tee presented Arthur Blank with its Founders Award, for his generous support of the organization.
Representing 22 unique First Tee Chapters, this year’s Scholar class includes 6 first-generation college students and 5 collegiate golfers.
Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. (June 6, 2025) – The First Tee College Scholarship Program welcomes 27 recent high school graduates. Each of these Scholars was selected from a competitive national pool of First Tee teens and completed a rigorous application and interview process. In its sixth year, the program now boasts 121 current or former members, including 21 college graduates.
The 16 young women and 11 young men in this new Scholar class demonstrate a commitment to excellence both on and off the golf course, with the class averaging nearly 10 years in First Tee and an SAT score of 1450.
“I want to congratulate these 27 remarkable First Tee participants and welcome them to the First Tee College Scholarship Program,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “We are grateful to the donors and mentors who make this life-changing program possible. Since it launched in 2020, it has been rewarding to see our Scholars further develop in their respective fields and grow as students, golfers and people.”
The First Tee College Scholarship Program takes a multifaceted approach to supporting alumni after high school graduation. In addition to providing financial support, each Scholar is paired with a trained adult mentor to help guide them through higher education and beyond. Each of the new Scholars will also attend a pre-college retreat at First Tee Headquarters in July to meet their fellow class as well as an annual professional development conference in the winter that all active First Tee Scholars attend. Each Scholar also receives assistance with summer internship and employment placement after graduation.
Participants across the First Tee Network submitted applications to be a part of the latest Scholar class. Following an online application process, finalists were selected by a committee for one-on-one interviews. In addition to academic performance, applicants were considered based on financial need, chapter involvement, community service and other criteria.
Congratulations to the 2025 First Tee Scholars:
| Name | Chapter | University |
| Micah Chiong* | Greater Chicago | Wheaton College |
| Rachel Cox# | Benton Harbor | University of Michigan |
| Peyton DeBruin* | Greater Houston | Montana State University |
| Madigan Escobar# | Coachella Valley | University of California, Santa Barbara |
| Christina Fuentes | Greater Washington DC | Princeton University |
| Salloni Gill# | Greater Baltimore | Duke University |
| Avi Gupta | Metropolitan New York | University of Pennsylvania |
| Vaugh Henagan* | Northern Michigan | Augustana College |
| Isabella Herrera# | Silicon Valley | University of Southern California |
| Langston Hughes# | Greater Washington DC | Rochester Institute of Technology – RIT |
| Rida Karim# | Greater Washington DC | University of Virginia |
| Casey Knepp | Central Coast | University of California, Los Angeles |
| Jonnika Kwon | Greater Seattle | Georgetown University |
| Vinh Lai | Cleveland | The Ohio State University |
| Elle Lewis | Greater New Orleans | Tulane University |
| Lillian McGowan* | Greater Sacramento | California State University, Northridge |
| Jonathan Moon | Howard County | Hamilton College |
| Brianna Nguyen | Greater Seattle | Chapman University |
| Li An Panfil | Silicon Valley | University of California, Los Angeles |
| Jackson Perry | Salina | University of Kansas |
| Aryana Persaud | Central Florida | University of Florida |
| Henry Powell | Greater Richmond | Virginia Tech University |
| Emma Stavely | Green Valley Ranch | University of San Diego |
| Hannah Stouder* | Greater Sacramento | University of Nevada, Reno |
| Precilla Tea | Greater Pasadena | Scripps College |
| Emily Wuggazer | Manhattan | Kansas State University |
| Jake Zulueta | Greater Charlotte | North Carolina State University |
*Denotes collegiate golfer
# Denotes First Generation Scholar
***
Natalie Cao is a collegiate golfer, First Tee Scholar and soon-to-be graduate from the University of Pennsylvania.
While she loved golf from three years old, she struggled with the independent nature of the sport until her parents enrolled her in First Tee when she was in fifth grade. Upon joining First Tee, she realized golf could be something more than just a competitive sport and was immediately drawn to the life skills curriculum. She quickly integrated herself into the community at First Tee – Greater Houston and began junior coaching while she was in middle school.
