Every golf parent has watched it happen. Your child lines up a putt, swings with confidence and misses. Maybe their shoulders drop. Maybe there’s a frustrated sigh. And in that moment, you might wonder: Is this good for them?
At First Tee, we’d say yes.
Golf is one of the few sports that puts a young person face-to-face with failure on almost every hole, and that’s exactly what makes it such a powerful teacher. When kids learn to navigate a missed shot, a bad round or a score that didn’t reflect their effort, they’re building something far more important than their game. They’re building resilience.
The scorecard doesn’t lie, and golf’s honesty can be uncomfortable at first. But over time, it teaches kids to take ownership of their performance — a life skill that carries far beyond the course.
At First Tee, our coaches create a safe space where that accountability feels empowering, not defeating. Young people learn that a bad shot isn’t a reflection of who they are. It’s information. It’s an opportunity to adjust, refocus and try again.
What bouncing back looks like
Resilience isn’t about pretending failure doesn’t hurt. It’s about developing the tools to move through it. At First Tee, we view failure as a “First Attempt In Learning,” recognizing there’s always a lesson to be gleaned when things don’t go right.
In First Tee’s curriculum, participants work on skills like emotional regulation, positive self-talk and setting goals, which all come naturally on the course. When a young person learns to take a breath after a bad hole and approach the next tee box with a fresh mindset, they’re practicing exactly the kind of response that will serve them in a tough exam, a difficult friendship or a challenging moment at work someday.
That kind of reflection doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because coaches are asking the right questions, creating space for young people to process their experiences and grow from them.
“We’ve watched Blayze transition from reacting to challenges to strategically managing them,” said Landon and Holly Chapman, parents of First Tee – Indiana participant, Blayze Chapman. “By applying the STAR (Stop, Think, Anticipate, Respond) model, he’s replaced frustration with perseverance and judgment. Whether he’s navigating a double-bogey or a heavy academic week, he no longer lets a single moment define his day. He’s learned to ‘reset’ with a level of composure that most adults struggle to maintain, proving that his character is anchored in something much deeper than a scorecard.”
The role parents play in the process
Here’s something we hear from families all the time: The lessons don’t stay on the course. While First Tee programming is typically delivered in golf settings, the goal is for parents to see their children handling frustration differently at home, in school and in other activities Our aim is for participants to grow in patience and become more articulate about their feelings.
Of course, parents play a big role in that. When your child comes home after a tough round, how you respond matters. Instead of jumping to fix the problem or minimize their frustration, try asking open-ended questions: What was the hardest part today? What would you do differently next time? What’s one thing you’re proud of, even if the score wasn’t what you hoped?
These conversations reinforce what your child is learning at First Tee and help them internalize the idea that struggle is a normal, even necessary, part of growth.
“Golf has given Blayze a quiet, internal confidence rooted in responsibility and integrity,” said the Chapmans. “Through First Tee, he’s developed the social dexterity to engage with mentors and the self-assurance to lead his peers.”
To support First Tee and its efforts to teach life skills and values through golf, consider becoming a Donor Ambassador today!
By Kristin Westberg – Senior Director, Training & Evaluation, First Tee HQ
Think about how your child learned to ride a bike. Did they master it after one explanation? Of course not. They practiced over and over, fell down, tried again and eventually, it clicked.
That’s exactly how First Tee’s life skills work, too.
When your child learns about STAR (Stop, Think, Anticipate, Respond) during their first golf session, they’re just getting introduced to the concept. But they’re also focused on their grip, wondering if they’ll make the putt, and probably thinking about what’s for dinner. That first exposure is just the beginning.
The real learning happens through repetition
The magic happens when your child encounters STAR again and again in different situations. Maybe their coach references it after a bad shot: “Remember STAR? Let’s stop for a second. What happened there?” Now they’re connecting it to a real moment of frustration.
Each time First Tee coaches revisit a life skill, they’re helping your child see patterns and build a framework they can access when emotions run high. They’re showing that these aren’t just things “Coach says” but tools they can apply off the golf course.
