At First Tee, every session is built on structured practice and intentional lesson plans that bring our golf and life skills curriculum to life. From ages 5 to 18, participants follow the same proven format — with skills, concepts, and challenges thoughtfully adjusted to meet each age group where they are. At each age group, participants engage with the 5 Key Commitments: Pursuing Goals, Growing through Challenge, Collaborating with Others, Building Positive Self-Identity, and Using Good Judgment while focusing on mastering golf fundamentals and building upon a golf skill foundation as they advance within the program.
Curriculum
Age 7-9
- Be active and have fun with peers in a safe and encouraging manner
- Build inner strength and self-confidence
- Learn to play golf
- Focus on building relationships with other players while exploring the game of golf
Age 10-11
- Explore character concepts in active and collaborative ways that are valuable on and off the course
- Develop golf skills and enthusiasm for the game
- Support positive Game Changing behaviors in fun and meaningful ways
Age 12-13
- Explore both golf skills and characters commitments while having fun with peers
- Provide opportunities to demonstrate mastery and growth in golf skills and abilities
- Support growth and development of early adolescents
Age 14+
- Build character and support personal development
- Develop additional golf skills and abilities
- Look toward their future and plan their own paths
- Evaluate, reflect, and apply their understanding of life and golf skills to new situations on and off the course
Format
Warm Up
First 10 minutes of class to promote motor skill development. Include activities from each of the following categories:
- Strength
- Flexibility / Mobility
- Agility / Coordination
- Balance
- Object Control
Games & Activities
Bulk of class time with engaging games and activities, seamlessly integrating the following elements of the core lesson:
- Key Commitment
- Life Skill
- Golf Skill(s)
- Golf Fundamentals
- Rules and Etiquette
Wrap Up
Last 5–10 minutes of class to bridge the lessons integrated in the activities to off-course experiences.
- Ask open-ended questions to wrap up the day
Advancing through the Program
Curious how it all comes together for each age group? Read below to see how we tailor our golf and life skills curriculum from our youngest beginners to our most experienced teens.
Age 5-6
We introduce our youngest participants 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.
Age 7-9
Kids explore golf in a safe, encouraging environment where having fun and being with friends comes first. Along the way, they start building the inner strength and self-confidence that will carry them through every level of the program — and every challenge life throws their way.
Age 10-11
The early teen years are all about discovery. Participants explore who they are — as golfers and as people — while having fun with peers on the same journey. Coaches create space for real growth and mastery, supporting the personal development that makes this such a pivotal time.
Age 12-13
The early teen years are all about discovery. Participants explore who they are — as golfers and as people — while having fun with peers on the same journey. Coaches create space for real growth and mastery, supporting the personal development that makes this such a pivotal time.
Age 14+
This is where everything comes together. Participants refine their golf game, reflect on everything they’ve learned, and start charting their own path forward. The goal is a young adult who is confident, capable, and ready to change the game and change the world.