As a successful junior golfer, her eyes continued to be set on the future and finding where she could best pursue her goals as a golfer as well as her hopes of becoming a financial advisor. Soon she found the best of both worlds: the University of Pennsylvania, where she could play on the golf team as well as pursue a degree in economics.
Around this same time, Natalie applied and was accepted to the First Tee Scholarship Program. Throughout her time in the program, she was able to meet a network of hundreds of people across the country including other First Tee Scholars, First Tee leadership and her mentor, Valerie Wong Fountain.
The First Tee Scholarship Program assigns each member with a designated mentor during their freshman year to help them navigate their time in college and beyond. Natalie’s mentor, Valerie, is a Managing Director at Morgan Stanley in the Firm’s New York City office. Like Natalie, Valerie also played collegiate golf at the University of Pennsylvania, and she is involved with First Tee as a board member of First Tee – Metropolitan New York. The relationship between the two quickly flourished after they met in person for the first time to play golf while Natalie was visiting New York City over the summer after her freshman year.
Natalie and Valerie engaged on topics ranging from career advice to leadership to negotiating offers. In addition, Valerie opened doors to opportunities at Morgan Stanley and provided additional networking experiences in the asset management industry. Throughout her time at the University of Pennsylvania, Natalie flourished academically and athletically. She completed two internships with Morgan Stanley as part of the Firm’s Early Insights program and competed with the UPenn women’s golf team contending for its first Women’s Ivy Championship in more than a decade. Each time she competed in the Ivy Championships, Valerie attended to cheer her on.
As her time in college comes to a close, Natalie hasn’t stopped looking towards the future. After her graduation at the end of May, she will move down to Miami to begin a two-year rotational program in commercial mortgage-backed securities with Rialto Capital, an investment management group. Although her time as a First Tee Scholar officially ends when she graduates college, she has already been in touch with First Tee – Miami to coach and mentor the next generation of First Tee participants.
Want to learn more about the First Tee College Scholarship Program and how you can get involved? Visit here.
The renowned CBS Sports voice will help further First Tee’s mission of empowering youth through golf
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL (May 23, 2025) – First Tee, a youth development organization that enables kids to build character through the game of golf, announced that acclaimed CBS Sports broadcaster Jim Nantz will serve as its new Honorary Chair. The news comes as the youth development organization celebrates First Tee Week nationwide, a campaign to recognize coaches and their impact on participants and their communities.
Nantz, whose distinguished broadcasting career spans more than four decades, becomes the third Honorary Chair in First Tee’s history, following President George W. Bush (2011-2024) and President George H.W. Bush (1997-2010). As Honorary Chair, Nantz will help promote First Tee’s purpose and expand its reach to empower even more young people.
“Throughout my career, I have witnessed firsthand how golf builds character, resilience and integrity – the very qualities First Tee instills in young people,” said Jim Nantz. “I am honored to serve as Honorary Chair and support an organization that uses this remarkable game to help kids develop the strength of character they will carry with them throughout their lives.”
President George W. Bush expressed confidence in his successor: “For the past 13 years, it has been my privilege to support First Tee’s mission to develop young people of character. Jim Nantz brings passion, integrity and a deep love for golf to this role. His voice has narrated historic moments in the sport, and now that same voice will help inspire a new generation. My father would be proud that our friend is following in our footsteps, and I look forward to seeing First Tee’s continued impact under Jim’s leadership.”
Jay Monahan, PGA TOUR Commissioner and Chair of First Tee Board of Governors, added: “For 40 years Jim Nantz has provided the soundtrack for the game of golf, captivating fans at home as he illustrates the drama of winning on the PGA TOUR. As much as Jim’s voice is synonymous with the biggest moments in golf, his true legacy will be the countless fans he has introduced to our sport through his love for the game and respect for its values. It’s these attributes that make him the ideal Honorary Chair for First Tee.”
Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO, also welcomed Nantz to this significant role: “Jim Nantz is not only one of golf’s most recognizable voices – he is someone who truly embodies the values we teach. His passion for the game, commitment to excellence and inspiring presence make him the perfect Honorary Chair to help us continue building game changers across the country.”
As Honorary Chair, Nantz will help raise awareness of First Tee’s impact, support fundraising initiatives, and champion the organization’s mission to empower kids through a lifetime of new challenges, both on and off the course.