Take the 4 Rs: Relax, Replay, Ready, Redo. The first time a coach walks your child through this after a mishit, they’re hearing four steps while feeling embarrassed. But by the fifth or tenth time, you’ll start seeing them do it on their own. They’ll take a deep breath, step back, and reset — not because someone explained it perfectly once, but because their coach consistently showed them how.
What the science says
Here’s what research tells us about how kids learn (and what you probably already know from watching your own child):
Kids need to see concepts in multiple contexts before they can transfer them. Their brains are literally building neural pathways that get stronger each time they practice. One exposure creates awareness. Multiple exposures create competence. In fact, learning research suggests people typically need about seven exposures to new information before they can truly retain and apply it, which is why consistent coaching across different situations matters so much.
Developmentally, your child isn’t the same kid they were six months ago. The 8-year-old who needed help thinking through consequences is now 9 and ready to anticipate them more independently. When coaches revisit life skills, they’re meeting your child where they are now.
You might hear your child’s coach reference the same life skill multiple times throughout the season, and that’s intentional. They’re not being redundant; they’re being effective. Here’s how First Tee coaches reinforce learning:
Naming it when they see it. When your child demonstrates grit or uses a life skill independently, coaches call it out in the moment.
Connecting across contexts. Coaches reference the same life skill in different situations – on the green, on the range, in the classroom and more.
Asking reflection questions at the end of each class. “Where else have you used STAR this week?”
Modeling it themselves. Coaches let participants see them using these skills when facing their own challenges.
Celebrating progress, not perfection. Coaches notice when your child applies a life skill even imperfectly because that’s growth.
Supporting this learning at home
The beauty of First Tee’s approach is that these skills extend far beyond the golf course. When you hear your child mention STAR, the 4 Rs, or FAIL (First Attempt In Learning), you can reinforce what they’re learning:
Ask them to explain the skill to you
Notice when they use it at home and acknowledge it
Reference it yourself during challenging moments
Be patient — just like with golf, mastery takes time
The goal isn’t to “cover” a life skill once and check the box. The goal is to help your child internalize these skills so deeply that they become automatic, building something that lasts long after their time on the golf course.
So when you hear the same concepts come up again and again throughout the season, know that it’s all part of the plan. Each conversation, each reminder, each connection is building the foundation for the game changer your child is becoming.
At First Tee, creating safe, supportive environments where young people can thrive is fundamental to everything we do. That’s why we follow the guidelines established by the U.S. Center for SafeSport, a critical framework that helps us protect the participants we serve.
The U.S. Center for SafeSport is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending all forms of abuse in sport. Its comprehensive approach includes:
Education for coaches, volunteers and administrators
Policies that define misconduct and establish reporting procedures
A centralized reporting system for investigating allegations of misconduct
The organization’s mission is straightforward: ensure that sports remain an enriching experience free from abuse and misconduct. While golf might look different from competitive team sports, the principles of SafeSport align with our mission of building character and life skills in young people.
We mandate background checks and SafeSport training for all First Tee coaches and staff because:
Protecting participants comes first. Young people deserve to learn and grow in environments where they feel safe, respected and valued. SafeSport training equips our staff and volunteers with the knowledge to create safe spaces and respond appropriately if concerns arise.
Prevention is our top priority. SafeSport’s emphasis on education helps our entire First Tee network understand what constitutes misconduct, recognize warning signs and know the proper steps for reporting concerns. This proactive approach is far more effective than reactive measures alone.
SafeSport helps us build trust with families.Through research in collaboration with The Harris Poll, we know parents show a strong preference for coaches who are trained background checked. Following SafeSport guidelines demonstrates our serious commitment to that responsibility and provides families with confidence that we’re taking every reasonable measure to keep young people safe.
We’re not just checking a box; we’re making an ongoing commitment that includes regular training and continuous improvement of our safety practices. By following SafeSport guidelines, we’re ensuring that every young person who walks into a First Tee Chapter can focus on what matters most: developing their skills and discovering their potential.
