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.

A Letter From Our CEO – Carrie Kimbell

As the calendar flipped to 2025, it marks the 25th Anniversary of First Tee – Greater San Antonio’s (FTGSA) impact in the community and five years since joining the organization. It’s the perfect time to reflect on the organization’s growth and impact as well as look to the future.

In 2000, First Tee – Greater San Antonio hosted its first programming class with 25 participants. Since inception, FTGSA has served over 400,000 youth through our life skills programming, and the community and school outreach programs. Our mission is to build character, confidence, and resiliency through the inherent values of the game of golf. Our vision is to provide low or no-cost life skills programming for all young people, especially those who may not have access or the opportunity to experience this great game.

Since 2020, FTGSA’s impact in the community has grown over 28 times through our various program offerings.

  • Life skills participation has grown by 85% and program locations throughout San Antonio increased by 61%. True to our mission, life skills programming remains subsidized by 60% for all participants, ensuring that no child is turned away due to financial need, and all necessary equipment is provided.
  • Our Community Program partners with organizations like the Boys & Girls Club and school field trips, grew from just 40 students in 2020 to over 1,100 in 2024. These programs are provided at no cost to the students.
  • Our School Program, which was halted by COVID, was resurrected and now more than 21,000 students at 62 SAISD elementary and middle schools are taught First Tee Life Skills programming during their PE classes.
  • Through outreach and intentional programming, FTGSA has seen an increase in the number of girls and minority participants, which reflects a more diverse group engaging in the sport. Nearly 89% of our participants are diverse and 37% of our participants are female. According to the National Golf Foundation (2023) 25% of the junior golf population are non-Caucasian, showcasing our commitment to expanding access and inclusivity.

FTGSA success is made possible by the generous support of donors who believe in our mission. Our revenues have almost doubled in the last five years, enabling our programs to expand 28 times. Our dedicated team and nationally trained coaches, now numbering 36 (up from 14 in 2020), deliver over 120 life skills sessions annually, building character and resilience on and off the course. Volunteers, including over 80 individuals and First Tee junior coaches, are the backbone of our organization, creating a safe and fun learning environment. Guided by our board of directors’ leadership and expertise, we continue to grow and adapt. Their leadership, engagement, and passion have helped transform our organization.

There’s no better way to celebrate our 25th year anniversary than our 30-year lease extension. Planning is currently underway to create a Master Plan, including practice facility upgrades, building renovations, and enhanced program offerings. As a proud member of Brackenridge Park, these enhancements will provide an even better experience for our participants and the community.

This year, we celebrate our legacy while looking forward to an exciting future. With the continued support of our incredible team, donors, coaches, volunteers, parents, and participants, we will strengthen the character of our community through golf and make a lasting impact in the lives of youth and their families.

Cheers,

Carrie J. Kimbell

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. 

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Riley Yount Receives First Tee Career Achievement Award 2023

First Tee Career Achievement award is given to an individual who has demonstrated a significant and long-standing commitment to the First Tee Program. Recipients are recognized for their contributions and accomplishments on and off the course, awards & recognitions, as well as, their efforts to inspire and mentor young people.

Riley Yount is our 2023 Recipient. Riley has been involved with the First Tee for eleven years and is an Ace Participant. He is currently a senior at O’Connor High School with a GPA of 4.3, a member of the National Honors Society, and Spanish National Honors Society He is a four-time Varsity Letterman, captain of the golf team and been recognized as Golf All-District & Academic All District honors each of the last three years.

Giving back is a key pillar of First Tee, and Riley is proof of this. In each of the last five years, Riley has volunteered over 100 hours for First Tee Programs and events. He created a mentorship program with Youth on Course and TaylorMade Drive Club providing over 40 youth golfers multiple 9-hole on-course lessons in course management and etiquette. Riley was nominated in 2021 by KENS5 as one of 10 kids selected at “Champions for Change” for his commitment to improve diversity & representation in golf.

Riley’s impressive journey at First Tee is marked by many accomplishments and recognitions, as seen on the presentation, all culminating last year at Pebble Beach as well where he played in the Champions Tour PURE Insurance Championship Master Champion, Mike Weir.