First Tee’s network of 150 chapters engages more than 5,000 active, trained coaches who deliver a curriculum designed with input from youth development experts using golf as the platform. First Tee serves more than 3.1 million kids annually.
Learn more about getting involved with First Tee.
Debuting during First Tee Week, the national “Dear Coach” PSA underscores the lifelong impact of youth sports coaches and calls on communities to celebrate their role in shaping the next generation.
Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. (May 21, 2025) – As part of its inaugural First Tee Week celebration, leading youth development organization First Tee has announced a powerful new public service campaign titled “Dear Coach.” The campaign honors the thousands of First Tee coaches across the country who use the game of golf to help kids and teens build character, confidence and resilience.
Airing nationwide on digital and social platforms, the PSA features heartfelt messages from kids that showcase the deep and lasting impact of coaches, who are often described by parents as the “unsung heroes” of youth development. Additionally, First Tee participants and alumni will be sharing their personal stories through social media and First Tee’s website.
“A great coach does not just teach the game of golf but also the incredible life lessons and values that are inherent to the sport, including believing in yourself, acting with integrity, building resilience and playing with sportsmanship,” said Jane Fader, senior vice president of marketing and communications at First Tee. “This PSA reflects the gratitude we hear every day from kids, parents and alumni about the coaches who helped them believe in themselves.”
Shot with real participants and coaches from First Tee – Metropolitan New York, the PSA is a centerpiece of First Tee Week, a national awareness campaign running May 19–25, designed to celebrate First Tee coaches and inspire communities to get involved in youth character development through sports.
In addition to the PSA, First Tee Week includes:
First Tee coaches undergo a robust training program grounded in positive youth development research and now serve kids at 150 chapters across the globe.
During First Tee Week, we celebrate the coaches who make First Tee a safe and special place for kids to learn golf and life skills.
As vice president of programs, Ryan Graff meets First Tee coaches from across the globe. He knows they’re the beating heart of First Tee but finds they don’t always take credit for their incredible impact.
According to research from First Tee and The Harris Poll, parents believe coaches can impact their child’s ability to work well with others (89%), respect others (89%) and show resilience in the face of challenges (88%).
Ryan shared his perspective on the power of coaches after attending a coach training in Denver:
As I travel and meet with the amazing people who volunteer and work at First Tee chapters, our conversation leads to me asking, “So what do you do at your chapter?” A common response is, “Oh I am just a coach.” While I rarely correct people on the role they serve – because what do I know? – in these cases, I have to respond with, “You are not JUST a coach … you are a COACH.”
So many thoughts fire off in my brain: Do you know the power you have in the lives of participants? Do you understand the impact of your engagement and interactions with these kids and teens? Do you realize they are watching and listening to how you carry yourself?
When observing a First Tee class, it may look like play, fun and learning a lifelong sport. But there is serious work going on underneath the game.
At best, a golfer left to their own devices has a 50/50 chance for these skills to transfer and apply to their life off the course. But with a trained coach guiding them through the process, this will increase those odds to 80% or higher. While I am not a gambling man, I like those odds.
The word “coach” is derived from an old English term for a horse-drawn carriage. Coaches took important people where they wanted to go. It’s no different today; kids and teens are important people and coaches assist them to get where they want to go in life.
I get it: As coaches, we often do not see the fruits of our labor. Sometimes, we never know the impact we had. But you are not JUST a coach; you are playing a critical role in the development of a human being – the development of their character, their moral compass, and assisting to shape their values.
Coaches are role models, and the actions they display imprint and affect how kids and teens show up in this world, carry themselves, and interact with others.
So, let’s drop the JUST. Being a coach is the highest honor and position one can have in the life of a kid or teen. Coaches leave lasting lessons and shape the character of participants lives, long into the future. If you are a coach, be proud and know you are making an impact on your participants. Future generations depend on you!
Interested in getting involved?
You don’t have to be a great golfer to become an impactful First Tee coach. We train all of our coaches to deliver our proven curriculum.
Find a chapter near you.
Maria Ramos tried her hand at several sports before fate intervened. Her grandfather was a talented golfer and caddie. Though they never met, his legacy helped shape the path she walks today. With his memory in mind, Maria’s mom encouraged her to try golf.