We believe early exposure to First Tee Golf & Life Skills Curriculum can not only benefit a child’s golf game, it can also better prepare our kids for life beyond the course. But you don’t have to take our word for it…
Meet Oliver
1. How old are you?
5
2. What are some of your favorite things to do outside of First Tee?
I play basketball and sing.
3. Who is your First Tee coach?
Coach Herbie
4. What is your favorite thing about your coach?
He teaches me fun golf games.
5. What do you think the word ‘respect’ means?
Respect means to treat everyone nice.
6. How can you be respectful on the golf course, at school, or at home?
I can listen to my coach, teacher, and parents and try my best.
7. What do you think the word ‘confidence’ means?
…to believe in myself.
8. How can you use confidence on the golf course, at school, or at home?
I believe I can do what my coach and teacher asks me.
9. What is your favorite part about playing golf?
Getting better and better… I can’t wait to play again!
Thank you to Oliver for sharing his On-Course experience and for being a total pro!
On-Course Golf & Life Skills classes are available in spring, summer, and fall for participants ages 5-18. Classes take place at 7 Charleston Area golf courses, and we host seasonal registration lotteries to ensure all families have an equal opportunity to participate. Please visit our Registration Lottery Page to learn more, or subscribe to our monthly newsletter for lottery alerts.
There are more than 150 First Tee chapters worldwide catering to children and teens, ages 7-18. At First Tee – Greater Charleston, we are incredibly proud and positively delighted to be working with children as young as 5. The ability to customize programming to better serve our community is one of the many benefits we enjoy as an independently operated 501(c)3. Thank you to all of our incredible local donors who make that possible!
We believe that early exposure to First Tee Golf & Life Skills Curriculum can not only benefit a child’s golf game, it can also better prepare our youngest participants for life beyond the course. But you don’t have to take our word for it…
Meet Stella
1. How old are you?
5
2. What are some of your favorite things to do outside of First Tee?
I enjoy catching lizards and frogs outside, dancing, and going camping and to the beach!
3. Who is your First Tee coach?
My coach was Coach Herbie!
4. What is your favorite thing about Coach Herbie?
He lets us pick from a treasure box after class and he would sit with us before each class [to go over the Core Value word of the day and what we would be doing].
5. What do you think the word respect means?
Respect means respect the golf course and other people.
6. How can you be respectful on the golf course?
By being quiet while the other people are golfing and make sure when the grass comes off that you put the grass back in the hole and you step on it to replace it back.
7. How can you be respectful at school or at home?
Make sure you use manners.
8. What is your favorite part about playing golf?
I like being with my friends.
9. Is there anything else you would like to share with us about your First Tee class?
Coach Herbie teaches us… he was kind and patient.
Thank you to Stella for sharing her experience and for being such a star student!
On-Course Golf & Life Skills classes are available in spring, summer, and fall for participants ages 5-18. Classes take place at 7 Charleston Area golf courses, and we host 5-6 year-old programs at two of those courses, Dunes West Golf & River Club and The Club at Pine Forest. Please subscribe to our monthly newsletter for registration alerts or contact our Program Director, Meghan Taylor, to learn more.
Alice (center) poses with Wando Lady Warrior Golf Team after winning the 2023 Region VI AAAAA Championship.
October 24, 2023 | Participant Spotlight
Earlier this month, Coach Todd Murphy played a round of golf with two program participants at Berkeley Country Club as part of his continuing education (Level 2 Coach Certification). One of those program participants was Alice, a senior at Wando High School who was preparing for the 2023 Region VI AAAAA Championship to be held at Berkeley on October 10th.
This low-pressure playdate provided Alice with keen perspective…
“The main reason I couldn’t break 80 was because I was getting in my head too much about my score… Playing a practice round with Coach Todd helped me relax and focus on each shot individually.”
– Alice Li, First Tee – Greater Charleston Program Participant
When Alice returned to Berkeley with the Wando Lady Warrior Golf Team, she broke 80 for the first time ever, shooting 77, and her team captured the title, setting a new Wando record of 310.