2020, 2021, 2022 & 2023: Game Changer Shootout vs. Austin – 4 Years

2019 & 2023: First Tee National Tournament – New Orleans

2022: Awarded “Judgment” Award at Core Values Luncheon

2021: Inaugural First Tee National Participant Advisory Council

2022: Game Changers Academy honoring Joe Louis Barrow

2023: First Tee National PURE Insurance Championship – Pebble Beach Golf Links

Riley, your achievements in golf, academics, and community service speak volumes about your character and commitment. Thank you for your invaluable contributions to the First Tee, and congratulations on all your well-deserved successes. We are excited for the next chapter of your journey, confident that you will continue to make a positive impact wherever you go.

Please join me in congratulating Riley Yount, 2023 First Career Achievement Award Recipient. On behalf of the Kolitz Family Foundation, you will also be receiving a one-time scholarship in the amount of $2,500 towards your college tuition.

Jack Polansky is receiving the Game Changer of the Year Award for 2023

As a sophomore at Churchill High School and the top-ranked golfer on the team, Jack’s dedication to his sport and academics is evident. His 4.1 GPA reflects his commitment to excellence in his studies, while his position as an ACE participant in First Tee showcases his dedication to personal growth.

Jack’s leadership qualities shine through his actions. Despite managing multiple responsibilities including school, golf, and volunteering, he approaches each task with determination, passion, and purpose. In 2023, Jack volunteered over 150 hours not only in summer camps and programming sessions providing mentorship to the younger participants, but also picking range balls in the evenings at the First Tee Driving Range.  

Jack was accepted through an application process by First Tee National to attend the Game Changers Academy in Philadelphia, focused on self-awareness, inclusivity, and community building. He attended the First Tee National Championship in New Orleans in December.  He has played locally in all four Game Changer Shootouts, a Ryder Cup Style Event vs. Austin.

He was recently accepted into the PALS (Peer Assistance Leadership Program) in High school which provides guidance and mentoring for peers and younger children to help develop their self-esteem, drug-awareness and social skills.

Your impact on your peers, community, and the sport of golf is truly commendable, and we look forward to your continued success in the future. Congratulations on winning the 2023 Game Changer of the Year Award. On behalf of the Kolitz Family Foundation, you will also be receiving a one-time scholarship in the amount of $2,500 towards your college tuition.

Wes Helmer: First Tee – Greater San Antonio Ace Participant

Ace participant, Wes Helmer, was selected for three First Tee National opportunities. He speaks about his experience at the First Tee National Championship at Notre Dame and the PGA Superstore Leadership Summit in Montana.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

My name is Wes Helmer. I’m a First Tee – Greater San Antonio Ace participant that loves volunteering and working at the First Tee. I’ve been in the First Tee for a little over 8 years now. I got started with one of the summer camps when I was 9. I kept golf as a secondary sport to soccer until I was around 12 and that’s when I went to golf full time. I applied to three events (First Tee National Championship, PGA Superstore Leadership Summit, and the Pure Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach) and got accepted into all three.

What was the National Championship like?

It was golf-oriented, and I got to meet a lot of people from around the country and other First Tee chapters with the practice rounds and dinners and the actual rounds. There were around 120 applicants with 24 boys and 24 girls selected.

What did it take to get selected?

They looked at a lot of volunteering outside of golf. A lot of people who apply are good golfers but it’s about what you do off the course; Focusing on volunteer hours and what you do around your community.

What was your favorite part of the National Championship?

My favorite part was definitely the setting being Notre Dame. It was a beautiful campus, and there were a lot of historical things to see; Playing the Warren Golf Course was just a bonus.

What did you learn most from the championship?

I learned about staying in the moment because I had a 10 on the first day and a 9 on the second, so learning from my mistakes and figuring out how to regroup.

After playing in the championship, what was your key takeaway?

After the championship, I really focused on my wedges. Compared to everyone else, I needed to work on them. I also encourage anyone to apply to these national opportunities because they are special.

