First Tee is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the stated goal of improving children's life and social skills through golf lessons. The organization claims to teach more than 3.6 million youth annually through programs delivered at chapter program locations, in schools and at youth centers across the country and international locations.

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan serves as chairman of the board of governors, which is composed of business leaders. Former President George W. Bush[1] serves as the honorary chair; he succeeded his father, former President George H. W. Bush, who served from 1997 to 2010.

History

First Tee was founded in 1997. Started by PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem, the organization began as a partnership among the PGA Tour, PGA of America, LPGA, USGA and the Masters Tournament Foundation. Initially, First Tee was affiliated with the World Golf Foundation.

In 2019, First Tee made the transition to a new nonprofit entity, PGA Tour First Tee Foundation.

Demographics

The participants of First Tee are children aged 5–18, with participants progressing through the program over time. According to the organization's website, over 400 PGA and LPGA teaching professionals and 15,000 volunteers help the participants through First Tee.. Although the individual cost of participation is unclear, First Tee has stated that chapters may offer full scholarships or reduced fee programming for those with financial need.

Participation

First Tee has featured in The PURE Insurance Championship, which is a PGA Tour Champions event that is played annually in September at the Pebble Beach Golf Links and Poppy Hills Golf Club.

In addition, First Tee launched a college scholarship program in 2020 where scholars were advertised to receive professional development workshops and assistance with internships and full-time employment placement post-graduation.

First Tee School Program

Since 2004, First Tee claims to have trained educators at more than 10,000 elementary schools to teach their curriculum in physical education courses.

First Tee Community Program

The First Tee Community Program partners with youth centers such as the YMCA, as well as the Boys and Girls Club, to teach children how to play golf.

References

  1. ↑ "President George W. Bush: The First Tee's Honorary Chair Talks to Golf Channel". First Tee. 2013-10-28. Retrieved 2020-11-10.
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