Coach Todd and Alice share Alice’s new personal best (77).
There’s a fine line between pursuing perfection and pursuing one’s personal best. Alice understands the difference, and lucky for us, she’s decided to share her constructive perspective with others as an Assistant Coach this season. (Thank you, Alice! We’re so proud of you!!)
Want to learn more about unique play/volunteer opportunities for a young person in your life? Email Meghan Taylor to learn more.
Three First Tee teens ace holes 5, 7 and 17 at the iconic course
PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. (Sept. 25, 2022) – Seventy-eight First Tee teens from across the country had the opportunity to learn from the game’s legends and explore possibilities in golf and beyond during the PURE Insurance Championship impacting First Tee, an official PGA TOUR Champions event, which concluded today at Pebble Beach.
Bryson Hughes representing First Tee – North Florida and paired with Alex Cejka, and Megan Meng representing First Tee – Greater Trenton and paired with Charlie Wi, claimed the male and female Pro-Junior titles today, respectively. Hughes and Cejka finished 18-under and won in a scorecard playoff, while Meng and Wi capped off the event 22-under.
The PURE Insurance Championship, in its 19th year, brings 78 teens from First Tee chapters nationwide to Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course. Throughout the week the teens apply character strengths to play at an elite level at an iconic golf course where they are paired with and mentored by a PGA TOUR Champions player and amateurs from the business world. The annual event, hosted by the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, was televised internationally on Golf Channel.
PURE Insurance Championship male and female Pro-Junior winners with Pro winner; R to L: Bryson Hughes, Steve Flesch and Megan Meng
Three teens in the field made holes-in-one at Pebble Beach during their tournament practice rounds – Cooper Groshart from San Louis Obispo, Calif. on #7 (video), Theresa Shaw from Auburn, Calif. on #17 (video) and Sophia Bardunias from San Ramon, Calif. on #5 (video).
“We are proud of all the teens who played with confidence and composure this week at the PURE Insurance Championship,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “These young people exemplify the character and values we instill through the First Tee programs every day. A special congratulations to Bryson and Megan for winning the Pro-Junior titles. Thank you to our partners – PURE Insurance, PGA TOUR Champions, Chevron, Monterey Peninsula Foundation and Golf Channel – for making this a special week for 78 First Tee participants.”
Hughes is a 15-year-old sophomore at Creekside High School in St. Johns Country, Fla. where he holds a 3.8 GPA. He has been involved with First Tee – North Florida for nine years and playing in this tournament has been a goal since he first watched it on TV as a six-year-old. Hughes holds a +2.3 handicap and is the No. 1 player on the golf team at Creekside High School.
“Thanks to PURE Insurance and First Tee for an amazing experience,” said Hughes. “Pebble Beach is golf heaven and it feels great to get a win at such a cool course. I’ve tried to make the most of this week by focusing on what I could learn from Alex and all the pros in the field. My biggest takeaway is how well they handle themselves during high-pressure situations.”
Meng is a 16-year-old junior at Hopewell Valley Central High School in Pennington, NJ where she holds a 4.5 GPA. She’s been involved with First Tee – Greater Trenton for nine years and has progressed from participant to volunteer junior coach mentoring the younger participants in the program. Meng holds a +2.3 handicap and aspires to play collegiate golf. She was named 2022 NJ.com Golfer of the Year.
“I’ve worked really hard to get to this moment,” said Meng. “But the biggest thing I’ve learned this week is that golf is meant to be fun. I’ve had a really great time and I’ve made memories I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. I’d like to thank my pro Charlie, PURE Insurance and First Tee for this opportunity.
During the week, First Tee partners PURE Insurance and Chevron both hosted events to celebrate their commitment to First Tee’s mission and raise additional funds to support the First Tee College Scholarship Program. Leaders from PURE Insurance extended a surprise invitation to the scholarship program to 17-year-old Isabelle Junio, a high school senior from First Tee – Phoenix. The program pairs Scholars with a mentor and provides professional development workshops and financial assistance throughout the college experience.