What was the Leadership Summit like?

The Summit is a camp where a lot of great and highly thought of mentors come together. They instill how they have gotten to where they are and use their leadership skills to instill them to the kids there. It was a lot of journaling and reflecting on the team activities that we did and how those activities and reflecting connect to the real world.

What did you expect?

I expected there were going to be a lot of fun activities, but I did not expect there to be so many team-oriented activities there were and how they would apply to my everyday life.

What was the most valuable thing you learned?

The most valuable thing I learned was through listening to Michael Vick that success comes at different times for people, and it takes hard work and dedication to get there. When you make a mistake, you find a way to improve that and not let it affect you.

Going forward what will you do differently?

I had written when we journaled that I was going to be more involved in my local chapter and try to find a way to possibly work at the PGA Superstore and give back in my free time.

What would you say to someone starting in the First Tee program?

Don’t worry about your golf game as far as results but focus on using those 9 core values in your everyday life because your golf game will eventually come together.

What is the most meaningful core value to you?

My most meaningful core value would be perseverance because I haven’t found success immediately in my life but focusing on being a good person on and off the golf course has helped develop that success even when I had failures.

What are you looking forward most to at the Pure Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach?

Once again I am looking forward to meeting more people from different chapters of the First Tee and taking in the full experience of Pebble Beach and Spyglass.

Stay tuned to hear all about Wes’ experience at the Pure Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach.

Kyle Mahan Game Changers Participant of the Year

Kyle Mahan Participant of the Year

Kyle Mahan is a 2022 graduate of Johnson High School and will attend Western New Mexico University this fall on a golf scholarship. He joined the First Tee – Greater San Antonio as a 7th grader and has gone through the program and is now currently an Ace participant. He enjoys helping as a volunteer and mentor to younger participants. Kyle is thankful for the opportunities he has received through the First Tee, which he credits for giving him guidance and support to develop and improve himself. Kyle represented First Tee – Greater San Antonio at the Pure Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach, where he played with San Antonio resident, Cameron Beckman. He also qualified for the First Tee National Championship at Clemson. Kyle was part of the First Tee Leadership Series presented by the PGA TOUR Superstore; (this program exposes First Tee participants to careers in the golf industry). As Kyle looks to the next chapter of his life, the First Tee – Greater San Antonio is proud to announce him as the 2021 Participant of the year.

Riley Yount: Game Changers Judgment Award Winner

Riley Yount

Riley has been in the First Tee program since the age of 6. Already an Ace participant at 15, Riley is another emerging leader and mentor from our program. Riley was part of the First Tee National Participant Advisory Council in 2021.

In addition to golf, Riley is 3-time Youth Bodyboard National Champion, 3-time Flowboard National Champion, a competitive chess player and aspires to be a golf course architect. Riley is one of our most reliable volunteers and we look forward to his continued dedication to our First Tee Program.

Congratulations Riley! This award was well-deserved! Keep using those Core Values on and off the course!

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. 

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Dax Spencer: Game Changers Sportsmanship Award Winner

Dax Spencer

Dax is a charming young man who loves everything First Tee. Dax has been a participant for a year now and has registered for every session since joining the program. Dax has forged relationships with some of our older participants and has already expressed attributes of the kids who have gone on to be leaders and active participants in our program. Dax shows the sportsmanship needed to have success at a higher level. Dax loves to read especially about history. He also enjoys music and Star Wars.

Congratulations Dax! We are looking forward to seeing you develop in our program!

Jack Polansky: Game Changers Responsibility Award Winner

Jack Polansky

Jack joined the First Tee – Greater San Antonio at 6 years old as a Tiny Tiger. At only 14 years old today, he is one of our youngest Eagle participants. In addition to golf, he plays basketball, runs track, and is involved in PALS at Bradley Middle School. “Jack is a responsible young man whom I can trust to lead a group of younger participants,” said coach Vinny. Jack understands the responsibility it takes to mentor younger participants, but also the maturity to participate in programs with kids much older than him.

We look forward to Jack continuing in our program for the next several years.