First Tee - Tucson

The First Tee - Tucson is a youth development organization introducing the game of golf and its inherent values to young people. Through after school and in school programs, we help shape the lives of young people from all walks of life by reinforcing values like integrity, respect and perseverance through the game of golf. And it's making a difference.

We enable kids and teens to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges by seamlessly integrating the game of golf with life skills. We provide active learning experiences that develop inner strength, self-confidence and resilience that kids can carry into everything they set out to accomplish.

In 1997 The World Golf Foundation created a new organization, The First Tee. It started as a way to bring an affordable junior golf programs to communities that did not have them, especially in economically disadvantaged areas. What First Tee soon discovered was that blending the rules of the game with life and leadership skills, kids and teens didn't just learn how to putt - they were learning important values. First Tee offers more than golf lessons for kids: we offer life lessons.

With the support of the Tucson Conquistadores, the First Tee - Tucson chapter was established in 2004. It provides daytime programs at El Rio golf course to several charter schools, home schooled children as well as elementary schools in 5 school districts delivering the . In addition, The First Tee Tucson provides after-school and weekend golf and life skill programming to children ages 5 - 18 at ten (10) green grass program locations. El Rio Golf Course, Sewailo, Randolph Golf Course, Rolling Hills Golf Club, Crooked Tree Golf Club, the Country Club of Green Valley, Forty Niners Golf Club, El Conquistador Golf Club, Del Lago Golf Club and Fred Enke Golf Course. First Tee - Tucson invites children from all corners of the community, especially underserved children, to participate in the program.

Every member of the volunteer coaching staff is trained through The National First Tee Life Skills Curriculum, which emphasizes the creation of positive relationships that inspire young people to look into their future, set goals and discover their individual potential.

Our Program delivers Life Skills to children who might otherwise not be exposed or understand how to implement our 9 Core Values such as Honesty, Integrity or Responsibility. We accomplish our mission through the game of golf. However, it is imperative to realize that we are not trying to build the next Jack Nicklaus or Annika Sorenstam. We are building better people to become neighborhood, community and civic leaders.

Testimonials

"I have fun at First Tee, and I have made lots of friends. I love golf." - FF - First Tee participant

"I got as much or more as the kids as a volunteer coach." M.C. - First Tee - Tucson Volunteer Coach

"You don't need to know golf to coach a kid. The life skills curriculum and lesson plans are all there for you ." S.W. First Tee - Tucson Volunteer Coach

"My kids are safe at First Tee - Tucson." - R.M. Parent of 3 participants

" My son likes to quiz me on the nine core values." - G.L. Parent of a Participant

" If this year has taught us anything, it's that our character-building programs are needed now more than ever. We overcame incredible obstacles this year. And together, we delivered many opportunities to help our community's youth as we continue to focus on Building Game Changers." - O.L. Board Chair