First Tee is a youth development organization that teaches life skills and helps kids and teens build their strength of character through golf. The PURE Insurance Championship is one of several national opportunities provided by First Tee Headquarters to encourage and motivate participants as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities.
First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. In 2022, First Tee celebrates its 25th anniversary and reaching millions of youth through its network of 150 chapters, 10,000 schools and 1,700 youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. President George W. Bush serves as Honorary Chair.
About Monterey Peninsula Foundation
Monterey Peninsula Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization which donates funds from the proceeds of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am on the PGA TOUR and the PURE Insurance Championship Impacting the First Tee, a PGA TOUR Champions tournament. The Foundation focuses on improving the quality of life in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito counties.
Privilege Underwriters Reciprocal Exchange (PURE) Insurance is a property and casualty insurance company designed exclusively for successful, responsible families. We opened for business more than 15 years ago with the goal of offering something different in the insurance space: a company focused on doing what’s right for our membership (policyholders), one that promotes transparency and alignment of interests, and delivers greater value.
Today, after growing at least 15% in each year since we began, we are the most awarded insurer in our category, offer coverage in all 50 states that includes high value homeowners, automobile, collections, watercraft, personal excess liability, fraud & cyber and flood to a membership of more than 100,000 individuals and families.
Pureinsurance.com | 888.813.7873
About PGA TOUR Champions
PGA TOUR Champions is a membership organization of professional golfers age 50 and older, including 34 members of the World Golf Hall of Fame. The Tour’s mission is to provide financial opportunities for its players, entertain and inspire its fans, deliver substantial value to its partners, create outlets for volunteers to give back and generate significant charitable and economic impact in tournament communities. Follow PGA TOUR Champions online at PGATOUR.com, at facebook.com/PGATOURChampions, on Twitter @ChampionsTour and on Instagram @pgatourchampions.
All events are televised in the United States, with most receiving complete coverage on Golf Channel, the exclusive cable-television partner of PGA TOUR Champions. Tournament programming is available via 25+ TV linear partners in 145+ countries and territories, with 25 channels carrying long-form and/or highlights coverage, and 200+ hours of live coverage distributed in 135+ countries and territories. Programming is also available via the OTT platform GOLFTV powered by PGA TOUR in every market outside of the United States, excluding China and Korea, with live coverage distributed in 130+ countries and territories.
With a perfect 4.0 GPA and student government experience under his belt, BJ Little wants to change the world. He aims to become a criminal defense attorney, U.S. Senator and eventually, President of the United States.
But first, BJ is focused on serving his community. Starting with his high school.
When BJ entered his freshman year at Cristo Rey Atlanta Jesuit High School there was no golf team. BJ wasn’t going to sit idly by, he was determined to form a team.
“In my freshman year, the very first thing I did was ask for the school to start a golf team,” says BJ. “The school went through all of the necessary preparations for the golf team to start, but then Covid happened.”
For BJ, and most of the country, school was now virtual for the next year and half, halting all chances for the team.
But BJ says the pandemic did not discourage him from achieving his goal.
“Going into my junior year I went in with the same mindset I had freshman year. I asked the school for a golf team, and they delivered.”
BJ helped by recruiting players and finding a practice facility. Leveraging his go-to team, a concept taught and encouraged at First Tee, he smartly enlisted help from his coach and director of golf operations at First Tee – Metro Atlanta Jeff Dunovant. They worked out a plan that the school could use the chapter’s facilities while BJ secured players for the team.
In 2021, the team officially launched. But there was still much work to do.
“BJ was the only player on the team who was not a beginner, so the practices would consist of BJ and I teaching the new players,” says Dunovant.
And for BJ, that’s what it’s what this is all about.
“In all honesty I just want people to have fun. The State and District titles will come with time. But ensuring students are happy and want to learn about golf is the most important thing to me. I hope that when I graduate Cristo Rey, students will still be playing golf. I want that to be a piece of my legacy to the school.”
