Tiny Tigers Program is an introduction level to The First Tee of Greater San Antonio. The program was developed to introduce young people (ages 5 – 6 yrs old) to golf in a safe environment that promotes curiosity about the game while integrating essential links between golf and life skills seamlessly. It utilizes modified equipment to provide young, inexperienced golfers with a safe learning environment. These early, positive experiences are designed to help young people develop an immediate interest in opportunities available at The First Tee, as well as a life-long interest in the game of golf.
What a Typical Session Looks Like
Sessions at this level run 45 minutes, once a week, and follow a consistent three-part structure so kids always know what to expect.
- Golf Fitness Warm-Up (10 minutes) Kids get moving with fun activities that build fundamental movement skills including strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and object control. It’s active, energetic, and sets the tone for the rest of class.
- Games & Activities (bulk of class) The heart of the session. Kids learn and practice golf skills through games, challenges, and team activities — not drills. Golf etiquette, rules, life skills, and character development are all woven into the fun naturally.
- Wrap-Up (last 5 minutes) Coaches bring the group together with open-ended questions that help kids connect what they learned on the course to real life at home, at school, and beyond.
Golf Skills Your Child Will Build
At this age, the focus is on exploration and fun — not perfection. Kids are introduced to four golf skills: putting, chipping, pitching, and the full swing.
Coaches focus on three core fundamentals that give every child a strong foundation to build on as they advance in the program:
- Get Ready to Swing — proper grip, stance, and aim
- Distance Response — understanding how swing size affects how far the ball travels
- Target Awareness — learning to pick a target and swing toward it
Don’t worry if your child’s swing looks a little uncoordinated at first — that’s completely normal and expected at this age. Coaches are trained to balance encouragement with simple, age-appropriate feedback so every child feels capable and excited to keep learning.
Life Skills & Character Development
Meet Chip, the beloved mascot of First Tee San Antonio’s Tiny Tigers program! Inspired by the famous tiger head cover made iconic by Tiger Woods, Chip brings the spirit of the game to life for our youngest golfers. More than just a friendly face, Chip is a teacher at heart — guiding kids through the core life skills that make a great person both on and off the course. Chip stands for Courtesy, Honesty, Integrity, and Perseverance, reminding every Tiny Tiger that how you carry yourself matters just as much as how you swing a club.
- Courtesy
- Honesty
- Integrity
- Perserverance
Safety First, Always
Every session is structured with clear safety expectations so kids can focus on having fun in a secure environment:
- Coaches use consistent signals so kids always know when to stop, look, and listen
- Designated safety zones keep kids completely separate from hitting areas at all times
- A minimum of 10–12 feet is maintained between each hitting station
- A maximum of 2–3 players per station ensures individual attention
- A clear behavior policy is in place with consistent expectations and fair consequences
- All coaches are trained in Safe Sport policies and chapter incident reporting procedures