Watching tournaments on TV, Maria noticed there weren’t many players who looked like her. Still, the presence of trailblazing players like Lorena Ochoa and Maria Fassi helped her envision a place for herself in the sport. “One day, we went to First Tee – Greater Philadelphia, and there was this overwhelming sense of kindness and care for students,” Maria said.
She quickly discovered that First Tee offered more than golf instruction. One lesson that left a lasting impression is the importance of using good judgment, Maria said. On the course, this means evaluating your shot from every angle, making a decision and executing with confidence, Maria explained. Off the course, it’s the mindset Maria brings to solving computer algorithms — thinking critically and acting with clarity.
College, community and continued growth
Maria now studies artificial intelligence at the University of Pennsylvania. She’s a member of the First Tee College Scholarship Program, which provides financial support, professional development opportunities and mentorship to standout First Tee alumni.
The program has helped Maria sharpen her networking skills, and she’s built strong bonds with her fellow Scholars, she said. “Now, as an adult I represent the future of First Tee,” she said. “I have no doubt we will all be friends for the rest of our lives and maintain involvement.”
Maria’s commitment to making a difference was recently rewarded by First Tee Trustee, Accenture. Maria teamed up with classmates to win Accenture’s 2025 Innovation Challenge an opportunity she learned about through Accenture’s partnership with First Tee. During the competition, Maria and her teammates consulted for the Special Olympics, integrating technology and social impact.
“Partnering with the Special Olympics for this year’s Accenture Innovation Challenge was a delight,” said Christy Sovereign, senior managing director at Accenture and president and CEO of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. “Being able to witness how the next generation of leaders applied technology and teamwork to make a real difference in the lives of athletes and their communities was truly inspiring. Congrats to Maria and team for launching their Impact Passport program that empowers individuals with IDD to build social connections, track progress and engage with Special Olympics communities.”
Maria also explored her passion for making a difference through technology while studying abroad in Costa Rica. “I saw that some rural farmers had engineered amazing technologies that would likely never make it to market,” she said. “With my engineering background, eventually I hope to work in impact investing, focusing on technologies made by or for marginalized communities.”
Maria has big plans for this summer as a USGA Pathways Intern, which means she’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the 2025 U.S. Open.
The First Tee Alumni Network is your resource for job listings, networking and access to First Tee alumni meetups. Learn more.
The game of golf is more than just a sport; it’s a powerful vehicle for personal growth, leadership and community. For Meredith Speer, First Tee has been an integral part of her journey, not just to become a skilled golfer but to pursue a career in the industry. Her story highlights the transformative impact of First Tee programs, which have helped shape her path on and off the golf course.
Meredith joined First Tee – Greater El Paso at 6, and when her family later moved to Cedar Park, Texas, she became involved with First Tee – Greater Austin. Female leaders at both chapters became mentors for Meredith, who soon realized she wanted golf to be a big part of her life.
“Kristi Albers started my love for the game by taking me under her wing and giving me lessons after every Saturday class,” Meredith said. “And Jennifer MacCurrach has been a mentor in so many aspects of my life – in and outside of golf.”
Meredith is currently enrolled in the PGA Golf Management Program at Sam Houston State University, where she was recently elected president of the PGM Student Association. This summer she’ll intern at Southern Hills Country Club, which has hosted three U.S. Opens and five PGA Championships.
“At this internship, I will be working in the golf performance center learning all about giving lessons and club fittings,” she said. “Along with that, I will get more experience working outside services and inside the golf shop getting more experience with merchandising.”
The First Tee College Scholarship Program is shaping future leaders
Meredith is a member of the First Tee College Scholarship Program. As a Scholar, she receives access to professional development opportunities, a dedicated mentor and financial support.
“The First Tee Scholarship Program has supported me in so many ways academically and socially,” she explained. “It’s given me the confidence I need to pursue a career in golf, and I’ve had the opportunity to hear from women who are already in the industry. Their stories have inspired me and assured me that success is possible.”
The First Tee College Scholarship Program is supported by generous partners like Chevron, which hosted a group of First Tee alumni at The Chevron Championship in Woodlands, Texas, last week. Meredith attended the event and networked with a variety of golf industry professionals.