BJ is one of 78 First Tee participants teeing off this Friday at the PURE Insurance Championship. The tournament pairs First Tee teens with PGA TOUR Champions players providing life-changing mentoring opportunities for the teens. This experience opens the participants’ eyes to the possibilities in golf and beyond as they are contemplating their future education and careers.
Isabella Lohr was in for a big surprise earlier this year.
She met PGA TOUR player and First Tee alum Austin Smotherman during the AT&T Byron Nelson in May, where he told the 17-year-old from First Tee – Dallas that she was selected to play in the 2022 PURE Insurance Championship.
Isabella is one of 78 First Tee participants who will tee off at Pebble Beach during the tournament, which will take place Sept. 23-25, 2022 and airs on Golf Channel.
“It’s the greatest honor anyone could receive, playing at Pebble Beach,” she said.
The welcome news came after a tough time for Isabella. She lost her childhood friend Dylan Dorrell on August 13, 2020, at the age of 17. He collapsed at a cross country practice and died at the hospital from an undetected heart condition. She says it’s the hardest experience she’s had to overcome.
“Grief was an obstacle I was not ready to face in life. It was a tremendous loss for me personally as every fond memory I had as a child included him.”
Shortly after Dylan’s passing, his parents created a foundation, #runforDylan in his memory.
“We were all still grieving but watching his parents turn their grief into a positive helped me gain a different perspective on life’s purpose.”
Isabella decided she too would honor his memory. In addition to nine years with First Tee, Isabella has been involved with Girl Scouts for more than a decade and decided to focus her Gold Award Project on raising funds for the #runforDylan Foundation.
Her project focused on organizing an annual 5K fun run to build awareness and gain funds for the foundation. More than 800 people participated in the inaugural event on the morning of November 6, 2021, raising close to $25,000. The proceeds will help fund AEDs at local parks in the community.
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First Tee is celebrating its 25th anniversary of teaching life skills through the game of golf. Follow the PURE Insurance Championship at PGATOUR.com.
Have you ever thought about your achievements in life? What were the dreams and ambitions that you wanted to work towards? How did you get there? At First Tee, these are the type of questions we propose to kids and teens to help them understand the process of attaining goals; but to reach their goal, they must first understand how goals are formulated.
A goal is something that you want to do, be or have, but it’s not something that you can do, be or have right at this moment. It’s something you must work to get in the future, and you can apply that to any challenge in life. For example, if your child wants to achieve Honor Roll and receive all As and Bs in school this year, what would that require them to do? They would need to do well on tests and assignments. How would they accomplish that? Encourage them to take good notes, turn in their work on time, and study for their tests.
For kids, having guidelines or tools can effectively help them identify their goals and make them feel comfortable about reaching them. At First Tee, we utilize four guidelines to do this. Talk to your child about the dreams they currently have and try these out for yourself.
Four Guidelines for Setting a Reachable Goal:
The goal is Positive:
I want to achieve a passing score of 80% or higher vs. I don’t want to fail this test
The goal is Important to You:
The goal needs to be important to you, not to someone else. You should be able to explain why you want to achieve it and why it will make a difference for you.
The goal is Specific:
You want to know exactly what you’re working toward.
The goal is Under your Control:
Your efforts will allow you to achieve this goal vs. Something that is out of your control like becoming famous or winning the lottery.
Goal setting is a strategy kids and teens will apply for the rest of their life. When we set our goals, we want to be very clear about them so that we have the best chance to achieve them. The key to remember is that goals come in all shapes and sizes. Just because it doesn’t work for someone else doesn’t mean that you can’t achieve it. Your kids will learn from both their achievements and setbacks, but as they begin to set personal goals, they will learn and grow in ways that you did not think possible.
Want to get involved with what we are building at First Tee? Click here to find out more.
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.
What happens when you provide free programs? The results are game-changing.
With support from Southern Hills Country Club, host of this week’s PGA Championship, First Tee – Tulsa provides free character-building programs to everyone who walks through their door. JP Ray is one of many participants impacted by the program.