“The alumni meetup at The Chevron Championship was one of the most amazing experiences,” Meredith said. “Getting to meet up with my fellow First Tee friends and watch the amazing LPGA golfers only solidified my choice of working in this industry.”
The First Tee Alumni Network helps connect past participants, providing networking opportunities, social events and job listings. Join now.
Lauryn Nguyen received her first set of clubs at age 5 and her lifelong love of golf began shortly after. Her mother, a golfer herself, enrolled Lauryn in classes with First Tee – Greater Seattle while she was in kindergarten and Lauryn quickly picked up the game as well as found a golfing community.
“It was a great introduction to the sport and a great way to be surrounded by other people who were interested in golf,” Lauryn said about her early years in First Tee.
As her love for golf grew, so did her passion for giving back to her community. As Lauryn began to make the transition to playing competitive golf, she continued to stay involved with First Tee as a junior coach to share the knowledge she had learned and mentor other participants growing up through the program.
Through her time involved with First Tee, Lauryn not only learned golf, but also found a community of like-minded individuals. While junior coaching, Lauryn met and began mentoring a group of young women who shared her last name. Although the girls are not related, they share similar life experiences as first-generation Americans who found their community through the game of golf. They all became fast friends and together they founded the Nguyen Junior Am, a golf tournament that gives back to First Tee – Greater Seattle and the Washington Junior Golf Association.
“They’ve done so much for us and our upbringing. We wanted to give back to the organizations that gave so much to us,” Lauryn said.
Lauryn continues to excel both on and off the golf course. She is currently a senior at Northwestern University where she is studying marketing and communications and playing on their Division I golf team.
This year, for the second year in a row, Lauryn has been invited to compete in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, a tournament that highlights the top talents in amateur women’s golf and takes place at Augusta National Golf Club the week before the Masters Tournament.
As she continues to prepare for the week ahead, her community at home is never far from her mind. Lauryn recognizes that each time she tees it up, she’s representing everyone who has played a part in getting her there, all the way back to her first class at First Tee at age 5.
“I’m playing for myself, but I’m also playing for something so much bigger,” Nguyen reflected.
Lisa Longino has over 30 years of experience in education with a focus on health, physical education and wellness. As the physical education specialist for the East Cleveland City School District, she is responsible for designing and implementing comprehensive physical education and intramural programs for Pre-K through sixth grade students.
At the beginning of this school year, Lisa inquired with First Tee about implementing the School Program into the five Title I schools where she teaches. She was first introduced to First Tee through her interest in incorporating diverse programs into her curriculum.
“First Tee’s focus on integrating life skills into golf education is more than just an innovative approach,” said Lisa. “It’s a transformative opportunity for my students.”
Through a grant, Lisa was provided with training, golf equipment and lessons plans that integrate life skills and values with the game of golf at no cost to herself or the district. She will now be able to introduce First Tee programming to students at all five schools.
“I’m truly excited to bring this program into our schools because it goes beyond teaching a sport,” said Lisa. “By providing equipment designed specifically for youth, I can create a safe and engaging environment where students can develop fundamental skills, both in golf and in life.”
As Lisa begins to integrate First Tee programming into her classes, she will have the support of First Tee – Cleveland as well as an online community for teachers and youth leaders that deliver First Tee programming across the country. She looks forward to seeing how these activities will help students overcome barriers, develop resilience and build social and emotional strength that extends into their academic lives and beyond.
“For many of our students, this will be their first introduction to golf, and I’m confident that it will open doors to new opportunities, build confidence, and inspire a love for golf that can stay with them throughout their lives,” Lisa said.
Since 2004, First Tee has been integrating its curriculum into PE classes in schools in the United States and Canada. We’ve trained educators at nearly 12,000 schools to teach our program and in 2024, we reached more than 2.4 million kids at these schools.
The Collab Just Dropped!
The First Tee – Phoenix & First Tee – Tucson x State Forty Eight collection is live — and it’s serving up all the fun, bold energy you need to proudly represent your Chapter.
Rep your organization in limited-edition gear made to stand out and show your passion for First Tee – Phoenix.
